Expats Explores Themes of Identity and Privilege in Amazon’s Adaptation of The Expatriates

Nicole Kidman takes on another haunting role in Amazon’s new adaptation of Janice Y.K. Lee’s novel The Expatriates. Titled Expats, the series explores the lives of three American women living in Hong Kong.

In the show, Kidman portrays Margaret, a grief-stricken expat who struggles to connect with her family. Sarayu Blue plays Hilary, Margaret’s friend dealing with marital issues, and Ji-young Yoo stars as Mercy, a young woman working catering jobs and wrestling with guilt.

The production of Expats has had its share of controversies and challenges. It was announced shortly after the premiere of Kidman’s hit show Big Little Lies and went through a lengthy development process that included the involvement of director Lulu Wang.

The filming took place amidst the COVID pandemic, and Kidman and some crew members received exemptions from quarantine rules upon their arrival in Hong Kong, leading to public scrutiny. The political climate in Hong Kong, with Beijing tightening its grip, also creates a complicated backdrop for the show’s release.

Despite these challenges, Expats attempts to delve into issues of privilege and identity. In the fifth episode, titled “Central,” the focus shifts to new characters and explores the lives of Hong Kong students and domestic helpers. This episode provides a glimpse into the political protests and tensions in the city.

Overall, Expats offers a thought-provoking exploration of the lives of expatriates in Hong Kong, with a stellar cast led by Nicole Kidman.