'Expats': A Tale of Motherhood, Privilege, and Grief in Hong Kong

Prime Video's new series explores the lives of three American women in Hong Kong, their struggles with personal issues, and the socioeconomic dynamics of expat life.

Prime Video's new series 'Expats', based on Janice Y.K. Lee's novel 'The Expatriates', follows the lives of three American women in Hong Kong, their lives intertwining after a tragic incident.
The series, directed by Lulu Wang, explores themes of motherhood, privilege, grief, and the resilience of Hong Kong against the backdrop of the 2014 Umbrella Movement.
Nicole Kidman plays Margaret, a mother grappling with the disappearance of her young son, Sarayu Blue plays Hilary, a career woman wrestling with a fractured marriage and fertility, and Ji-young Yoo plays Mercy, a college graduate living a life adrift.
Despite the series' visually stunning direction and interesting character interactions, critics note a lack of emotional connection to the characters and an overall lack of energy.
The series also highlights the socioeconomic dynamics of expat life, particularly the blurred lines between employers and household help, and the inherent class, wealth, and privilege structures within the expat community.