A look at the personal and professional lives of a tight-knit group of expatriates living in Hong Kong.A look at the personal and professional lives of a tight-knit group of expatriates living in Hong Kong.A look at the personal and professional lives of a tight-knit group of expatriates living in Hong Kong.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 16 nominations total
Browse episodes
Summary
Reviewers say 'Expats' delves into expatriate life, cultural adaptation, and personal struggles through three women in Hong Kong. Nicole Kidman's performance garners mixed reactions; some praise her, while others critique her expressions and appearance. The show's pacing divides opinions, with some appreciating its thoughtful approach and others finding it slow. Cinematography and setting are praised, but the series is criticized for underdeveloped characters and missed narrative opportunities. Episode 5 receives particularly mixed reviews.
Featured reviews
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.
Watch it for its beauty. The story is also not bad at all. I think it's definitely an enjoyable watch.
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.
Really worth watching.
What's disconcerting about the lower ratings from other reviewers is that most viewers probably don't speak Cantonese, Tagalog, or the several other languages that were featured in this series, which is why people find the series confusing to follow. In my opinion, the show was written for a very specific demographic. You need to know the HK culture to truly understand the series, the importance of foreign help, the wealth disparity between the rich and the poor, and the entire premise of why Margaret couldn't let go of Gus. It's a great series worth watching, but it also requires some learning beforehand if you aren't familiar with the HK culture.
The idea storyline revolves around domestic helpers (something that is highly common in HK's upper and upper middle class). Domestic helpers tend to bond closer to the children they care for (they are essentially au pairs but they also do the cooking and cleaning as well). And the fact that Margaret became jealous of Essie's relationship with the kids was what set everything in motion (including Gus' disappearance).
The series is multi-layered, complex, and is beautifully filmed. My favourite part is probably all of the background characters that have been introduced, and what each storyline symbolizes. I think my only qualm is the lack of closure for each of the characters, but what's beautiful about that is the idea that their stories aren't done yet.
So yes. Before watching this series, I think people need to be open to new concepts, new cultures, and new languages. If you don't, you definitely won't enjoy it as much as I did.
The idea storyline revolves around domestic helpers (something that is highly common in HK's upper and upper middle class). Domestic helpers tend to bond closer to the children they care for (they are essentially au pairs but they also do the cooking and cleaning as well). And the fact that Margaret became jealous of Essie's relationship with the kids was what set everything in motion (including Gus' disappearance).
The series is multi-layered, complex, and is beautifully filmed. My favourite part is probably all of the background characters that have been introduced, and what each storyline symbolizes. I think my only qualm is the lack of closure for each of the characters, but what's beautiful about that is the idea that their stories aren't done yet.
So yes. Before watching this series, I think people need to be open to new concepts, new cultures, and new languages. If you don't, you definitely won't enjoy it as much as I did.
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.
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.
This show has a serious mood; there's no humor or excitement to get your heart racing. However, it does shed light on expat life, especially from a housewife's perspective, which hits close to home for expats like us. Reminding us of the good time there. It's heartbreaking to see everyone leaving Hong Kong now due to all the chaos. Such a fantastic city, and let's hope this show won't end up being the last historical record of its finest moments. The camera work is a letdown, though. It feels too confined and doesn't capture the true essence of modern Hong Kong's awesomeness. This episode clearly is just sets the scene for the story. If you're not into expat life or Hong Kong, it might be a bit boring. Farewell, Hong Kong.
Did you know
- TriviaWith over 7,000 buildings having more than 14 floors, Hong Kong has the highest number of skyscrapers in the world, outstripping even New York City.
- Crazy creditsIn the opening credits the word "Expat" is shown in several languages. The Russian version is mistranslated and means "Hangman".
- How many seasons does Expats have?Powered by Alexa
Details
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content