Somebody's Dead

I've just watched Ep. 1 for the third time since it came out, and my thoughts are the same--the acting is strong, the story sequence is pretty good, and what stands out most is the effectiveness of the subtle tells that occur in every scene and how they link together to tell many complex stories at once. The makers reveal a ton about the ~20 key characters and their complex relationships with each other not through dialogue, but through action, making the story feel incredibly realistic in its complexity while also entertaining and suspenseful for the typical viewer. The song and camera lens angle choices complement the subtlety but with a slight suggestion of danger to come.

Nicole Kidman is gorgeous. Reese witherspoon plays her character flawlessly. She draws you into her world. She is so popular in this town that you really get fascinated by her. Shailene Woodley looks very pretty and acts really well. The screenplay and direction is fantastic. Your eyes are glued to the screen and you fall in love with the well sketched and well enacted characters. Simply fantastic.

I love the fact that moms are the main characters!

It's promising!

The first episode of Big Little Lies, titled "Somebody's Dead," sets a suspenseful tone that lingers throughout the series, establishing a mystery as it opens with a murder at an elementary school fundraiser. Instead of revealing the victim or perpetrator, the story flashes back to a series of events that precede the incident, introducing us to the seemingly idyllic community of Monterey, California. Here, we meet Madeline Martha Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon), Celeste Wright (Nicole Kidman), and newcomer Jane Chapman (Shailene Woodley), three mothers whose lives intersect through their children. With gossip and whispers about their personal lives circulating in a series of police interviews, viewers are drawn into the complex world of parental politics, jealousy, and hidden secrets that underlie this picturesque town.

One of the episode's strengths lies in its character introductions, particularly how it sets up each woman's unique struggles and personalities. Madeline is portrayed as a fiercely protective mother with a strong personality and a complicated relationship with her ex-husband. Witherspoon's performance captures Madeline's humor and underlying vulnerability, offering moments of levity amid the tension. Kidman's Celeste, on the other hand, exudes elegance and composure, yet there are hints of a troubled marriage with her husband Perry (Alexander Skarsgård), subtly presented through tense, quiet moments that foreshadow later revelations. Jane's character is more reserved, as Woodley effectively conveys a young mother carrying a mysterious trauma. Together, these actresses create a dynamic chemistry, building the foundation of the story's emotional intensity.

The direction by Jean-Marc Vallée enhances the storytelling with his distinct visual style, combining intimate close-ups and sweeping shots of Monterey's coastline to juxtapose the characters' inner turmoil against their stunning surroundings. The cinematography is rich in symbolism, contrasting the seemingly perfect exteriors of the town with the dark, complex lives of its residents. The editing, which includes brief, almost subconscious flashbacks and snippets of the murder night, contributes to the episode's sense of foreboding. By weaving these fragmented glimpses into scenes of everyday life, Vallée skillfully keeps the viewer engaged in the unfolding mystery without overwhelming them with information.

The script by David E. Kelley is another highlight, as it strikes a balance between the darker elements of suspense and the lighter, more humorous moments that characterize the personalities of each protagonist. Kelley's writing digs beneath the surface of these characters, exploring themes of female friendship, rivalry, and societal expectations with a nuanced approach. Dialogue feels genuine and often piercing, exposing underlying conflicts among the characters. Moments like Madeline's candid, witty remarks about motherhood reveal a rawness that resonates deeply with audiences. This honesty in writing gives depth to the characters, making their struggles feel authentic and relatable, even as the series unfolds in a world of upper-class privilege.

Despite the episode's strong points, the pacing occasionally feels uneven, as the focus shifts between the various subplots and character backstories. While this serves to set up the ensemble cast, it can feel a bit crowded, leaving some characters less developed in this initial episode. However, this is likely intentional, as the narrative relies on a gradual build-up to reveal the complexities of each character. The suspense is cleverly maintained through the ongoing mystery, with snippets of police interrogations providing outside perspectives on the central characters, reinforcing the notion that no one in this community is entirely innocent.

In conclusion, "Somebody's Dead" is an engaging and well-crafted introduction to Big Little Lies, effectively setting the stage for the drama and mystery that will unfold over the season. The standout performances by Witherspoon, Kidman, and Woodley, combined with Vallée's atmospheric direction, create a captivating blend of suspense, humor, and emotional depth. The episode's exploration of jealousy, identity, and the hidden darkness in seemingly perfect lives makes it a compelling start, drawing viewers into a world that is as beautiful as it is fractured. The layers of mystery and tension promise a thrilling journey, and while the pacing may be slow for some, it serves to deepen the investment in these characters' stories.

From the moment "Big Little Lies" starts- you are hooked- waves crashing, moms driving while an another scene has flashbacks of a gruesome murder. I was hooked from the very first scene- the slow build up which slowly leads to a tensed moment and that too involving moms of 1st graders was something really appreciating. The characters were introduced cleverly which leaves you wanting to know more about them and thus maintaining suspense. This is going to be a great series.

The cast is awesome- Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Alexander Skarsgår who give in extremely tensed performances with so much realism.Hats off to these guys.

A very good pilot to a seemingly good series.Hoping for the best.