UNMISSABLE SERIES: 'MAID'

                                                    

'A POWERFUL TALE OF A MOTHER'S SURVIVAL'


Netflix have returned with another hit series ‘Maid’, which follows young mother Alex as she fights to care for her daughter Maddie while experiencing abuse, lack of support and income. Although it’s extremely hard hitting, covers some sensitive topics and has some very raw moments, it’s a beautiful and very honest portrayal of the reality of the circumstances for many and provides light and hope for those who may have been affected by similar situations.

 

It’s inspired by Stephanie Land’s 2019 Memoir, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive, in which she shares about working as a maid while raising her daughter. It’s ‘inspired’ by rather than ‘based’ on, as many of the characters, happenings and storylines have been created for the 10 part series.

 

The story follows young mother Alex (Margaret Qualley), as she gets up in the middle of the night with her daughter Maddie, with the mission of leaving her home and husband Sean. It’s initially unclear where and why she wishes to leave. Starting out with only $18, it becomes evident that she is struggling for money and as she spends it on necessities the deduction appears on screen. She eventually gets an interview for a job working as a maid-for-hire at a daily cleaning service, and to attend the interview has to leave Maddie with someone. This is when we meet Alex’s mother, played by Margaret Qualley’s real mother Andie MacDowell. She’s a free-spirited artist experiencing manic depressive and bipolar tendencies.

 

We watch events unfold from Alex’s point of view throughout the series, and she crosses new paths, tackles struggles and overcomes hurdles, it’s a real rollercoaster of emotion. We see her battle for full custody of her daughter, her experience with domestic abuse and her relationships with others break and blossom. Despite the true darkness throughout, there are moments of light, love, support and hope, and it’s these moments that are crucial to Alex’s persistence and continuation, as well as the relief and comfort as a viewer.

The story is equally beautiful and heart-breaking, and the performances are sublime. It’s definitely a series worth watching.

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