Maid: Why Netflix’s Harrowing Miniseries Is So Critically Acclaimed

Inspired by Stephanie Land’s memoir, Maid has received many positive critical reviews – but what has made the Netflix miniseries so special?

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Netflix’s miniseries Maid is proving a widespread success, so what has made it stand out amongst other dramas? Having been released in early October, Molly Smith Meltzer’s creation has already surpassed The Queen’s Gambit, making Maid the most-watched miniseries in the streaming platform’s history. Most importantly, it is not just audiences praising the series, but critics too, with an overwhelming amount of positivity being displayed in the reviews so far.

Inspired by the memoir of Stephanie Land, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive, Maid depicts the struggles of domestic abuse and poverty. The series follows Alex, played by Margaret Qualley, who flees her emotionally abusive boyfriend with her daughter. Throughout the episodes, the audience watch as Alex struggles to survive poverty by working as a cleaner, facing a system of catch 22’s and legal barriers. For example, when searching for somewhere to live, every landlord she meets refuses to accept her housing aid. Alongside completing her cleaning jobs on Fisher Island, Alex has to negotiate a complex relationship with her mother who has (undiagnosed) bipolar disorder, and deal with custody arrangements for her daughter Maddy. With so many subject matters covered throughout the series, critics are commending Maid for more reasons than one.

Critical reception for Maid has been predominantly positive, indicated by the fact it currently holds a 93% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Out of 42 total ratings, only 3 rated the show as rotten. A large deal of praise is directed at the cast as they portray multi-dimensional characters whose journeys are far from straightforward. Despite the show having elements of surrealism, his and other cast members’ performances help ground the story. Critical reviews have also pointed out that although the series is upsetting in nature – especially due to Maid being based on true, real life events taken from the book of the same name – the show is surprisingly easy to watch. This is because scenes of heartache are intertwined with touches of humor, such as Alex forming a strong and heartwarming friendship with Danielle when the pair cross paths in a domestic abuse shelter. This combination allows viewers to enjoy lighter moments and has earned Maid positive reviews such as those below:

The Guardian:

“The detail, the tenderness, the authenticity, the brilliant performances make the whole thing both a compelling drama and a potent testimony to the suffering of too many.”

Vulture:

“Qualley’s performance is as locked-in, hard-working, and determined as the woman she plays.”

Indie Wire:

“There are many moments found within Netflix’s limited series “Maid” where I just said, “Wow.” It was the overall package, one that blossomed into a show that left me laughing as often as I was crying.”

Glamour:

“From start to finish, Maid is a gut-wrenching yet beautifully rendered story of a mother’s perseverance.”

Mama Mia:

“Coupled with a gripping plot and outstanding performances from Margaret Qualley and Andie MacDowell, Maid is set to be one of the most compelling dramas of 2021.”

First Post:

“The story of the young woman’s struggle in the heartland of America is hinged on valuable performances by the lead actors.”

Although the majority of Maid’s reviews are positive, this isn’t to suggest reviews are universally that of praise. Questions have been raised over whether the series translates well as a cultural study. This is due to the fact that Maid focuses on one woman’s journey. Critics have suggested that because the protagonist is white, the experiences portrayed do not account for those of BAME groups. Neglecting to explore the intersectionality between race and economic stability may have isolated some viewers who felt unrepresented and unable to identify with the show. By providing a very personal depiction of Alex’s struggles, the creators may have prevented Maid’s story from feeling relatable for many. These concerns are displayed in the reviews below:

Hollywood Reporter:

“As a smart, pretty, young white American woman who never fails to work hard or put her kid first, Alex does little to challenge the usual assumptions about who does or doesn’t “deserve” to be poor.”

The Wrap:

“Qualley’s Alex comes off as someone for whom domestic work and glum circumstances are merely a phase, while the women she encounters are presumably doomed to their positions.”

Variety:

“In featuring a white maid who works primarily for a wealthy Black client, is this series sidestepping the most vital questions about the intersection of class and race in this country?”

Despite these worries, Maid has had an overwhelmingly positive critical response. The series has been commended for creating a believable portrayal of hardship – a matter no doubt helped by the Maid show taking inspiration from the original book, which is writer Stephanie Land’s memoir. The addition of tender moments amongst the scenes of struggle and the outstanding performances by the cast makes for a winning combination. It is clear to see why Maid has earned, and no doubt will continue to receive, such positive critical acclaim.

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/maid-netflix-miniseries-reviews-good-positive-why/