Big Little Lies

HBO's new limited series, Big Little Lies, is simply outstanding in every way. The casting is perfect - Reese Witherspoon as Madeline, Shailene Woodley as Jane and the always fabulous Nicole Kidman as Celeste - three very different mothers residing in the ultra wealthy enclave of Monterey, California. The show also focuses on Renata (a tense, edgy performance by Laura Dern and the families of the four main characters. James Tupper, Adam Scott, James Nordling turn in great performances, but Alexander Skaarsgard really shines as Perry, Celeste's troubled, volatile husband.

Without giving away the plot, the show is part is Desperate Housewives part Knots Landing and part Secrets and Lies in that it's a drama, a soap and a mystery, all rolled into one delicious package.

Beautiful cinematography and an amazing soundtrack add to the enjoyment. I just binge-watched the first three episodes and they left me wanting more. Just watch it - it's the show you've been waiting for...

What attracted me to this TV series was the cast, however even after watching the first episode i was fascinated by its soundtrack. I feel lucky to discover some great piece of music. The acting was also impressive as one can guess. I would highly recommend it, you won't regret it :)

It was a pretty much good first episode for a series giving all information and context. The cast is awesome. - good mystery -nice title - many questions - good direction .Take on ex-husbands and second wives, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive People who liked the movie gone girl will surely like it . So give it a go....

I have HBO and NEVER watch it. I'm not a big fan of what apparently many other people like to watch. But when I saw the commercial for this I was intrigued. I never heard of the book, but highly respect many of the lead actors so I figured if they were involved it couldn't totally suck. Speaking of suck, I was completely sucked in on the first episode. I don't know why but I found this show completely and utterly mesmerizing, all the way down to the music and cinematography. Everyone involved in this from top to bottom hit it out of the park. I've never experienced this kind of life-style (ie mommy, daddy and school politics) but one of my clients who watches the show and lives in the general area said they nailed her experience when her kids were in school.

To put in perspective, I usually work when I watch TV, don't really even 'watch' it, just background noise. Not only did I stop working to watch this, I ran the last few minutes in slow motion to fully absorb what happened. I can't give a show much more praise than that! You'll understand the scene I'm talking about when you see it.

Big Little Lies, created by David E. Kelley and based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, stands out as a nuanced, emotionally charged exploration of the lives and secrets of five women living in Monterey, California. Over its two seasons, the show delves deep into the intricacies of friendship, domestic abuse, the impact of lies, and the struggles of motherhood, all woven together through a murder mystery that keeps viewers engaged from the first to the last episode. The series uses this mystery as a means to explore the psychology of its characters and the ways in which society imposes certain expectations upon women. Season one focuses on building up each woman's story, unveiling traumas and secrets that culminate in a shocking and transformative finale. Season two, though more polarized in reception, introduces complex themes of guilt, accountability, and redemption. Together, both seasons offer a compelling narrative arc that challenges perceptions of innocence, strength, and the multifaceted nature of female relationships.

One of the most striking aspects of Big Little Lies is its impeccable cast, led by Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, and Zoë Kravitz. Each actor brings a distinct vulnerability and depth to her role, which is especially notable in Kidman's portrayal of Celeste, a woman grappling with the trauma of abuse while attempting to reclaim her autonomy. The addition of Meryl Streep in season two as Mary Louise, Perry's manipulative and grieving mother, was a masterstroke. Streep's performance added a new layer of complexity, especially in scenes with Kidman, where the tension and suppressed pain are palpable. Every performance in the series is meticulously crafted to reveal both the strength and fragility of the characters, making them feel realistic and deeply human. This strong casting and character development serve as the backbone of the series, ensuring viewers remain emotionally invested in the unfolding drama.

The direction across both seasons deserves praise, as Jean-Marc Vallée (season one) and Andrea Arnold (season two) employ distinct yet complementary styles. Vallée's direction is highly stylized, often utilizing quick cuts and an almost dreamlike approach to flashbacks and memories, which help convey the underlying trauma each character faces. Arnold, known for her raw, grounded style, shifts the series to a more intimate, character-focused narrative, especially as the Monterey Five deal with the repercussions of Perry's death. While some found Arnold's approach less stylized than Vallée's, it lends authenticity to the themes of guilt and secrecy that permeate season two. The subtle visual differences between the seasons enrich the overall tone of the show, reflecting the shifts in each character's life as they navigate new emotional landscapes.

Big Little Lies also benefits from its impeccable writing, which captures the nuances of trauma, relationships, and self-identity without ever feeling exploitative. Kelley's adaptation respects Moriarty's original material while expanding upon it to create a more comprehensive look at each character's psyche. The first season carefully builds tension, slowly unraveling the layers of each woman's life while keeping the murder mystery at the forefront. In contrast, season two shifts its focus from suspense to the emotional fallout of season one's climactic events, resulting in a slower pace but a richer exploration of guilt and accountability. However, some critics argue that the writing in season two lacks the tightness and intensity of the first season, with certain plotlines, such as Bonnie's backstory and Jane's new relationship, feeling somewhat underdeveloped. Despite this, Kelley's script succeeds in portraying the emotional complexities of its characters, giving each woman room to grow, confront, and ultimately, reconcile with their pasts.

Visually, the series makes excellent use of its Monterey setting, with sweeping shots of the Pacific coastline juxtaposed against intimate scenes within the characters' homes, symbolizing both isolation and connection. The cinematography, particularly in season one, conveys a haunting beauty that underscores the hidden darkness in each character's life. This setting becomes almost a character in itself, its crashing waves and foggy landscapes echoing the turmoil within the protagonists. In season two, Arnold's direction introduces more handheld camera work and close-ups, enhancing the sense of claustrophobia and tension as the Monterey Five attempt to keep their secret. This visual consistency helps anchor the viewer in the story's world, with each stylistic choice contributing to a sense of both beauty and foreboding.

The editing throughout the series, especially in season one, is precise and evocative, often cutting to fragmented images and sounds that reflect the fractured memories and emotional states of the characters. This technique is most effective in portraying Celeste's flashbacks, offering a visceral look into the trauma she endures, which adds depth to her narrative. Season two's editing is more restrained, perhaps reflecting the more subdued, contemplative tone of the storyline. However, some viewers found the pacing in season two uneven, particularly in the episodes focused on Mary Louise's manipulations and Celeste's custody battle. Despite these minor issues, the editing remains a crucial element that enhances the series' emotional impact and thematic resonance.

One of the most compelling themes in Big Little Lies is the exploration of domestic abuse and its lasting effects, particularly through Celeste's character. The series does not shy away from the complexity of abuse, depicting Perry as both charming and terrifying, which complicates Celeste's journey to freedom. This portrayal highlights the difficulties survivors face in leaving abusive relationships and underscores the psychological manipulation that often accompanies physical abuse. Additionally, the show addresses the effects of abuse on children, as Celeste struggles to protect her sons from repeating their father's behaviors. These themes are handled with care, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and socially relevant, bringing attention to issues often overlooked in mainstream media.

Motherhood is another theme intricately woven into the narrative, examined through each character's experiences and relationships. Madeline's guilt over her perceived failures as a mother, Renata's struggle to balance career and family, and Bonnie's complicated relationship with her own mother add layers to their characters, illustrating the varied expectations and pressures placed on mothers. Mary Louise's presence in season two adds a darker perspective on motherhood, as she seeks to control and manipulate under the guise of maternal love. This exploration of motherhood in all its forms adds depth to the series, resonating with viewers and offering a realistic portrayal of the conflicts many women face.

In conclusion, Big Little Lies successfully blends suspense, drama, and social commentary to create a series that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Its strong performances, especially from Kidman, Witherspoon, and Streep, elevate the show, while the direction and cinematography bring a distinct visual flair that captures the beauty and darkness of Monterey. Though season two may not have achieved the same critical acclaim as the first, it still provides a worthwhile continuation of the characters' stories, delving into themes of guilt, redemption, and the cost of secrecy. The show's handling of difficult subjects like domestic abuse, motherhood, and trauma adds to its relevance, making it more than just a murder mystery.

While Big Little Lies faced some criticism for its pacing and certain underdeveloped subplots in season two, it remains a landmark series in terms of storytelling and female representation. The show's impact on audiences and its contribution to discussions on gender, power, and violence cannot be overstated. Ultimately, Big Little Lies stands as a masterful portrayal of the complexities of female relationships, the endurance of friendship, and the resilience required to confront one's darkest secrets.