Summary
A show in which you can’t help but root for the lead character. Emotional with well-written episodes and a fanatic performance by all of the cast and crew involved.
This review of the Netflix limited series Maid does not contain any spoilers.
Netflix’s Maid tells the story of Alex (Margaret Qualley), who, after leaving her emotionally abusive husband, must turn to housekeeping — in other words, cleaning some disgraceful houses — in an attempt to make ends meet. During her attempts, she faces a battle against hardship, relationship difficulties, homelessness, and poverty.
The limited series is itself inspired by the memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. The best-selling book told the story of battles against poverty, homelessness, and bureaucracy from Alex’s point of view, which gets very much adapted in a similar fashion for the series.
The actress of Maid, Margaret Qualley, does a superb job of portraying Alex. Her heartbreaking but inspiring performance really makes you root for Alex through the 10 episodes. Margaret Qualley seems to be on the rise, and rightfully so after her fantastic performances in Novitiate, Fosse/Verdon, and as Jill Garvey in The Leftovers. (Which, it has to be said, is one of the best shows made in recent years). The other members of the cast are great to watch. None more so than Margaret Qualley’s real-life mother, Andie Macdowell, who adds a lot of tragedy and comic relief to the show.
What Maid is best at is the way it conveys the theme of poverty throughout. It’s clear when watching that the lack of opportunities that Alex has would be drastically changed had she come from a wealthy background. Adding to the quality of the show, it also features a killer soundtrack. Some tracks include “Up From A Dream” by Haim, “Seventeen” by Sharon Van Etten, “Something Like Summer” by Caveboy, and “Always Forever” by Aquilo. Check them out on Spotify!
In total, Maid is a great watch. If a kind and likable lead character are what you’re chasing in a show, then Maid will be the perfect watch!
What did you think of Netflix limited series Maid? Comment below.
