The Miniaturist

The Miniaturist is a visually striking, suspenseful three-part drama series aired on PBS in 2017. Derived from Jessie Burton's best-selling debut novel of the same name, the series is set in 17th century Amsterdam and follows the strange occurrences and conspiracies enveloping a wealthy merchant's family. The narrative offers a fascinating insight into a society heavily dominated by restrictive social norms, oppressive religious beliefs, and wild superstition - all against the backdrop of a rapidly flourishing global trading hub. Our protagonist, Petronella Oortman, played by talented actress Anya Taylor-Joy, enters the storyline as a naive 18-year-old girl from the countryside. Her life drastically changes as she gets married off to Johannes Brandt, a rich and refined Amsterdam merchant more than twice her age. Johannes is played by Alex Hassell, who holds his mysterious character with great composure, reflecting the character's inner complexities. Petronella (or Nella, as she's affectionately called) arrives at her husband's grand canal house to find him missing and in his stead, she's greeted by his harsh and domineering sister, Marin Brandt, portrayed by Romola Garai. Nella soon learns that her marriage has plunged her into a vortex of secrets, oppositions and struggling dominance within the Brandt household. One of the significant elements of The Miniaturist's plot surfaces when Johannes gifts Nella a peculiar wedding present: an elaborate, intricate dollhouse that's a perfect miniature replica of their own home. The initially delighted Nella employs a miniaturist to furnish the dollhouse, but things take a turn for the creepy when the miniaturist begins to deliver incredibly accurate, unrequested models mirroring the secrets and events occurring in the Brandt household. The enigmatic miniaturist becomes a critical influence, supplying her with pieces that predict and unravel the hidden facets of the familys' life. This element adds a layer of supernatural intrigue to the series, heightening the suspense and validating the tagline "things are not what they seem". The presence of a dollhouse, so intricately designed and mysteriously knowledgeable, serves as a symbolic representation of Nella's own situation – a young woman navigating a world arranged and restricted by others, filled with facades and concealed truths. It underscores the series central theme of control and manipulation, specters of fate, and the hindrance of freedom. The Miniaturist is a standout production that skillfully balances elements of a historical drama with chilling mystery. Narratively, it explores themes of gender, power, freedom, and the forbidden. The narrative is rich with subplots of familial tension, economic ambition, forbidden love, and dedication to societal norms and religion in the Dutch Golden Age. Visually, the series is a marvel, going to great lengths to capture the essence of 17th-century Amsterdam. The gritty streets, bustling canals, decorative interiors, grand buildings, and opulent costumes keep you rooted in the historical setting. Moreover, the meticulous representation of the miniatures and the mysterious dollhouse further enhance the visual storytelling. You'll find yourself drawn to the dainty details and uncanny resemblances that, despite their tiny sizes, play monumental roles in the progression of the plot. The show's pacing maintains an even distribution of tension and surprise, making sure you stay hooked on the puzzling mystery. Combined with an eerie score and striking cinematography, it ensures that the suspense doesn't wane, and the twists are well-earned. Overall, The Miniaturist on PBS is a narrative that beautifully amalgamates historical drama with psychological thriller elements. The exceptional cast imbues their characters with a depth that keeps the viewers emotionally invested. And with the luxurious, intricate production design reflecting the opulence and austerity of the period, it is a series that is as eye-catching as it is thought-provoking. It is an intriguing exploration of wealth, class, love, and the price of freedom in a society wrapped in pretense and restrained by strict codes of conduct.

The Miniaturist is a series categorized as a currently airing. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 3 episodes, the show debuted on 2018. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 7.0.