Big Little Lies is a critically acclaimed drama series that explores themes of domestic violence, motherhood, and friendship through the lives of five women in Monterey, California. While it has received widespread praise, especially for its performances and its handling of sensitive topics, the series also has notable flaws, particularly in its one-sided portrayal of gender dynamics and its overt feminist undertones.
One of the recurring criticisms of Big Little Lies is the simplistic portrayal of the men in the series. Most of the male characters, like Perry (played by Alexander Skarsgård) and Nathan (played by James Tupper), are depicted as abusive, inept, or morally corrupt. The husbands often serve as antagonists or obstacles, with little depth or redeeming qualities. This stands in stark contrast to the female characters, whose mistakes and flaws are often treated with nuance or downplayed. Even when the women commit acts of deceit, violence, or manipulation, the narrative tends to smooth over these actions as minor or justified, offering them a level of sympathy that the men rarely receive.
Nicole Kidman's character, Celeste, while compelling, exemplifies this bias. In her custody battle against her late husband’s mother (played by Meryl Streep), she outmaneuvers her male lawyer, raising questions about competence and parental judgment in a legal setting. This dramatic courtroom sequence, while thrilling, can feel contrived in its agenda to demonstrate female resilience against male-dominated systems. Critics have noted that this aspect of the series feels more like a statement about feminism than an organic plot development, tipping the balance too heavily in favor of the female protagonists.
Despite its flaws, Big Little Lies does have significant strengths. The performances, especially from Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, and Nicole Kidman, are stellar, and the show effectively addresses critical issues like abuse and trauma. However, the overt feminist narrative can feel heavy-handed, leaving little room for more complex or balanced storytelling, particularly in its portrayal of men. While the series champions women, its tendency to paint men as one-dimensional villains undermines what could have been a more nuanced exploration of relationships and gender dynamics.