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This show is up there when it comes to writing, characters and acting. Just heartbreaking. Should be at least a 7 rating. Gives you so many different viewpoints. It's multi-dimensional. Hong Kong is a great backdrop too. And the whole premise is really thought provoking. What happens to the people who play a part in tragedies? We always think about victims but what about those who have to live with what they've done? That's what this show explores and it does it really well. Nicole Kidman is perfect in the lead role and I really like the Mercy and Hilary characters , thought they were so interesting.

Really worth watching.

Episode 5 is almost feature-length, with a runtime of 100 minutes. It's beautifully shot and rather cinematic, primarily focusing on supporting characters from the previous four episodes. It's so powerful that it reflects both societal issues and interpersonal relationships among those characters. With maybe 40 more minutes added to it, this could be a great feature film rather than a series. Lulu Wang definitely excels at making features, not so much for TV series as of now. The stories of these supporting characters from previous episodes are so much more interesting than the main story right now. Both excited and worried about the finale.

Expats is an interesting mix of The Leftovers (for its meditations on grief/loss) and Big Little Lies (for its "rich miserable people" themes). While the series does from time to time fulfill those lofty ambitions, it doesn't do so frequently enough to truly be considered great.

For a very basic overview, Expats follow the exploits of three women living in Hong Kong but originally from the United States (hence the title). Margaret (Nicole Kidman) is undergoing a severe family tragedy regarding a missing child. Hilary (Sarayu Blue) seemingly has it all--career, style, beauty--but struggles with any sort of home/family life outside of her job, especially as it pertains to David (Jack Huston). Mercy (Ji-young Yoo) is a young woman torn between her teenaged Hong Kong adventures and more serious dalliances with older men and the local protest scene (of which she wants to be a part of). As the series progresses through its six episodes, these three characters converge in often-unexpected ways.

There are times when Expats hits the very heights of prestige TV drama. Certain scenes and character interactions will have you absolutely rapt and thinking deeply about your own life through the compelling arcs. I was especially drawn to the Hilary character, but each angle has its heights to be sure. Series creator Lulu Wang also takes risks--like a feature-length (1:40.00) episode almost exclusively devoted to Hong Kong's domestic help industry. It certainly isn't a show afraid of "big swings".

Now, do those prodigious hacks always produce solid contact? Not necessarily. The first episode can be a little overwhelming until the groundwork is laid, and it crams a lot of serious topics into its scant six-episode run. All the character resolutions may not be everyone's cup of tea, either. Somewhat oddly, this is a series that--at least for me--was a little less than the sum of its parts. In other words, my individual episode rankings slightly outpaced what I ultimately thought of the season as a whole.

That is truly the best way I can describe my experience watching Expats. Each episode had enough highly emotional or deeply thought-provoking moments to never be boring or outright poor, but in the grand scheme of things I didn't feel like it added up to much. A solid watch for those who enjoy deeper fare--but perhaps not one that will rocket to the top of best-of lists.

I really enjoyed this. Saw it advertised and put it on my watch list. Just the combination of ex pats and starring Nicole Kidman was enough to peak my interest.

This isn't a normal film, it's a bit special and because it's a bit special, not everyone is going to get it or appreciate the effort. The first episode was extremely slow but once you get used to the pace you can enjoy the cinematography, which not only highlighting Hong Kong but the intensity of shots and angles, many of which are subtle, clever and thought-provoking.

The cast were all brilliant. I really enjoyed the historical accuracy of the protests and also the lives of maids - this could be a spin-off drama! I loved the different cultures and languages.

The drama itself is about relationships, family trauma, tragedy, despair, love, redemption and hope. Without adding any spoilers the main storyline is very sad but beautifully made.

My only criticism, the scenes of a sexual nature and nudity really were unnecessary, I don't believe they added anything extra to the drama.

This series keeps you watching because its setting is just so gorgeous. The story is not bad either. And okay I get some of the hate on Nicole Kidmans deformed underface together with her very unlikable character but at the same time I really love that elder women are now being cast for younger roles. Finally. It's great. All in all if you've been to Hong Kong you will love just being in the absolutely beautiful scenes. Makes me want to continue the Hong Kong trip by putting on a Wong Kar Wai film after.

Watch it for its beauty. The story is also not bad at all. I think it's definitely an enjoyable watch.

Well written, well developed, interesting.

I was shocked to see the show having below 6, then I read reviews, and I am very surprised that people are complaining about this show, but it's also a good reflection of where are we now as a global society, and what do we focus on. Well done for beautiful reverse art moment.

When you surpass the egoistic-flat characters (which is also a point I think) you start noticing people from the background as well, and how perspective can be shifted and how nothing is at it seems. Yet it takes time and every person has much more to her/him than just the facade. Even the flat characters are not ... that flat, they are just in a different reality.

The intertwined destiny of EACH character is interesting and I cannot wait for more. Also, I'm so glad that it's running weekly, like before - when you had to wait for the show. But at the same time you had some time to think about it before it comes, talk with your friends, stop and think, not just bluntly continue to the next episode to wait for something to... happen. Something should happen inside of you.

I'm especially positively surprised with the last one (S1E05) - being an expat living in Dubai for such a long time, and working and observing Filipino workers closely, I could feel the Filipino story being told so ... gently... truthfully... and honestly... From the gossip moment to the moment when they are treated just like people from the background yet... They always, always have each other's back.

A lot of time, people forget that each human and each person has their own story to be told, and all happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Beautiful show! Beautiful.

From the opening prologue, you feel it's Magnolia, while not being subtle about it. Not that it matters, as it seems to be inspiration, but sometimes a little heavy handed.

I lived in HK for 12 years (and returning this September of 2024 after seeing up close and personal how big of a hot mess California is). There are a LOT of cliches in this series - mostly if you are familiar with them. The biggest cliche is the snobby Expat neighbors living at a high rise at the Peak, talking in insufferable, leisurely circles about how good they have it. This is spot on.

If you liked Babal, Magnolia, and Amores Perros, this will work well. Even has a dash of Irreversible with the chronology.

Oh, and the cinematography is excellent. Washed out, monochromatic color palettes with lens flares and plenty of soft focus. Excellent work which highlights certain emotions. Also works well in the somewhat claustrophobic spaces that makes up the majority of the environs in HK.

It's also hard not to notice how much of an old lady voice Nicole Kidman has - esp when she loses her faculties.

A vacuous empty story about empty vacuous people in an empty vacuous city. One paced stilted direction drags the piece along at a snails pace with barely discernable dialogue which is incomprehensible even when you can hear it. The plot, such as it is, goes nowhere and at two episodes in I was utterly bored. None of the characters are remotely likeable and the acting is pedestrian at best; Kidman gives another of her now oh so familiar dead eyed facially paralysed performances that make you yearn for the actress that promised and delivered so much. Watching this reminded me of that wave of 70's avant garde theatre productions where all of the first act was spent staring out of a window or waiting for a letter to arrive. This is pompous pointless 'art' masquerading as film, don't bother, I've already wasted two hours.

There are a lot of reviews form people who quit after a couple of episodes. This is a slow burner but boy does it give back if you invest your time. It's been a very long time since I have watched a tv series that is both educational and moving. It's abundant with personal stories that make you feel compassion and empathy for all the characters involved. The pace Is so beautiful and gentle and I couldn"t help but sit back and be moved by the many different perspectives and experiences from all of the characters.

If you are used to watching 30 second videos on TikTok you will hate it, but if you appreciate a beautiful well crafted story you will love it just like me.

What is this modern addiction to telling stories out of sequence?! I definitely think people should watch Episode 2 before Episode 1. It has much more punch and sets the scene for what comes next. You get to meet the main characters and the gist of the story rather than trying to work out what's going on if you just watch Episode 1 first, which is wishy washy and almost had me switching off before I watched episode 2!

Also, I do tend to agree with the other reviews about Nicole Kidman being too old to play a mum with 3 young children, although they could easily have done her hair, makeup and clothes to make her appear younger.

I've spent quite a bit of time in Hong Kong over the years and was really looking forward to this. It was extraordinarily disappointing. The characters are uninteresting and hard to like. The pace is positively glacial.

I've never been a Nicole Kidman fan but in this she runs through the full gamut of emotions from A to B. She acts like she has just woken up and remembers she's appearing in a TV show.

I have family members who lived in Hong Kong as ex pats. I'm pretty sure life was never that dull. It could have been really good. There have been some wonderful shows set in Hong Kong.

I believe the book was popular. This was incredibly disappointing and dull.

If that's your thing, it's well acted and visually stunning. But who knew that the secret lives of the rich and famous could be so boring and pedestrian? Great acting and stunning visuals can't save this from being what it is. A very expensive soap opera. A good amount of diversity, if that's all you care about. Plenty of children, who can't act, they just project. Pretty place, pretty things. A big pile of words that will likely put you to sleep. What's the point of having all that money and all you do is go to boring parties and talk talk talk about your uninteresting and vacuous lives? Looking pretty? The apparel here is meh, as well. But that's the least of their problems. I think the Gus car might be the only interesting character.

I really loved the trailer for this - amazing composition of music and montages. I think they gave away a bit too much of the story though. You already know what is going to happen before you start watching. There is a church scene immediately followed by a raunchy sex scene. The character of Mercy isn't really fleshed out (yet) and the dancing scene in the food joint feels contrived. Whenever Kidman does grief / laughter (in the same scene) she resorts to the same mannerisms. There is one line that she plays almost identical to Rabbit Hole. Still, she looks lovely and looking forward to episode 2.

"Expats" lures you in just with its title alone. After all, who wouldn't want to have a taste of expat life being that it exudes an aura of prestige? High rises, parties, housekeepers, nannies, and drivers. What a life, yes. It would have been interesting if this series further explored this aspect of it, instead of injecting a tragedy that muddles the whole purpose and concept of this series. It just becomes another family drama, a mediocre one at that, as the episodes meander with no central direction. Frankly I would not have started or even continued this series if Nicole Kidman is not attached to it. Disappointingly though, her acting appears to have diminished due to the odd ways her face contorts these days due to Botox or plastic surgery. The supporting characters are not quite fully developed, trying to have depth but ultimately come across as one-dimensional. Nevertheless, I give this series a 6 as it is beautifully shot, and I appreciate the episode that focuses on the helpers, even though it becomes indulgent with the comparatively long running time.

Any time I look through reviews for dramas/thrillers and the majority claim that it's "slow"...after years of research (watching movies/shows), I now know that it's, in fact, not slow at all. That the viewers must be TikTok generation, 3 minute attention span, simpletons. The only reason I can think that so many believe it's slow is that..it builds? Like, I'm not sure where you guys want it to speed up? The plot progresses and provides background stories (when necessary) at an appropriate pace. It's a good show. Just watch it and stop reading into the reviews.

Here are the extra characters I need to submit this review. Enjoy!

I hate writing these reviews because IMDb makes you write a novel now just to express your feelings for a film. Anyways, I couldn't be more bored with this series. Why is it Nicole Kidman always stars in purposefully confusing tv and film? Long pauses and gestures and strange facial expressions and NO ONE KNOWS WHY! She must think her very presence carries the film. It does not! For a first episode, it is so dull. I'm not going to watch the second.

The extra characters in the film are boring and one dimensional characters. The children running around are more interesting. Oh well. I've wasted my time before. Nicole Kidman is not very fun to watch anymore.

It's not horrible but it's NOT 6 stars.

I might (read: probably am) naive, but can we collectively at least try to evolve beyond the relentless criticism of female bodies and faces? It's exhausting. Not that it matters, but I think she's actually done less to herself the last couple of years. Even if I'm wrong, a) who gives a kit, and b, c, d & e) she's still really, really good at what she does, including what she does here. For the 9/10 of you that say you "can't get past her face/ lips/ whatever", honestly, just can it already. And while I'm at it, I don't care how old you think she looks compared to her husband either. I'd hazard to guess that none of you are handwringing over the May-December relationships that exist in the 99,530 other films when it's a man who's senior, so check your sexism already.

Is the pacing sitcom-speed pacing? No. Is it even "Succession"-speed pacing? Again, no. It's a slow burn, so know that going in, but it's also a compelling storyline, as "worst nightmare" scenarios often are. I'm into it.

If you watch the opening scene in episode 1 where we hear Mercy narrating tragic events in tiles, then jump to episode 2, the plot emerges more clearly. Scenes make more sense with context around the characters. I am sticking around for the isolated, individual human experiences being revealed (Mercy swimming; Hilary in a bathroom). Character interactions with one other still seem stilted and unnatural - but maybe that's the point. Kidman isn't a deal breaker for me, but when I think about Big Little Lies, and another's reviewer suggestion, Zoë Kravitz as Margaret would have made this series both cooler and hotter.

Imdb scores are no longer relevant in 2024. Loved it. And l agree, Tiktok generation will snooze because they have no appreciation for good tv anymore. So do yourself a favour and watch it all, slow down, unwind, and immerse yourself. The cinematography is fantastic, and storytelling is deep and emotional. I find myself thinking about the characters days after l have finished the whole piece. It annoys me that you have garbage like mr & ms smith scoring 7, but that just shows you what kind of audience tv makers are against these days. Create something more challenging and zombie nations will come to eat you.

When I started to watch the first episode I didn't know what to expect. It has a great storyline and some strong acting. From the beginning you have to sit, watch and see how the story is unfolding. At first I did not connect with the storyline. There is a lot going on. It's an emotional roller coaster with some intertwining storylines but after rewatching the episode I saw, and understand, where we are going.

The visuals are stunning but who did cast Nicole Kidman? I love her, but since she dit some plastic surgery with her upper lip, I can't watch her without being constantly drawn to her upper lip. It is distracting but her overacting is also very distracting and it doesn't the show any good.

It could have been such a good show, read an eight...

Update to my original review. We watched episode 4 and both agreed, "we out". It has gotten that bad. Kidman's character borders on insanity. The other actors all overplay the roles to the point of being a soap opera. The book may be intriguing, but the director seems intent on treating this like a film studies project, trying to prove how talented they are and instead missing the mark.

A provocative show, with multiple lives intertwined. But so hard to get past Kidman trying to play a wife ten years younger than she really is. The extensive plastic surgery is obvious and she over acts trying to be the mother of two elementary school age children. This is a distraction, and it becomes more apparent when she has her "moments" with close ups. Will keep watching, because the script is tight, but some of the acting is over the top. Another reviewer compared it to a soap opera. Not quite that bad, but it pushes the limit. Some good local scenery, and expect the plot lines to intersect and make it more enjoyable and understandable.

One of those where you wish zero stars was possible. My main beef is the appalling lack of cohesion. It's an absolute car crash of half baked ideas, dialogue styles, filming techniques, and particularly poor sound editing, not to mention to dreadful casting. I withhold comment on Nicole. Broadly, if this is the best Amazon can do, the book on which this is based must be horrendous. Ragbag storyline notwithstanding, literally everything is poorly executed. I'm not sure if it's a good or a bad thing that Amazon is dishing out the dollars to such amateurish directors and producers. If you know Hong Kong culture at all, this is like low rent TVB drama with more money than sense... a bit like the obnoxious expats it so poorly attempts to portray.

Quite good - very interesting and believable.

Having been a expat and lived in Asia it is very real and a lot of the themes are very relatable.

The storyline is quite good and hooks you in and makes you want to binge watch. We knocked it off in a few nights as wanted to see what happened next.

Ending was a bit disappointing and a let down however, as expected more. You keep waiting for the main storyline to get some outcome or closure but it never seems to get there.

Good cast with good acting - although Nicole Kidman has had so much plastic surgery she is starting to look like Michael Jackson.