Critic Reviews

First-rate. ... Powley renders Gies an endearingly flawed and emotional volatile heroine. [8 - 21 May 2023, p.6]

The scenes with Schreiber and Powley are some of the series’ most memorable and touching. It’s a side of Schreiber you’ve likely never seen, and he’s magnificent as Otto. Over the course of the season, every wonderfully written character grows. Anne becomes less petulant, Jan more brave, and Otto less stoic. But without a doubt, Miep is a star-making role for Bel Powley.

Co-creators Joan Rater and Tony Phelan (“Grey’s Anatomy”) find a deeply humanist angle to this well-known piece of history by telling the story of Frank and her family through those who aided them. While the tragic ending for most of the family is no surprise, this approach allows them the grace of humor and anger and happiness and sadness in equal measure.

Powley’s performance is particularly arresting. ... Rater and Phelan, and writers William Harper, Ben Esler and Alyssa Margarite, Jacobson sprinkle in glittering moments of defiance, humor and perseverance that help temper the very real feelings of rage and terror laced throughout the series. It’s a balancing act that isn’t often handled as eloquently as it is here.

A Small Light is an extraordinary story about a historic figure people don’t know a lot about, with a compelling lead performance from Powley.

It’s not a somber re-telling of a familiar story but a sensitive, humanistic approach that allows room for humor and happiness even as viewers know the story will inevitably take a tragic turn.

A glossy but moving tale of resistance and courage, and the risks everyday people take just to hold on to their humanity. ... But the clear highlight of an already-stellar cast (which also includes Noah Taylor and Andy Nyman as fellow Annex residents) is Schreiber, whose Otto is the pillar upon which the show truly rests.

While it may prove difficult to retain viewers week-to-week, A Small Light has the potential to be an incredible series to binge once it is all out. Each episode flows into the next, building on the creeping sense of foreboding and delivering twists and turns.

A Small Light takes its time in illuminating that source of inspiration, but by the time its eight chapters have concluded, its big heart should ensure that there isn’t (or at least shouldn’t be) a dry eye in the house.

Mostly, though, come for the inspiring reminder that heroism comes in many forms and that it’s measured in doing what’s right and doing what you can, not only in scale; stay for Powley and the ensemble.