Nicole Kidman, known for her captivating performances, is set to dive into another emotional role in the upcoming series 'Expats,' premiering on Amazon Prime Video. The six-episode show, filmed on location in Hong Kong, revolves around three expatriate women whose lives are upended when Margaret, played by Kidman, loses her young son.
Directed and showrun by Lulu Wang, known for her critically acclaimed film 'The Farewell,' 'Expats' aims to challenge the concept of expat bubbles and shed light on the experiences of immigrants. Wang, herself an immigrant from China, wanted the series to reflect her own background while merging it with the expat narrative.
When Kidman approached Wang with the idea for the series, the director saw it as an opportunity to represent her immigrant experience. Wang felt it was crucial to incorporate the perspective of domestic workers, who are also expats working in Hong Kong. In a bold move, the fifth episode was expanded to 90 minutes to focus on their lives, offering a unique viewpoint on expat communities.
Kidman, who is also an executive producer on the show, readily embraced Wang's vision and expressed her passion for supporting and championing women in the industry. She sees her role as not only an actress but also as someone who can uplift emerging voices and help pave the way for new auteurs.
For Wang, having an inclusive writer's room was a new experience. Collaborating with a diverse group of women to develop the story added different perspectives into the mix, ensuring the authenticity and richness of the narrative. Janice Y. K. Lee, author of the novel 'The Expatriates' which inspired the series, was also part of the creative process, providing invaluable insight into the expat experience through her work.
While the series explores profound themes and dives into harrowing emotional territory, Kidman found solace and support in her on-screen husband, played by Brian Tee. As they portrayed a couple grappling with the loss of their child, Kidman and Tee became each other's pillar of strength, forging a deep bond.
Kidman admitted that the role of Margaret took her to dark places, but she fully embraced the challenge. She believes in immersing herself in the scene and allowing the emotions to flow organically, creating a truly authentic and powerful performance.
'Expats' promises to be a thought-provoking and compelling series that not only showcases Kidman's talent but also highlights the complexities of expat life and the immigrant experience. With Wang's distinctive directorial vision and a diverse team of writers driving the storytelling, the series has the potential to shed light on the often overlooked aspects of expat communities and resonate with a global audience.
Disclaimer: This article was written using information from an Associated Press journalist, John Carucci, who contributed to the story from New York.
