Netflix Pix: Maid

 

The Netflix limited series “Maid” should help to answer questions about why victims of domestic abuse don't just leave. It also touches on mental illness, alcholism, post-partum depression and several other difficult-to-deal-with issues. But, the series does all of this without being preachy or in-your-face.

The story centers on Alex, a young woman who, along with her toddler daughter, leaves her abusive, alcoholic partner although she has very little money and no job prospects. At different points during the series she tries turning to her “free-spirit,” unreliable mother; her father, with whom she hasn't had a relationship for quite some time; and even back to her partner, Sean. She turns to a shelter for abused women; she tries to get low-income housing; and she even spends one night on the floor of a ferry station.

She does manage to find a job with Value Maids, although she has to pay for her own cleaning supplies, and develops an interesting relationship with Regina, one of her wealthy clients. Besides Alex, Regina is the one character who grows the most. Seeing the changes in her are very satisfying.

During the course of the series it seems that every time Alex is about to get ahead another obstacle jumps into her way. Anyone who doesn't think this aspect of the series is realistic should ask someone who is trying to make ends meet. Anyone who is trying to make ends meet should point a well-off person toward this series and them to take notes and let it sink in.

As I mentioned, at one point Alex turns back to Sean. This happens just when I thought everything was going to turn around for her, and I kept saying – out loud – “No! No! Don't do it!” Spoiler: She does get away from him again.

Margaret Qualley is excellent as Alex. Her real life mother, Andie MacDowell, is extraordinary as Alex's mother, Paula. Nick Robinson as Sean and Anika Noni Rose as Regina are also outstanding.