Makers:
David E. KelleyScenario:
David E. KelleyMuziek:
Sam WilliamsActeurs:
Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Alexander Skarsgård, Laura Dern, Adam Scott, Zoë Kravitz, Parker Croft, James Tupper, Sarah Baker (meer)Streaming (1)
Seizoen(2) / Afleveringen(14)
Samenvattingen(1)
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, and featuring tour de force performances by several top Hollywood actors, BIG LITTLE LIES is a darkly comic drama set in Monterey, CA that begins with a suspicious homicide at an elementary-school fundraiser. Though the victim and the perpetrator initially remain a mystery, it seems likely that the murder was spawned by rivalries and secrets surrounding three mothers: type-A stay-at-home mom Madeline Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon), who harbors jealousy towards her ex's new, younger wife Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz), a yoga instructor with a Zen attitude; Madeline's best friend Celeste Wright (Nicole Kidman), a former corporate lawyer with a seemingly perfect marriage to a younger man (Alexander Skarsgård); and Jane Chapman (Shailene Woodley), a single mom with a dark past, whom Madeline and Celeste take under their wing. Intercut with interrogation-room insights of other parents and school staff – who offer up a Greek chorus of gossip on the town's allegiances and rivalries, particularly revolving around Madeline and her nemesis, tech-exec career mom Renata Klein (Laura Dern) – the story unspools over seven tense yet subversively funny episodes, revealing how each of the women had something to hide leading up to that one fateful night. (HBO Europe)
(meer)Recensie van Necrotongue voor deze serie (16)
Big Little Lies (2017)
I really enjoyed the series. Its biggest weakness is that it seems to lack energy until about the fifth episode. It’s not that the first four episodes are bad, I just felt like the story didn't really kick into full gear until Episode 5. After the first episode I was hesitating whether to continue watching, but I hung in there and I don't regret it. On the contrary. I even decided to get the book on which it was based so I could compare it with the show.
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Season 1 (2017) (S01)
After a shaky start, the story started unfolding in an interesting way, the authors provided more and more insight into all the main characters. I ended up having a surprisingly good time. 4*+
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Somebody's Dead (2017) (S01E01)
The pilot felt pretty chaotic, with the story jumping back and forth like a drunken frog. Plus, we were introduced to a large cast of characters, and I wasn’t sure if the show would hold my interest. But then came the school conflict, a boy narrowly avoided getting lynched, and I realized the series would delve into American morals, parenting, and similar themes. I'm definitely sticking around for more.
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Serious Mothering (2017) (S01E02)
I'm glad I gave this show a chance. The characters and storylines are explored further, with conflicts spreading even to those previously uninvolved. In typical American fashion, it even touches on sexual harassment in first grade, which kept me engaged. I have to admit, alongside Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon delivers a standout performance, even though I've never been a huge fan of hers.
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Living the Dream (2017) (S01E03)
Alright, it's official — this show is good. With each episode, the creators give us a deeper look into the characters, making it easier to get immersed in the story. I’m genuinely surprised at how much I've become invested in a story mainly about housewives, their relationships, and their kids, but here we are.
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Push Comes to Shove (2017) (S01E04)
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but it feels like the show gets better with every episode. It’s funny that Ziggy is the one suggested to see a psychologist, considering he seems to be one of the few in the community who doesn’t need it.
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Once Bitten (2017) (S01E05)
It’s clear now, this show really does get better with each episode. The plot picked up pace, and I was so engrossed that the episode was over before I knew it. I’m increasingly disappointed that Renata doesn’t have more screen time because Laura Dern plays her so brilliantly.
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You Get What You Need (2017) (S01E07)
A solid ending to a solid series. The school fundraiser was a hit, and the story reached a satisfying climax. I had a great time, even though I guessed who was behind the first-grade bullying and who had wronged Jane.
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Season 2 (2019) (S02)
I’ve said before that I had serious concerns about the second season, and even though a few of the episodes had some obvious flaws, the result was a pleasant surprise. Two new characters appeared in the story: while Elizabeth Howard only served to stretch out the story, Mary Louise Wright portrayed by Meryl Streep was a great addition to it. An incredibly annoying woman with lips clenched like the rectum of a heterosexual at a gay bar. An excellent character. I can tell by the fact that I occasionally thought about how happy I would be if she had some sort of a fatal accident. The second season was a bit weaker than the first one, but deserves four stars for its excellent atmosphere.
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What Have They Done? (2019) (S02E01)
I wasn't overly hyped for the second season, fearing it might just ride the coattails of the first one. Yet, the opening episode pleasantly surprised me. The pace was leisurely, as expected, but the plot intrigued me. Plus, Meryl Streep's portrayal of Mary Louise Wright was delightfully irritating, leaving me curious about what's next.
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Tell Tale Hearts (2019) (S02E02)
The second episode really stepped it up compared to the first one. While nothing major happened, the attention to detail was top-notch. Once again, the creators nailed the atmosphere, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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The End of the World (2019) (S02E03)
The third episode hit a bit of a plateau in terms of plot development, so I'll keep this review brief. The main storyline didn't move forward much, but I did get a deeper dive into the American education system, reaffirming what I've long thought about it.
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She Knows (2019) (S02E04)
Once again, the story didn't progress much, with Amabella's celebration taking up a good chunk of time, reminiscent of last time with the school issue. These constant flashbacks are beginning to grate on me, much like Mary Louise. She's a pain, but I've got to hand it to the screenwriter for crafting her character and to Meryl Streep for bringing her to life.
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Kill Me (2019) (S02E05)
I can't shake the feeling that the second season is somehow losing its touch. The characters' stories feel repetitive, except for Celeste's, with her looming trial adding some much-needed tension. The plot seems to have hit a standstill, and what was discussed in the previous episode is just being rehashed in this one. 4*-
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The Bad Mother (2019) (S02E06)
The episode finally brought the much-needed development. The creators handled the trial with absolute mastery, and I would gladly add a fifth star if it weren't for the completely unnecessary storyline with dying Elizabeth. This character was clearly added to the story to stretch out the plot.
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I Want to Know (2019) (S02E07)
The previous episode already had me excited, and the finale just sealed the deal. While I still found the contrived plot around Elizabeth a bit of a stretch, the courtroom drama delivered once again, and hurricane Renata was a highlight for me.
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