Maid

There are many moments found within Netflix’s limited series “Maid” where I just said, “Wow.” It wasn’t strictly the moving performances from an all-around talented cast, nor was it the empathetic and complex relationships that develop and change over 10 episodes. It was the overall package, one that blossomed into a show that left me laughing as often as I was crying.

Maid may fall short as a cultural study, but regarded as an intimate personal story, it’s a triumph — a sensitively written, superbly performed drama that finds the humanity even in the coldest of days, and keeps you hooked until the very last minutes.

Maid is not a cozy weekend binge nor is it a crackling murder mystery. That said, it does deserve to be your next Netflix watch. The series tells a haunting, but ultimately inspiring, human story and features a next level performance from Margaret Qualley. It might also change the way you think about poverty.

Despite its economically oriented title, “Maid” is most compelling as a tale of healing and self-discovery.

Many of the performances, including Robinson’s Sean, are layered and specific, but none so much as Qualley’s. She puts a face on the hard-working people, so often dismissed and ignored, who slip through the cracks in this country.

There are times when, like Alex, we feel as if we’re experiencing downbeat déjà vu. Ultimately, though, this is a worthwhile journey containing valuable insights into the myriad of ways the system works against those who need it most, how emotional abuse is abuse nonetheless, and how one young woman climbed her way to success by sheer determination.

“Maid” itself can be a frustrating experience, sometimes moving and convincing, sometimes scattered and trite.

A very powerful and moving story about domestic abuse, the struggle with bureaucracy, money and the practical problems trying to get back on your feet. If anyone ever asks, what's the point of welfare programs, point them to this show.

I recently downloaded a list of all of the Netflix films and the number of individuals who had streamed them. I noticed "Maid" on the list and I decided to re-watch it. The acting and writing are very good. Margaret Qualley as Alex Russell (a young mother) is an excellent actor. I see only good to better acting. I saw no acting less than very good. The individuals who did the casting and the directors should be congratulated. I could write about every actor, no matter how small their role, in this miniseries and point out how much fun it was to watch. I think that is a trait of the very best art. The series is based on a 2019 debut book written by Stephanie Land, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mother's Will to Survive. The book debuted at number 3 on The New York Times Best Seller list. The book was an elaboration of viral essay that Land wrote for Vox in 2015. I like to notice difficult character portrayals that are challenging to pull-off and are done well: Anika Noni Rose as Regina. She does an excellent job of pulling off the unaware, demanding, complaining, etc of Alex's wealthy client. She portrays her sad backstory very well. Raymond Ablack as Nate. His portrayal of the awkwardness and motivation of his character is excellent. Rylea Nevaeh Whittet as Maddy, Alex and Sean's 3-year-old daughter. You have to give credit to casting and child actor directing for her performance. I think of that as a very difficult thing to do well. It takes a lot of patience to pull it off. In regard to the story and plot: The story regards poverty. Stephanie Land writes about poverty. Alcoholism, substance abuse and domestic violence cause poverty and poverty causes substance abuse and domestic violence.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]