“I just sometimes want to be alone. Where I’m not somebody’s wife, not somebody’s mother. Where I’m not defined by tragedy.”

— Amazon Prime’s

Expats is more than just a portrayal of affluent expatriates navigating life in Hong Kong; it’s a poignant exploration of grief, identity and social disparity. Directed by Lulu Wang of The Farewell fame and based on Janice YK Lee’s novel The Expatriates, the series is a richly layered drama that intertwines the personal and the political, offering viewers a deeply introspective narrative.

The story centres on Margaret, a wealthy American expatriate who is grappling with an unspeakable tragedy. Margaret’s grief forms the heart of the series, but Expats is far from being solely her story. It introduces other compelling perspectives, including Mercy, played by Ji-young Yoo, a young Korean-American navigating her sense of belonging amidst past mistakes and Hilary, portrayed by Sarayu Blue, a friend of Margaret’s whose outwardly perfect life masks inner turmoil. Their lives are connected by shared losses and strained relationships, forming an intricate tapestry of human emotion and complexity.

“Don’t you miss it? Home.”

“I like our life here.”

One of the show’s great strengths is its exploration of alienation. The expatriates, despite their wealth and privilege, are adrift in Hong Kong’s vibrant, chaotic environment. Margaret’s obsessive search for closure over her son’s disappearance encapsulates the isolation that expatriates often face in foreign cultures. Mercy’s struggle with guilt and Hilary’s strained interactions with her domestic helper further highlight the emotional distance that permeates their lives. The series skilfully portrays how these characters are not just disconnected from their surroundings but also from themselves and each other.

“You’re not betraying anyone by trying to live a better life.”

Adding to this theme is a nuanced portrayal of class tensions. Expats takes a critical look at the often-ignored lives of domestic helpers, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. In one standout episode, Wang shifts focus to these workers, presenting a deeply empathetic exploration of their relationship with their employers. Through conversations and interactions, the series underscores the power imbalance and unspoken barriers that define these relationships. It’s a rare and bold narrative choice that adds depth to the story and brings to light broader socio-economic inequalities in Hong Kong.

“We are drowning and you don’t see it.”

The political backdrop of the series is another highlight. Set against the tumultuous period of the 2014 Umbrella Movement, Expats subtly weaves in themes of resistance and repression. The trailer of the mini-series showing the colourful and purposeful umbrellas like an endless river. Wang uses the protests not merely as a historical setting but also as a metaphor for the internal struggles of her characters. The city itself becomes a character, reflecting the protagonists’ chaotic, fragmented lives. The contrast between Hong Kong’s neon-lit allure, narrow alleys, musty and blackening Chinese shop signs and its undercurrents of unrest mirrors the dualities in the expatriates’ lives: privilege versus guilt, belonging versus estrangement.

The political backdrop of the series is another highlight. Set against the tumultuous period of the 2014 Umbrella Movement, Expats subtly weaves in themes of resistance and repression. Wang uses the protests not merely as a historical setting but also as a metaphor for the characters’ internal struggles. The city itself becomes a character, reflecting the protagonists’ chaotic, fragmented lives.

Visually, the series is stunning. The cinematography captures Hong Kong’s breathtaking skyline, bustling market and quiet alleys with equal finesse, creating a vivid and immersive setting. This visual storytelling enhances the narrative, drawing viewers into the layered world of the characters.

The score, a blend of traditional and contemporary music, complements the emotional depth of the story, subtly amplifying its themes. The beautiful cinematography of the moment Gus disappears in the market and the heartbeats start counting as all expat women finally chose to be “not okay” when they can pretend to be okay as the tradition has been for women across the world. The series beautifully encapsulates how, even if living abroad and alone, a women is expected to carry the emotional burdens of the family with a smile on her face.

The performances in Expats are nothing short of exceptional. Nicole Kidman delivers one of her most nuanced performances as Margaret, portraying a woman on the brink of unravelling with poignant vulnerability. Her scenes with Brian Tee, who plays her husband Clarke, are particularly moving, filled with unspoken tension and raw emotion. Ji-young Yoo and Sarayu Blue bring depth to their roles, creating multifaceted characters who evoke empathy despite their flaws. The supporting cast, including the actors portraying the domestic helpers and local residents, adds authenticity and richness to the narrative.

However, Expats is not without its challenges. Its deliberate pacing may feel slow for viewers accustomed to more action-driven plays. Some might find its introspective approach demanding, as it asks audiences to engage deeply with the characters’ inner worlds rather than offering easy resolutions or conventional thrill. Yet, this is what sets Expats apart. It is a series that prioritises emotional truth and thematic depth over surface-level entertainment.

Thematically, Expats aligns with broad conversations about mental health, privilege and systemic inequalities. The series serves as an exploration of how socio-economic pressures and personal tragedies impact mental well-being. It subtly critiques the toxic expectations placed on expatriates to maintain an image of success, even as they navigate profound personal challenges. The series invites viewers to reflect on the cost of ignoring emotional and social realities in favour of superficial stability.

Ultimately, Expats is a profound, evocative series that rewards patient and thoughtful viewing. It is not merely a story about expatriates in a foreign land but a meditation on what it means to belong, to grieve and to connect in an increasingly fragmented world. Lulu Wang’s direction elevates the material, making it a deeply personal and universal narrative. For those willing to immerse themselves in its world, Expats offers a rich, unforgettable experience.

This Amazon Prime drama isn’t just a watch; it’s a journey into the heart of human vulnerability and resilience, a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the most hidden corners of our shared humanity. If you’re seeking a series that challenges, moves and stays with you long after the credits roll, Expats is such a choice.

The writer has a degree in psychology with a minor in mass communication. She can be reached at ukmaryam2@gmail.com