Everyone is talking about a new series on Netflix, ‘Maid’. Branded as a series that everyone should watch – regardless of gender, (and I have to agree!), the series is inspired by Stephanie Land’s memoir ‘Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mother’s Will to Survive’.
The plot follows a young mother, Alex who flees from an emotionally abusive relationship with the father of her child, with her two-year-old daughter. ‘Maid’ allows the audience to share Alex’s experience, as it displays her struggles with Government procedures such as fighting for housing, benefits and food stamps. This emotionally-charged storyline alludes to the labours in which people on the poverty line have to endure.
‘Maid’ forces us to confront our own views on concepts that are negatively constructed within society today from domestic violence to those who rely on Government assistance. It forces viewers to empathize with Alex’s situation.
It also brings to light that domestic violence does not just have to involve physical abuse. These important insights bring forward the possibility to allow other women to recognise their own misfortune and maybe encourage them to follow in Alex’s footsteps.
The acting of Margaret Qualley adds to the reality of the series, as she encompasses the rollercoaster of emotions which you experience whilst you watch- one minute you’re bawling your eyes out, while the next you’re hysterically laughing.
This story exemplifies Alex as the hero of the story, and rightly so. Her unwillingness to accept defeat and determination to overcome the system for a better life for her daughter is both emotional and inspiring.
I loved this series in all ways, the realism of the whole story adds a sense of knowledge to the audience, and confers the message to not judge a book by its cover – it is very easy to sigh or roll your eyes at someone else’s struggles, but to share their hardships is another thing!
If you haven’t already, I suggest you go home, put Netflix on and watch this series!
Words by: Ella Morris
Edited by: Madeleine Rousell