Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Created by Lulu Wang, the 2024 series “Expats” takes viewers to Hong Kong, where through the lives of different women, we get to explore themes of identity, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of the city’s expatriate community. Adapted from Janice Y.K. Lee’s novel, “The Expatriates,” the series unfolds over six episodes, each delving deeper into the lives of its three central protagonists: Margaret (Nicole Kidman), Hilary (Sarayu Blue), and Mercy (Ji-young Yoo).
From its opening moments, “Expats” establishes itself as a serious, slow-burn, contemplative exploration of the human heart, although the focus is on women who come from a place of privilege. The series opens with Margaret, a landscape architect, who is planning her husband’s 50th birthday party but is clearly dealing with some unresolved issues which threaten to unravel her calm facade of normalcy. Episode one maintains a tense suspense over what’s really going on and flashbacks in episode two reveal a tragic event that irrevocably alter the lives of the show’s primary characters.
Nicole Kidman delivers a tour-de-force performance as Margaret, capturing the character’s emotional turmoil with haunting precision. From the stifling grief of losing a child to the quiet desperation of navigating a strained family life, Kidman imbues Margaret with a disturbing stupor that can be heart-wrenching to watch. Her angst, anxiety, paranoia of doubting everything around her and helplessness seeps through the screen. Sarayu Blue shines as Hilary, Margaret’s friend who grapples with her own marital woes and societal expectations. Blue infuses Hilary with a quiet strength and resilience, navigating the complexities of her relationships with a nuanced grace that could be relatable to some.
Ji-young Yoo rounds out the central trio with her portrayal of Mercy, an American-Korean who’s from an ivy league college, yet struggles to find her place in the world. It’s Mercy who oftentimes serves as the narrator in “Expats”, and in the open commentary she talks about how “stories always focus on the victim. The person responsible for the calamity is never mentioned. I want to know about the people who caused the tragedies. People like me. Are they ever forgiven? Do they ever move on? Not a moment goes by when I am not thinking about what I’ve done…”
While some viewers may find the series’ deliberate pace testing their patience, it is this very pacing that allows the emotional beats of the story to resonate so deeply. “Expats” is not a series filled with explosive twists and turns; rather, it is a meditative exploration of personal struggles. Its women actors of-course take the center-stage, but the men in their lives too manage to hold their own against them. Jack Huston who plays Hilary’s husband David, emerges as one of the most flawed yet likable character in the series. When an incident dents their relationship, David begins to have a relationship with a much younger woman as a coping mechanism.
The title “Expats” creates an expectation that the show would explore the dynamics between the expatriate community and the local population, touching upon the complexities of cultural assimilation and identity. But Hong Kong is a mere background character in this story, and only gains more relevance towards the end when Mercy befriends a local girl called Charly (Bonde Sam). There are very few scenes where you see the primary characters struggling in a foreign city, primarily because they haven’t bothered to learn the local language and expect grocery store workers, police officers and doctors to speak English. At times, their lives of privilege are juxtaposed with those of their full-time helpers – women who leave behind their own families to work round-the-clock for wealthy expats.
Wang’s direction imbues “Expats” with a palpable sense of atmosphere, capturing the bustling streets of Hong Kong with a keen eye for detail. From the neon-lit alleyways to the tranquil beaches, each frame is meticulously crafted to evoke the unique energy of the city. From sweeping aerial views to intimate close-ups, the cinematography of “Expats” serves to immerse viewers in the emotional landscape of its characters. Only episode five, which was the longest edition, almost two hour long, felt slightly random in parts due to the introduction of two new characters, whose sub-plot don’t amount to anything conclusive in the finale.
In its final episode, titled “Home,” “Expats” provides a fitting conclusion to the journeys of its central characters. As Margaret, Hilary, and Mercy each embark on new chapters in their lives, there is a sense of both hope and despair that permeates the narrative, leaving viewers with much to ponder in the series’ wake.
Overall, “Expats” is a well crafted series that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Through its rich storytelling, compelling performances, and stark cinematography, it offers a powerful reflection on the human condition, reminding us of the profound connections that bind us all together in our shared journey through life.
You can stream “Expats” on Prime Video.
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