The impact of a loss is similar to the ripples created by a stone falling into water. That feeling seems to spread everywhere, in waves that bring back memories again and again. "Sometimes I just want to be alone. Where I'm no one's wife, no one's mother. Where tragedy doesn't define me," expresses Nicole Kidman's character (Big Little Lies) in the first official trailer for Expats, a miniseries coming to Prime Video in January 2024. This story offers a glimpse into the intertwined lives of three American women in Hong Kong.
Directed by Lulu Wang (The Farewell), the series takes inspiration from the best-selling novel The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee, a writer who also serves as co-producer. Through the eyes of Margaret (Kidman), the story portrays the complexities of living in a foreign country and the process of overcoming misfortune. The plot adds Hilary (Sarayu Blue) and Mercy (Ji-young Yoo) to complete the trio of women whose lives are affected by an unexpected family tragedy. Such an event is a catalyst for other events that explore guilt, privilege and the search for identity.
The dramatic charge is evident in the trailer. Kidman's unhinged countenance and her friend's words foreshadow the deep conflict that will play out in its six chapters. "No one should ever have to go through what you're going through," she is told. Meanwhile, the vibrant Hong Kong scene contrasts with the protagonists' grim internal dilemmas. Brian Tee plays Margaret's husband, while Jack Huston plays Hilary's spouse.
After debuting at the Toronto Film Festival, its premiere on Prime Video will be on January 26 with the arrival of two episodes. The next four episodes will be available weekly, every Friday on the streaming platform.
