It’s a story of three mothers’ lives, the lengths they go to, to keep their lies under wraps, leading up to the point of murder that shakes up the classy town.
Premise: Big Little Lies is based on Australian writer Liane Moriarty’s best-selling novel. The novel is set in an Australian suburb. But HBO’s glammed up version takes place in Monterey, a city on California’s central coast, where all these rich, society people live and turn the littlest issues among their first-grade kids into prestige matters for adults. It’s a story of three mothers’ lives, the lengths they go to, to keep their lies under wraps, leading up to the point of murder that shakes up the classy town.
Performances: Reese Witherspoon as Madeline MacKenzie is an irresistible force at the steering wheel of this dramedy. (Many a time, literally at the wheel, because they all drive their kids to school and that is where all the drama takes place!) Director Jean-Marc Vallée has made sure that his Wild star has all the space she needs to peel the secrets of Madeline layer-by-layer, explaining one lie after the other.
Nicole Kidman’s Celeste Wright is another revelation. The Oscar-winning actress’ character is in an abusive relationship. Watching her come to terms with it and plan her next step is the other thing that will keep you hooked to the series.
Apart from Witherspoon and Kidman, the cast is filled with A-listers like Laura Dern, Adam Scott, James Tupper, Jeffrey Nordling, Alexander Skarsgard, Zoe Kravitz, and the child actors like Darby Camp (who is phenomenal as Chloe Mackenzie).
But the weakest link of them all is Shailene Woodley as Jane Chapman. The Divergent actress looks awkward on screen. I found myself muttering at the screen, hoping she’d show any emotion at all.
The other thing viewers may find irritating is the shots of the Pacific Ocean from different angles. Director Vallée seems to be in love with the waves but they are not driving the point home. Whatever that point may be. Feeling sea-sick while you are sitting on your couch is a possibility, too.
The way screenwriter David E Kelley tells the story from the locals’ points-of-views is refreshing. On one hand, we get to see the version of the events that led to the murder from our leading ladies’ point of view and on the other hand the answers given by the locals in the interrogation room provide the subtext to those events. Combine them together, the whodunnit presents you a gripping tale.
Why watch: For Reese Witherspoon. Witherspoon’s perfect Madeline is not-so-perfect. She annoys you with her nosy housewife role. But you start feeling sympathy for her little insecurities, her struggle with her past relationship, her attempts at being the perfect mother and the guilt that she is not the perfect wife.
For Nicole Kidman. The way the story arc of Kidman’s character is handled is something new one usually does not expect to see in a TV series that looks more candy floss than an abuse survivor story.
For the music. The opening credits roll to Michael Kiwanuka’s 'Cold Little Heart.' The first episode features music from contemporary artists like Frank Ocean and by the time you reach the penultimate episode, get treated to Elvis Presley classics.
Why avoid: If you think the problems of the rich aren’t problems at all.
What to do: Big Little Lies is a captivating whodunnit in which you get to see brand new fashion trends, superbly decorated houses, a fabulous display of wealth tied with the run-of-the-mill emotions of jealousy, envy, guilt, and remorse. Go for it.
Big Little Lies airs on Star World Premiere HD on Tuesdays at 10 PM
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