I've had different feelings for fictional characters like overwhelming sadness or happiness but I don't think I've had this much pity for a character before.
Maid is a limited mini-series on Netflix with 10 episodes. It was released last month and ranks as one of the most-watched series in Nigeria. It stars Margaret Qualley as Alex and it's based on Stephanie Land's memoir, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive. Although the series was inspired by the memoir, it's said to have added a lot of fictional material.
The Plot
As the name suggests, Alex is a maid who took up this job after she fled from her abusive boyfriend with their daughter, Maddy. She learns that she needs to get a job and house first in order to gain custody of her daughter so she signs up with a contractor, Value Maids. She also checks in to a Domestic Violence shelter when she learns that the emotional abuse she had been experiencing from her boyfriend is classified as domestic violence.
Swamped in overwhelming bills, she tries to take care and make a home for her daughter as a single mum despite the many lapses she encounters. She also has to take care of her mother who's delusional and easily taken advantage of. She does this all alone as she really has no close family ties but she meets some people on the way who lend a helping hand.
As she struggles daily to set her life straight, she notes it all in her journal, the highs and lows (majorly lows), her fears and her dreams. It turns out her favorite thing to do is to write and she hopes to fulfill her dream of going to college but first, she had to earn enough to gain full custody of Maddy.
My Thoughts
I'm writing this with a lump in my throat because I'm reminded of how I felt bad for Alex throughout the show. There have been other shows and movies with a storyline set in poverty but for some reason, this one hits different. It might be because this is very recent and 'modern-day' or it's just some good acting from the lead actor.
Alex had a lot to deal with, (poverty is a lot!), there was the issue of standing up and facing the world for herself because she had been totally reliant on her boyfriend. Then there was the very complicated relationship she had with her mum, her wanting her mum to be a mother to her but it seemed to be the other way around.
I was surprised to find out that this mother-daughter duo is actually mother and daughter in real life. Apparently, this is their first time on set together. It's hard not seeing them as this mostly dysfunctional duo because they did a darn good job on set.
Back to Alex, I think the major reason I felt much pity for her was the actor's delivery. Her expressions always exuded frailty, confusion and sadness. It was hard not to feel sorry for her in almost every scene and that's what makes this actor awesome in my opinion.
Alex was a really smart lady but she had been conditioned to see herself as less and it was really beautiful to see her rise for herself and stick to her principles. She embodies humility, hard work and care, and her journey to achieving her goals is one to learn from.
There's also much to learn about the living condition and poverty line in the US and also how to deal with emotional abuse.
The story in itself is not awesome but then the characters draw you in and that kind of makes you watch till the end. What did it for me most were the little wins and unexpected support from people, those are what really keep one going.
Overall, I'd rate this a 7/10 and would recommend it if you're in for an emotional ride.
Watch Maid on Netflix.
