Expats (miniseries)

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Expats
GenreDrama
Created byLulu Wang
Based onThe Expatriates
by Janice Y. K. Lee
Directed byLulu Wang
Starring
Music byAlex Weston
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes6
Production
Executive producers
ProducerJanice Y. K. Lee
Production locationHong Kong
CinematographyAnna Franquesa-Solano
Editors
Running time53–100 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkAmazon Prime Video
ReleaseJanuary 26 (2024-01-26) –
February 23, 2024 (2024-02-23)

Expats[1] is an American drama television miniseries directed by Lulu Wang, based on the 2016 novel The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video on January 26, 2024.[2][3]

Premise

Expats follows "the vibrant lives of a close-knit expatriate community: where affluence is celebrated, friendships are intense but knowingly temporary, and personal lives, deaths and marriages are played out publicly—then retold with glee."[4]

Plot

Set in Hong Kong, the plot orbits the abrupt disappearance of Margaret's youngest son during a nighttime market excursion. The convergence of three American women, their clandestine affairs, amorous entanglements, and deceit unfurls against the backdrop of the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests in Hong Kong.

Margaret grapples with an overwhelming sense of culpability and desolation, while her companion, Hilary, maneuvers through the intricacies of a disintegrating marriage. At the same time, chance acquaintance and young Columbia graduate Mercy descends into a series of self-destructive choices.

Cast

Main

Guest starring

Production

Development

On February 7, 2017, it was reported that Blossom Films had optioned the screen rights to Janice Y. K. Lee's novel The Expatriates with the intention of developing it into a television series. Alice Bell was attached to write the adaptation. Executive producers were expected to consist of Nicole Kidman, Per Saari, and Theresa Park with Lee set to serve as a consulting producer. Alongside Blossom Films, production companies involved with the production were slated to include POW! Productions.[6] On July 28, 2018, it was announced that Amazon had given the production a series order.[4] On January 11, 2019, it was announced that Melanie Marnich had joined Bell as co-showrunner and executive producer for the series.[7] In December 2019, it was announced Lulu Wang would serve as an executive producer on the series, while also writing and directing multiple episodes.[8]

Alongside the initial development announcement, it was reported that Nicole Kidman would star in the series.[6] In May 2021, Ji-young Yoo was cast in the series.[9] In June 2021, Jack Huston and Sarayu Blue joined the cast.[1][10] In September 2021, Brian Tee joined the cast.[11]

Filming

Filming locations included luxury restaurants in The Murray, PMQ, Sevva in Prince's Building. Other locations included Mei Foo Sun Chuen, Lok Wah Estate, Ladies Market in Mong Kok, Cheung Sing Restaurant in Tai Hang, Victoria Harbour and the historic Mido Café.[12]

Release

The series premiered on January 26, 2024.[3] It is, though, not available in Hong Kong itself.[13]

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byTeleplay byOriginal air date [14]
1"The Peak"Lulu WangLulu WangJanuary 26, 2024 (2024-01-26)
2"Mongkok"Lulu WangAlice BellJanuary 26, 2024 (2024-01-26)
3"Mid-Levels"Lulu WangVera MiaoFebruary 2, 2024 (2024-02-02)
4"Mainland"Lulu WangGursimran SandhuFebruary 9, 2024 (2024-02-09)
5"Central"Lulu WangLulu WangFebruary 16, 2024 (2024-02-16)
6"Home"Lulu WangJanice Y. K. LeeFebruary 23, 2024 (2024-02-23)

Reception

Critical response

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported an 84% approval rating, with an average rating of 7.1/10, based on 55 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "By turns emotionally devastating and icy, Expats is a challenging drama made riveting by an ace cast and creator Lulu Wang's deft direction."[15] On Metacritic, the series holds a weighted average score of 73 out of 100, based on 20 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[16]

The series received generally positive reviews from critics who praised the performances of the cast;[17][18][19] however, Nicole Kidman's performance was divided among critics. While Isabella Soares of Collider called it was "Nicole Kidman's Best TV Performance",[20] Lucy Mangan of The Guardian commented that "the feeling that [Nicole Kidman] is running on the fumes of her talent is hard to avoid".[21] David Tusing of The National News noted that while Nicole Kidman "shines as Margaret", "the star of the show" is Sarayu Blue, "who delivers a career-defining performance as someone torn between expectations and her own desires".[22]

Saloni Gajjar of The A.V. Club said "Nicole Kidman is the big hook, of course, but Kidman isn’t the only marvel. Her co-stars, Sarayu Blue and Ji-young Yoo, are equally powerful, helping to tell a profound story about grief, loss, and the burden of trying to move on".[23] Gautam Sunder of The Hindu recommended that "Expats should make the case for Nicole Kidman to cement her reign as the queen of current-day prestige television dramas".[24] Steve Murray of Arts Atl criticized the casting as "Nicole Kidman is playing a character at least 10 years younger than her actual age. It strains credibility in a show that already feels synthetic".[25]

Ben Travers of IndieWire said "Expats expertly breaks life down into parts, before bringing it all together again in a moving, unshakable portrait".[26] Sarah Ward of Concreteplayground.com praised the performance of Nicole Kidman as although "Nicole Kidman is well-experienced at stepping into the shoes of women bearing anguish and heartbreak while living privileged existences as well, and at sporting the masks demanded when there's a status quo to uphold", her role in Expats, "Margaret's seesawing between relentlessly soldiering on and being unable to flee her desperation says everything about someone who is rarely able to admit the truth of her feelings even to herself".[27]

One of the most common criticisms of Nicole Kidman's performance was said by Joel Keller of Decider as "Nicole Kidman feels like she’s in the phase of her career when she playing one depressed, wealthy, touched-by-tragedy middle-aged wife and mom after another, and while her performances are always terrific, the trope has gotten old", "the only thing we can think of is Big Little Lies or The Undoing, and that it’s the same story in a different locale" and "the first episode doesn’t at all give us this impression because all we’re seeing is Depressed Nicole Kidman once again".[28]

Josh Bell of CBR concurred with other critics and noted that "Nicole Kidman has now played variations on this same fragile upper-class housewife several times, and she doesn't bring a new approach to this particular character" and "Amazon's Expats is more of a luxurious soap opera than a crime drama, and its meandering focus is one reason it ends up a disappointment".[29] Janet Paskin of Bloomberg assessed the series as "it’s bleak, and it’s boring. Not a lot happens. The characters agonize, make predictably unfortunate decisions and say things they regret. Overall, they hold themselves apart. Their deepest thoughts are expressed in voiceover, not to other people".[30]

Controversies

Amazon Prime's decision to produce two series in Hong Kong about expatriates – the other one being Exciting Times – was criticised as being insensitive towards the city which was suffering from a rapidly deteriorating political situation under the Hong Kong national security law imposed by the government of the People's Republic of China.[31] Hong Kong's newspaper of record, the South China Morning Post, referred to the series as "tone deaf" and out of touch, because author Janice Y. K. Lee is the daughter of Korean immigrants who left Hong Kong for the US with her family when she was 15.[32]

Leading actor Nicole Kidman's exemption from the city's mandatory 21-day in-hotel quarantine regime was also criticised as she arrived by private jet with bodyguards on August 12, 2021,[31][33] while the Hong Kong authorities responded that the quarantine exemption was granted "for the purpose of performing designated professional work, taking into account that it is conducive to maintaining the necessary operation and development of Hong Kong's economy".[34] Residents objected to what they considered grossly unfair treatment, and internet users also reacted negatively.[35] Several lawmakers expressed concern over the exemption inside the legislature.[36][37] Responding to the controversy, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau denied that the exemption violated existing policies, and said that the crew would have to be fully vaccinated and comply with quarantine exemption requirements identical to those made available to bankers.[36] While one person said that the series would bring good publicity and jobs to Hong Kong,[38] dissident artist Badiucao said that "the communist-backed regime would use it as a soft propaganda program that will sugarcoat the lies in Hong Kong".[39]

References

  1. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (June 17, 2021). "Jack Huston Joins 'Expats' Amazon Drama Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  2. ^ "Expats". Writers Guild of America West. Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Bamigboye, Baz (October 3, 2023). "Breaking Baz: How "Scrappy Team" Behind 'The Farewell' Blossomed To Make 'Expats' With Nicole Kidman's Blossom Films; Limited Series Gets Premiere Date & London Fest Slot". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 21, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (July 28, 2018). "Amazon Studios Orders 'The Expatriates' Drama Series Based On Novel From Nicole Kidman's Blossom Films – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 28, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  5. ^ a b Armitstead, Claire (January 17, 2024). "'I just tell stories that make me feel more human': Lulu Wang on directing Nicole Kidman's new TV series". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (February 8, 2017). "Nicole Kidman To Produce & Possibly Star In 'The Expatriates' TV Series Adaptation". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  7. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 11, 2019). "Writer Melanie Marnich Inks Overall Deal With Amazon Studios, Joins 'The Expatriates' As Executive Producer". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  8. ^ Jarvey, Natalie (December 12, 2019). "'The Farewell's' Lulu Wang Books Next Project: Amazon's Nicole Kidman Drama Series (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
  9. ^ Otterson, Joe (May 25, 2021). "Amazon Series Adaptation of 'The Expatriates' Casts Ji-young Yoo". Variety. Archived from the original on May 31, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  10. ^ Otterson, Joe (June 24, 2021). "'Expats' Amazon Series Casts Sarayu Blue (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on July 3, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  11. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (September 9, 2021). "Brian Tee Stars Opposite Nicole Kidman In 'Expats' Amazon Drama Series". Deadline. Archived from the original on September 9, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  12. ^ "Scheduled filming of "Expats" featuring Nicole Kidman at fruit store in Mei Foo Sun Chuen postponed today". Dim Sum Daily. August 20, 2021. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  13. ^ "'Expats': Amazon show with Hong Kong Umbrella Movement protest scenes not shown in city". Hong Kong Free Press. January 27, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  14. ^ "Shows A-Z - expats on amazon". The Futon Critic. Archived from the original on February 18, 2024. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  15. ^ "Expats: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  16. ^ "Expats: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  17. ^ Worthington, Clint (January 23, 2024). "Expats". Rogerebert. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  18. ^ Tinubu, Aramide (January 26, 2024). "Nicole Kidman Astounds in 'Expats,' Prime Video's Haunting Series About Womanhood and Regret: TV Review". Variety. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  19. ^ Tusing, David (February 17, 2024). "Expats review: Nicole Kidman drama is an insightful look at life abroad". The National News. Archived from the original on February 17, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  20. ^ Soares, Isabella (February 29, 2024). "You're Missing Out on Nicole Kidman's Best TV Performance". Collider. Archived from the original on February 29, 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  21. ^ Mangan, Lucy (January 26, 2024). "Expats review – Nicole Kidman is running on the fumes of her talent". The Guardian. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  22. ^ Tusing, David (February 17, 2024). "Expats review: Nicole Kidman drama is an insightful look at life abroad". The National News. Archived from the original on February 17, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  23. ^ Gajjar, Saloni (January 23, 2024). "Expats review: Nicole Kidman leads a beautifully devastating drama". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  24. ^ Sunder, Gautam (January 27, 2024). "'Expats' series review: Lulu Wang's exquisite drama is sometimes lost in translation". The Hindu. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  25. ^ Murray, Steve (February 2, 2024). "Streaming in February: assassins, corrupt cops, snowscape survival, more". Artsatl.org. Archived from the original on February 3, 2024. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  26. ^ Travers, Ben (January 25, 2024). "'Expats' Review: Lulu Wang's Stunning Prime Video Series Will Stick with You Long After It Ends". IndieWire. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  27. ^ Ward, Sarah (January 24, 2024). "Haunting in Hong Kong: Nicole Kidman-Led Miniseries 'Expats' Is Another Must-See From 'The Farewell' Director Lulu Wang". concreteplayground.com. Archived from the original on January 24, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  28. ^ Keller, Joel (January 26, 2024). "Stream It Or Skip It: 'Expats' On Prime Video, About Three Expatriate Women In Hong Kong Who Are Torn Apart By A Tragic Event". decider.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  29. ^ Bell, Josh (January 26, 2024). "REVIEW: Expats Is an Unfocused Melodrama Set Among Hong Kong's Wealthy". cbr.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  30. ^ Paskin, Janet (January 26, 2024). "Hong Kong Life in Amazon's Expats Is Tragic, Lonely and Boring". bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  31. ^ a b Kwan, Rhoda (August 19, 2021). "Hong Kong exempts actor Nicole Kidman from Covid quarantine as Amazon's 'tone-deaf' expat TV shows see backlash". Hong Kong Free Press. Archived from the original on August 20, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  32. ^ Frater, Patrick; Davis, Rebecca (August 19, 2021). "Nicole Kidman and Amazon Series 'The Expats' Get Quarantine Exemption From Image-Conscious Hong Kong Regime". Variety. Archived from the original on September 10, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  33. ^ "Nicole Kidman allowed to skip Hong Kong's strict quarantine, reports say". The Straits Times. August 19, 2021. Archived from the original on August 19, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  34. ^ "Explained: Why Hong Kong govt exempted Nicole Kidman from COVID quarantine mandate for shooting in the city". Firstpost. August 19, 2021. Archived from the original on August 20, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  35. ^ Ives, Mike (August 20, 2021). "Nicole Kidman's Quarantine Pass Generates Anger in Hong Kong". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 22, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
  36. ^ a b Chau, Candice (August 20, 2021). "Video: Hong Kong politicians get in on the act as Nicole Kidman quarantine row spills over into legislature". Hong Kong Free Press. Archived from the original on February 18, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  37. ^ "Kidman quarantine exemption sparks anger in HK". Asia Times. August 19, 2021. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  38. ^ Cheng, Matthew; Lo, Janice (August 20, 2021). "Hong Kong quarantine exemption for Nicole Kidman draws flak". MSN. Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 22, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  39. ^ Nolan, Emma (August 20, 2021). "Nicole Kidman Hong Kong TV show being used by China as "soft propaganda"". Newsweek. Archived from the original on September 10, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021.

External links