"The book is better", is something I often find myself saying when talking about (mediocre) films based on books I read and loved. It's a bit different when it comes to TV series as the long form nature of series is better suited to the purpose. It comes without saying that for this week's Thursday Movie Picks I'm going with three series that are as good if not better than the books they are adapted from. Also, theme within a theme alert! All three were written by women and has women as their main characters.
Big Little Lies (2017-2019)
Based on Liane Moriarty's novel, it sees the apparently perfect lives of four upper-class mothers in Monterey, California, turns upside down when a single-mother (Shailene Woodley) moves to their town. I'm yet to see the second season but the first was terrific. All the storylines are equally engaging, the characters have plenty of depth and the acting is terrific.
The Handmaid's Tale (2017- )
Based on Margaret Atwood's novel, it is set in a dystopian future, in the totalitarian society of Gilead, where women are treated as property of the state, and the few fertile women remaining are forced to sexual slavery. One of these women is June Osburn (Elisabeth Moss) who is determined to survive and find the daughter that was taken from her. I finally finished watching this and now I cannot wait for season 4. It is such an intense, emotionally overwhelming and draining, but it's so beautifully made and the performances, especially Moss's, are terrific.
Sharp Objects (2018)
Based on Gillian Flynn's novel, this miniseries follows reporter Camille Preaker (Amy Adams) as she returns to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls and ends up confronting the demons from her past. This is such a haunting and disturbing series, with an incredibily layered and fleshed out character thanks to both the incredible writing and Adams's tremendous performance. The supporting characters and cast are great too.
All three of these shows are great. I think The Handmaid's Tale actually makes a better show than the book.
ReplyDeleteSame. I enjoyed the book but I find the show to be so much better.
DeleteI loved the first season of Big Little Lies! Sharp Objects sounds well worth a watch, too.
ReplyDeleteIt really is. Easily the best series from that year. I can't believe it's been 2 years already.
DeleteI really enjoyed the book "Sharp Objects" but never got around to watching it. I might have to make the time soon!
ReplyDeletePlease do because it's great.
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