Natalie Portman and Apple TV+
Natalie Portman has joined the ranks of A-listers who have tried their hand at the world of Apple TV+, but unfortunately, it seems she may have missed the mark with her latest venture. Lady in the Lake, a new crime thriller series, stars Portman in her first leading role on a television show. However, the show has been met with lukewarm reviews, leaving Portman trapped in a role that fails to showcase her talents.
The Plot of Lady in the Lake
The show is set in 1966 Baltimore and follows the story of Maddie Schwartz, played by Portman, a dissatisfied housewife who stumbles into a murder mystery that could fulfill her dreams of becoming a star reporter. The series also focuses on Cleo Johnson, portrayed by Moses Ingram, whose story runs parallel to Maddie’s. Both women face their own challenges and hardships, with a promise that their paths will eventually intersect.
Struggles of the Characters
While the show attempts to establish that both Maddie and Cleo’s stories carry high stakes, it struggles to convince viewers of the significance of their eventual meeting. Maddie’s self-centered actions and questionable decisions make it difficult to root for her character, especially when contrasted with Cleo’s genuine hardships and struggles.
Exploring Identity and Marginalization
Lady in the Lake delves into the identities of its characters, highlighting Maddie’s Jewish background and Cleo’s Blackness. However, the show sometimes comes across as heavy-handed in its attempt to draw parallels between the two women, relying on surface-level similarities rather than deeper connections.
Critique and Analysis
If Lady in the Lake focused solely on either Maddie or Cleo, it may have lacked depth and substance. The show’s storytelling structure, coupled with occasional moments of surrealism and gore, attempts to set it apart but often feels disjointed and out of place.