I first watched Big Little Lies while at university in spring. This past week I binged season two. I have seen a lot of different responses to the content of the show, and I have decided to share my thoughts on it here.
A clarification…
While the content of the show is very valuable and moving, it is intense. The series is certainly aimed at mature audiences, and you should be mindful of when and where you watch it. The series covers sensitive topics, and you should be confident that you are comfortable observing it. Some of the scenes are graphic, but only in an attempt to depict real-world issues in an honest and moving way. In this post I will be talking about some of the themes and storylines that I thought were moving, and some of the reasons that I would recommend it.
Serious character development…
Big Little Lies contains some of the most in-depth character development that I have ever seen. We see several dimensions to the characters in the series.
Unique details like:
How the characters interact differently with family, work, and friends.
How traumatic events can impact someone’s life.
What it’s like to be in a relationship with someone who has PTSD.
That’s just the surface. We see broken relationships in contrast with healthy ones, we see how different people handle the same situation, how conflict affects children, and so much more. You will truly be able to empathize with characters, even ones that you are not fond of. You will see the motivation behind each character’s actions, and how different the truth can be from close up. I highly recommend this show for this reason. The cast does an incredible job creating a vivid experience for all viewers.
Amazing direction…
I cannot begin to express my appreciation for Jean-Marc Vallée’s talented direction of the series. Every scene is truly breathtaking. The transitions between scenes are never a distraction, but rather a tool to keep you invested. Everything comes together to present a truly immersive experience. You will understand when you see it.
An all-star cast…
Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz, Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgard, Adam Scott… the cast is definitely impressive. I was never disappointed with a performance, and every scene proved to be engaging. There are some shocking performances, and each cast member carries on the story with elegance. I was so impressed with this aspect of the show. I never could have expected the cast to fit together so well, but I was blown away by it.
Honest storylines…
Each of the main characters has their own story. It comes out in such a natural pattern that everything fits together. Each of the characters become more than fiction, they have entire lives, secrets, and trials that only we can see. There are times that it can be hard to watch what some of the characters go through, but every story comes full-circle, and we see how they move on and overcome their history. It is an incredible and real portrayal of some very serious topics.
There isn’t always a happy ending, but there is a realistic one. I would go so far as to say that this show presents a story of hope. Each character has an imperfect life, and you witness each of them deal with their issues. I think it is a very truthful series, and I would definitely recommend it for that reason.
Overall…
I would recommend the series very highly. I would recommend watching it with someone that you feel comfortable discussing the topics with. I think that it presents a very honest picture of the things that many real people have experienced. Give it a watch if you’re interested.