REVIEW: Maid (2021)

For someone who doesn’t have the best track record of having the attention span to finish a series, it’s fair to say I was surprised to complete this 10-parter in a number of days – and I can 100% see why Maid reached number two in the UK on Netflix following its release.

The narrative follows a young woman who leaves her family home with her daughter after being subject to emotional abuse. It’s great to see Netflix sharing the story of a woman taking a stand against the awful treatment she’s received. With 48.4% of women having experienced at least one form of psychological aggression by an intimate partner during their lifetime, series like these have never been more important.

To see such a huge platform spreading the message that all abuse experiences matter – regardless of if the victim thinks others have it worse, or it isn’t bad because it wasn’t physical – is so important.

Not only does the series explore domestic abuse, but other thought-provoking themes like friendship, family, romantic relationships, parenthood, wealth and addiction. One of my key takeaways was based around friendship. Alex, the main protagonist, makes friends with two key characters throughout the storyline, and they play such an important role in what happens to Alex and, more importantly to her, her daughter Maddy. For me, the series shows just how important it is to be surrounded by friends you can rely on – and it makes you want to hug your own that little bit tighter.

I would hate to spoil anything for you, but if you don’t find Alex’s mum to be the most frustrating character after you’ve finished watching, I have some serious questions. You’ll grow to have a love-hate relationship with her, for sure.

Each episode provides something new and will keep you second guessing about what’s coming next. You root for Alex from the very first episode and I, for one, grew to see her as a friend. She portrays the perseverance we should all aspire to have in life – as well as proving you shouldn’t give up on your own hopes and dreams because of someone else.

One takeaway, which I’d argue resonated with me the most, is the importance of writing. As a journalist and writer myself, of course I can empathise with the fact it provides you with an outlet to express yourself and how you truly feel – but it went beyond that. It took me back to my childhood, when I’d fill notebook after notebook with scribbles and thoughts. Anyone who knows me well knows I’m a stationary hoarder, but, growing up, putting pen to paper was always a way of getting everything out there, without actually having to say a word. I’m sure the series has inspired many people to resurrect their diaries.

Maid is a definite must-watch in my eyes.

Edited by Hannah Youds