Summary
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is a profound piece of television that deconstructs abuse in ways that highlight the adversity victims are forced to overcome.
Australian author Holly Ringland’s book The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart has been adapted into a seven-part miniseries by showrunner Sarah Lambert which Glendyn Ivin directs for Prime Video. The series stars Academy Award-nominated actress Sigourney Weaver and Alycia Debnam-Carey.
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart season 1 review and plot summary
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart follows the story of Alice Hart, who loses her parents at the age of 9 and is forced to live with her grandmother June at her flower farm where she learns about the secrets of her family’s past.
The series starts with a subtle introduction of Alice and her parents, Agnes and Clem. On the surface, they seemed to have it all together with a nice house on a farm and the big news of another baby on the way. However, we quickly realize that Clem is an abusive father that at the snap of a finger takes his frustrations out on them both.
READ: TV Shows like The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart
I knew I was in for a heavy watch from the moment this series began. Before each episode, the creators wisely provide a trigger warning that you are about to witness abuse in various forms. Not everyone will be able to watch this series, but how writer Sarah Lambert deconstructs abuse is one of the most profound things we will see on TV this year. The series doesn’t shy away from the layers of abuse that victims continually go through, making it such an essential watch for those who often want to ask, “Why don’t they just leave?”
Composer Hania Rani had the tall task of filling the in-between moments throughout each episode. You already have this profound study of abuse being presented in front of us that brings out so many emotions. So, for Rani to create this light score that brings its own emotionally charged value to the table was breathtaking. The score becomes its own character that only enriches the overall product.
Sigourney Weaver has been acting for over 45 years and has been nominated for three Academy Awards. That said, I don’t think we have seen Weaver play a role quite like June Hart. Whether or not audiences like June will be up to their interpretation of the series, and I am sure it will vary. But, there is a scene in the third episode where we see June goading an abuser to hit her to save one of the ladies she is rescuing, and it’s such an awe-inspiring moment in the series. We see June take that beating and get back up like nothing ever happened. Weaver is masterful in this role.
Is The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart Season 1 worth watching?
While not an easy watch, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is an intense drama worthy of your time.
The creators took a bit of a risk with the slow, methodical build, but it pays off massively. You become so consumed with this story that you take sides and are often unsure if it is the right one, but the blurred line of what the truth really is keeps you invested in trying to figure out what is happening.
If you aren’t familiar with The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart book, like I wasn’t, I am unsure how to emotionally prepare you for this series. It’s a well-constructed show that has some strong writing, but the depths of where the story goes will be triggering for many people. It takes such a raw look at emotional and physical abuse that several moments will leave you at a loss for words.
That said, if you are able to consume this type of content, or you have read the book and already know what to expect, this series is a must-watch. It’s one of the most well-made series about abuse that highlights all the adversity victims must overcome to attempt to live their life after abuse.
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