A group of wealthy mothers accept a single mother into their social circle, but tragedy soon follows.
Big Little Lies is a hit HBO miniseries that tells the story of a group of wealthy mothers living in the idyllic town of Monterey, California. The show explores the dark secrets and hidden lives of these seemingly perfect women, and the lengths they will go to protect their families and themselves.
The show is anchored by an all-star cast, including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley. Each of these actresses brings a unique depth and complexity to their respective characters, making them both relatable and compelling. Witherspoon, in particular, shines as Madeline Martha Mackenzie, a strong-willed and fiercely protective mother who is never afraid to speak her mind. Kidman is equally impressive as Celeste Wright, a former lawyer and the victim of domestic abuse at the hands of her husband Perry (Alexander Skarsgård).
In addition to its strong performances and clever storytelling, Big Little Lies also explores important themes such as domestic abuse, bullying, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The show deftly tackles these heavy topics without becoming preachy or heavy-handed, and manages to maintain a sense of humor and levity throughout.
Another highlight of the show is its beautiful setting in Monterey. The coastal town provides the perfect backdrop for the women’s stories, with its stunning views and picturesque houses. In fact, you will probably want to book a trip to visit Monterey California by the end of the show. The use of music in the show is also noteworthy, with the show’s theme song “Cold Little Heart” by Michael Kiwanuka being particularly haunting and memorable.
One of the most notable achievements of the Big Little Lies is its ability to strike a perfect balance between drama and comedy. The women of Monterey are endlessly quotable, and their quick wit and sharp tongues provide many of the show’s funniest moments. At the same time, the show also tackles serious and often difficult issues with sensitivity and care.
Whether you’re a fan of the book on which the series is based on a simply a newcomer to the world of Monterey, you won’t be disappointed with the first Season of Big Little Lies.
One of the central themes is domestic violence, and the show presents a powerful commentary on the impact that this issue can have on those who experience it, as well as the community around them.
The series also explores the challenges and joys of motherhood, and it highlights the pressure that parents face to present a perfect image to the world. Friendship and community are another key theme, as the show examines the complexities of female relationships and the ways in which women can support and hurt each other.
The central mystery of the show revolves around a murder, which raises questions about the impact of secrets and lies in people’s lives. Wealth and class are also explored, as the show takes place in a wealthy coastal community and sheds light on the class differences that exist within it.
Mental Health is also explored in the series touching upon depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and emphasizing the importance of mental health support and treatment.
Big Little Lies boasts a distinctive and highly stylized cinematography that contributes significantly to the show’s overall atmosphere and tone. The series employs a muted color palette, with earthy tones predominating, which creates a naturalistic feel and helps to establish the coastal town setting. The show makes use of slow motion to emphasize key moments and to highlight the emotional states of the characters, while long takes are used to create intimacy and allow the audience to fully immerse themselves in the scene.
Wide shots capture the beauty of the location, giving the audience a sense of the characters’ surroundings, while Steadicam shots provide a fluid and dynamic visual style. Handheld camera shots are used to create a more intimate and raw feel, particularly in scenes that are meant to be intense or emotional. The combination of these cinematographic elements, along with the show’s highly atmospheric lighting, results in a visually striking and memorable style.
The soundtrack of Big Little Lies is carefully curated to complement the show’s themes, moods, and visual style. The music ranges from classical pieces to contemporary indie-rock tracks, and it plays an important role in establishing the show’s overall atmosphere and tone.
Some of the standout tracks from the show include:
These songs are used to underscore key moments in the show and to heighten the emotional impact of the scenes. The music also reflects the diverse musical tastes of the characters, and it helps to establish the show’s setting in the upscale coastal town.
I really enjoy the soundtrack to Big Little Lies, you can listen below.
It was developed by David E. Kelley, who served as the showrunner and executive producer. Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman were also among the executive producers for the show.
Ed Mackenzie’s Specialty BLT
Big Little Lies is filmed primarily in Monterey, California, in the United States. The series was shot on location in various parts of the city, including Cannery Row and Pacific Grove. Some interior scenes were filmed on sound stages in Los Angeles. The show’s stunning coastal setting and picturesque landscapes play a significant role in the series, and they help to create a visual representation of the idyllic, yet somewhat oppressive, world that the characters inhabit.
