Maid

I just finished watching the astounding Netflix series ‘Maid’. I sit here, past 10pm on a Thursday night writing about it because of how much I appreciated the underlying morals Alex’s story conveyed.

Alex is a young woman, a mother, a survivor, who’s story begins at her home in Alaska with her boyfriend Sean. Sean is an alcoholic, an abuser and a father. Their child, Maddy, is the key motivator for Alex to run away with her daughter from Sean when she realises that the abusing alcoholism and roaring rage is beginning to violate the safety of their daughter.

Throughout Alex’s journey, struggling yet persevering in every obstacle she faced, we are invited to witness how selfless she is through her constant and unwavering dedication to ensure Maddy is healthy, cared for and loved — a bleak contrast to Sean. While Alex runs away from his monstrous and uncontrollable episodes, Sean takes on a mission of his own to get back his daughter regardless of the dangers it brings — him. Lucky for Alex, her tenacious temperament allowed her to break through the shackles Sean tied her to for all those years. Finally waking up from her slumber to realise how controlling Sean is, Alex, with Maddy, left in the middle of the night to embark on a journey of survival and independence.

What I appreciate most about this show is the the eventual positive outcome Alex’s determination brought about despite the series of unfortunate events. The story is a true portrayal of the struggles many women and single mothers face today. You’re forced to empathise and come to terms with the domestic warfare Alex is battling, the depression that sunk her to the sofa of her broken home like the trenches in a hopeless battlefield and the financial deprivation she repeatedly drowns in.

Slowly, leaving Sean meant she had to start fending for herself and their daughter, and along the way of finding place after place to live, she began to find herself again. She continued to write creatively as a cathartic means — a relief away from her crashing world. She began to remember how much agency she could have, allowing herself to reclaim her purpose and, subsequently, her life. Following her every move, you can’t help but applaud her.

The series was directed magnificently. It encapsulated pertinent and timeless issues that unfortunately resonates with many — domestic violence, addictions, the struggles of single motherhood and financial difficulties — all the while shedding light on a young woman who, once lost, found herself again through her passion for creative writing and the unconditional love for her daughter.

You must watch, Sumiya.