Nicole Kidman’s undisputed rule over prestige television dramas is further solidified with her latest project—a lush television adaptation—where she once again embodies a privileged woman shrouded in mystery. Following the successes of “Big Little Lies,” “The Undoing,” and “Nine Perfect Strangers,” she is set to captivate audiences with her portrayal of Margaret, a mother whose life is upended by the disappearance of her child in Hong Kong. This marks another engrossing narrative for Kidman, augmenting her impressive résumé with yet another complex character nestled within the world of luxury and secrets.
The six-part series, “Expats,” is expertly steered by “The Farewell” director Lulu Wang, and orchestrates its story through a time-jumping narrative. It delves into the intersecting struggles of three American women in 2014’s Hong Kong—set against the backdrop of the spirited Umbrella Movement protests. Their stories serve as a canvas to explore a myriad of themes, including cultural identity and the weighty consequences of personal crises in a foreign land.
Central to the plot is Margaret and her husband Clark’s (played by Brian Tee) affluent lifestyle in “The Peak,” a fittingly named upscale apartment befitting their status, made possible by Clark’s lucrative career. Despite the comforts provided by their adoptive city, including a full-time nanny to assist with their children, Margaret’s desire to return to her former life in the United States where she was an architect is palpable. Still, she cannot deny the lavish conveniences that come with her expatriate status in Hong Kong.
The cast is further enriched with refreshing performances, most notably from Ji-young Yoo, who plays Mercy—a young graduate from Columbia who inadvertently becomes embroiled in the family’s tragedy. When Margaret’s youngest son Gus vanishes under Mercy’s care, the fabric of both Margaret’s and Mercy’s worlds begins to unravel. Mercy’s nuanced battle with internalized guilt and anxiety is portrayed with a striking vulnerability that leaves a lasting impression on viewers, indicating Yoo’s promising capabilities as an actress.
“Expats” also presents a captivating storyline that belongs to Sarayu Blue’s character, Hilary—an Indian-American navigating her crisis-laden life with grace and poise. Caught between her deteriorating marriage and cultural expectations, Hilary’s encounters with Margaret undergo irrevocable damage in the wake of Gus’ disappearance. Blue’s performance is a standout, adeptly bringing depth and empathy to a narrative rich with emotional complexity.
Wang’s storytelling does not seek convenient resolutions, opting instead to allow the characters’ experiences of grief, class struggles, and racial tensions to unfold organically. This allows the audience a more intimate connection with the characters’ quests amidst their challenges.
Despite the show’s ambition, there are moments where the multiple storylines feel disjointed, and the pacing might struggle to maintain its intended effect. Nonetheless, the series touches upon brilliance, particularly in its fifth installment, which departs from its central characters to shine a spotlight on their domestic helpers during the tense political climate. The episode stands as an almost solitary film, offering a profound look at the aspirations and realities of these workers away from the households they serve. It is in these sequences where Wang’s directorial finesse truly shines, offering a riveting glimpse at seldom-heard voices within the narrative.
Amazon Prime’s streaming platform is now home to “Expats,” and it invites audiences to immerse themselves in the intricacies of life, love, and the quest for identity in a setting that is as captivating as it is turbulent. While viewers might find themselves craving a more cohesive conclusion, the series offers an artistic exploration through the eyes of its complex characters, each ensnaring the audience in their own compelling web of life’s intricate dance.
