TV shows we love: Big Little Lies

Life by the beach is breathtakingly beautiful for the upper-class mothers in Monterey, California. But there is also the mystery surrounding the unexplored ocean and some danger involved in being so close to the coast’s cliffs – like every day you are one slip away from losing everything.

Based on the 2014 novel by Liane Moriarty, published under the same name, Big Little Lies revolves around the investigation of someone’s death.

But I wouldn’t say the possible murder is the most gripping element here. The show explores multiple themes such as abusive relationships, betrayal and infidelity, sexual assault and bullying in different forms. Motherhood as well as female friendship are also present topics intertwined with the complexities of each character.

The first of the two seasons starts when a single mother (Shailene Woodley) moves to the area. She becomes fast friends with two rich wives, played by Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, whose children go to the same school as her son (portrayed by child actor and theatre critic Iain Armitage known for his lead role in Young Sheldon). Starring are also Laura Dern and Zoë Kravitz while yet another big name, Meryl Streep, makes her appearance in the second season.

In this excellent production, viewers get to dive deep into the seemingly-dreamy lives of each of the five female protagonists, gradually unravelling their struggles with interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships.

Their homes are all located near the ocean with the water element becoming increasingly important as the series evolves. There are different scenes with each of the women looking at the waves almost willing them to come wash them free.

The show ran from 2017 to 2019 and is available on HBO. It won several awards, including eight Emmys.