Review: The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart - A Moving Drama with Abounding Mysteries

"The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart," a new miniseries, is a captivating drama filled with secrets, trauma, and beautiful cinematography.

Television shows often suffer from poor communication, with characters withholding information, telling half-truths, or outright lying. These communication issues are intentionally created by writers to add complexity to the plotlines of power dramas and comedies. While I understand that this is necessary for dramatic purposes, I can't help but get frustrated when characters refuse to speak up or tell the truth. The best policy, as these shows demonstrate through negative examples, is honesty.

"The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart," a new miniseries imported from Australia, is a prime example of a show that revolves around secrets, withheld information, and misrepresentations. Based on a novel by Holly Ringland and starring Sigourney Weaver, this seven-episode series takes its time in revealing its mysteries. Despite its slow pace, the show is sensitively written, expertly performed, and beautifully shot. The Australian landscape is showcased in a way that could easily serve as a promotion for the country's tourism. The melancholic mood is enhanced by the haunting music, which adds to the fragility and fleeting nature of moments of happiness. Ultimately, despite its melodrama, the series is deeply moving.

While lies and omissions play a central role in the show, the true subject of "Alice Hart" is trauma and the lasting effects of domestic violence. This theme is present from the opening scenes, which initially appear idyllic but soon reveal a darker reality. The story follows Clem, Agnes, and their daughter Alice, who live in isolation. Alice, who has no other human contact, finds solace in books, which become a recurring theme throughout the series. When Alice visits the library for the first time, her bruises are noticed by the librarian, Sally, who calls the police. This sets off a chain of events that leads to a fire and the subsequent rescue of Alice and her mother.

As the series progresses, it becomes clear that the focus is on Alice's journey of healing from trauma. Alice's grandmother, June, enters the picture and takes her to Thornfield, a flower farm that serves as a sanctuary for abused women. Flowers are not only used as metaphors in the show but also play a literal role, with the women being referred to as "Flowers" and a book of flowers with special meanings. At Thornfield, Alice meets June's wife, Twig, and their adopted daughter, Candy. The women at Thornfield nurture living things, in contrast to Clem, who carves lifelike wooden sculptures from dead trees.

After a time jump, we see Alice as a young adult, played by Alycia Debnam-Carey, escaping what was assumed to be paradise. She becomes a park ranger and encounters Dylan, a fellow ranger who is clearly trouble. Unlike the female characters, who have been shaped by trauma and have a chance at recovery, the male characters are presented without much context and seem to be engines of violence. Twig sets out to find Alice, while the lives of Sally, John, and June continue to unfold.

The cast of "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart" delivers uniformly excellent performances, with young and adult Alice carrying the weight of the story. However, it is particularly enjoyable to see Sigourney Weaver in a substantial role, where she doesn't overplay her assumed Australian accent. While the series may feel a bit long, the extra time allows us to spend more time with Weaver's character, June. Initially appearing stubborn and fixed, June's true nature is revealed through her backstory, leading to a much-needed reckoning with herself. Ultimately, as in any satisfying story, the truth will prevail.

In conclusion, "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant miniseries that explores the impact of trauma and the power of honesty. Through its beautifully crafted storytelling, excellent performances, and stunning visuals, the show captivates viewers and leaves a lasting impression.

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