Series Recommendation: Maid (2021), Every Woman in the World Needs to See This Series
“My happiest day hasn’t happened yet but it’s about to.” — Alex
Series Recommendation-“Maid” is a limited drama series on Netflix created by Molly Smith Metzler. The show started on October 1, 2021, and it’s about a young mom who escapes an abusive relationship. She faces difficulties providing for her daughter by taking a job cleaning houses.
The main character, Alex played by Margaret Qualley, leaves her abusive boyfriend, Sean Boyd played by Nick Robinson, and goes to a shelter with her little daughter, Maddy played by Rylea Nevaeh Whittet. To make money, she gets a job cleaning houses for Value Maids. The series follows Alex’s journey as she deals with raising a young child, coping with her abusive ex-boyfriend and a troubled family, and figuring out government assistance. Meanwhile, she works as a maid and dreams of becoming a writer. The story is set near Seattle, and Alex often takes a ferry to the made-up Fisher Island.
The show is inspired by Stephanie Land’s memoir. It shows the challenges of a single mother who takes up housekeeping to barely get by in the face of poverty, homelessness, and bureaucratic hurdles.
Should You Watch it or Not?
A Netflix series tells the story of a mom who, after getting away from her abusive husband with her daughter, faces the challenges of finding work and caring for her child. It’s a tough watch at times, dealing with sensitive issues that turn the main character, Alex Russell’s life, into turmoil. Watching her struggle through each day induces anxiety as she barely has a moment to breathe.
Her situation is not just about being short on money; she also deals with a mother experiencing manic episodes. The portrayal of the mother by the actor is so compelling that her presence on screen becomes increasingly irritating. Each episode featuring the main character is an emotional roller coaster, exploring societal themes such as domestic violence, alcoholism, emotional abuse, complex legal matters, hope, dreams, marriage, parenthood, and more. Importantly, these themes are seamlessly integrated, making the main character’s situation feel realistic.
“They don’t know what it took to get here. Three hundred and thirty-eight toilets cleaned, seven types of government assistance, nine separate moves, one night on the ferry station floor and the entire third year of my daughter’s life.”– Alex
The show adeptly depicts the main character’s cluelessness and desperation through subtle details. The dwindling amount of money with each expenditure intensifies the impact of financial struggles. Legal situations are conveyed through the constant drone of “…..legal of legal legal….” from lawyers and commissioners.
Relationships and change are central themes. Despite the main character’s messed-up relationships with her husband, mother, and father, her bond with her daughter is heartwarming and compelling. The desire for her happiness is palpable. The show explores the difficulty of change, sometimes making it hard to empathize with the main character’s reactions.
While some critics found fault with the main character’s decisions, understanding unfolds by the 8th and 9th episodes. The series sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals like Alex, emphasizing the inevitability of mistakes in dire situations.
The depiction of other characters dealing with their unique problems adds depth to the narrative. The writing and acting are exceptional, creating a realistic and powerful portrayal. The series provides a new perspective on situations that may seem familiar, making it a journey worth taking. By the end of my binge-watching experience, I gained a profound understanding of the struggles depicted.
“I don’t feel love. I don’t feel loved. I just feel desperate.”– Alex
The series starkly portrays the reality of poverty and the inheritance of generational trauma. It emphasizes how unaddressed mental difficulties and bad habits affect children. In my opinion, it’s one of the best shows in a long time, beautifully written with the ability to tug at your heartstrings. The drama feels incredibly real and believable, making it an overall amazing show.
