So, I saw a clip on my status that was rather disturbing. It was about the time I was mostly reading thriller books, so I decided to see it. I’m usually not a fan of movie adaptations of books, for obvious reasons, but since I hadn’t seen the book, I knew it was safe to try. Limited expectations and all of that. So, yeah, I thought it was a single film, but turns out it’s a limited series.
Flowers in The Attic: The Origin (2022)
So, the story begins with Olivia. It’s the Elizabethan period or so (didn't quite specify). Either way, it’s a time where women are not yet allowed to vote, have a say in the society, or work in the corporate force. Most of all, it’s a time where war looms at every point. Olivia is way past the age to be called a fair maiden, and she’s content to work as a partner in her father’s firm, since she’d long given up on love.
Malcolm Foxworth visits as a potential business partner to Olivia’s Dad, but ends up falling for her. He sweeps her off her feet with the most romantic gestures, and Olivia who had long given up on love jumps at the prospects of finally having the man of her dreams who’s well-to-do, and also cares about her.
Olivia is smart and quick on her feet, but nearly all common sense leaves her as she is overwhelmed at Malcolm’s honest outpour of affections. He’s the first man to ask for her hand, and so she immediately says yes to his proposal. While on the journey to Foxworth Hall, which is now her new home, Olivia grows wary at Malcolm’s cryptic and rather cold comments, but absolutely nothing in the world can prepare her for what awaits her at Foxworth Hall.
My Thoughts and Rating
This is a dark series, and that’s what makes me know that I should never go near the actual novel because I’m quite positive it will be ten times darker. I don’t know where to start because I can’t afford to reveal spoilers, but I do not think there’s any thing I can say that can quite capture just how dark and depraved this film is.
So, I’ll just say a few things.
First off, the episodes feel very long. This particular season comprises of four episodes of about an hour and thirty minutes each, but it will feel like you’re watching a 12-season series because of how a lot of things seem to be happening in the space of one episode. A day could pass, and next thing ten years have passed. It was fast paced and exhilarating but also quite exhausting.
My worst character was not Malcolm, as surprising as it may sound, but Olivia. I despised and felt disgusted by her actions most times. For someone so smart, who was actively running her father’s businesses, her lack of foresight, inability to make smart decisions, and utter spinelessness completely baffled me.
I know she went through a lot. I know that there is only so much a human can take before he breaks. In heart, mind and spirit, but she could have done a lot better to shield her children, and more importantly, shield herself. A lot of terrible things that happened stemmed from her inability to make smart decisions and just protect herself.
What can I say about the acting? I think it was pretty sound. I don’t think there’s anything Max Irons can do in real life that will take away my perception of him as Malcolm, so that should tell you how good his acting was. Jemima Rooper acted quite excellently as well, although most of the time her expression resembled one who was desperately trying to pass out stones.
The ending was bizarre. We skipped through time that spanned nearly 20 years in a single episode, and I get that they may have been trying to meet up with events in the book, and possibly provide a befitting prequel, but the changes in the attitudes of the lead character (Olivia) was too drastic that it almost felt like some vital part that was finally her breaking point had been cut off.
Anyway, I’ll tell you that this is a good story. Some things will shock you, but if you’ve read dark books as long as I have, would it really be that shocking? Nah, merely scratching the surface. I won’t say I like the way I felt after seeing this series, but it is an exceptional one through and through. 7/10 from me. An arguable must see.
Jhymi🖤
Images from IMDB.
Posted using CineTV