Reviewer Rating: 4/5.0
4
Although the show falls somewhere between a drama and a thriller, there are moments that make “Lady in the Lake” seem like a horror story.
Through some visuals and some well-timed music, the show conveys a palpable sense of unease.
Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram give career-defining performances in “Lady of the Lake.”
The show is adapted from Laura Lippman’s 2019 novel of the same name and perfectly depicts the themes of the book.
As a certified fresh drama, the Rotten Tomatoes consensus sums up Lady in the Lake pretty well.
“Full of riveting drama but muddled by digressions and flamboyant style, ‘The Lady of the Lake’ is a well-acted suspense drama with a lot of thought in it.”
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Lady in the Lake is the child of great acting and genius writing
Often, a series with two protagonists who never interact creates a lot of creative problems.
Since two different stories are happening at the same time, viewers want to see how their storylines relate to each other.
If the story lacks any type of correlation, it’s difficult to keep track of which character is experiencing which events.
In the case of “Lady in the Lake,” however, this apparent disconnect works to the show’s advantage.
Viewers can see the difference by letting Maddie and Cleo lead their own independent stories.
But most importantly, they also get to see how these two very different women are actually on the same path.
Regardless of race, religion or background, both women must confront the sexism and misogyny of this era.
A masterpiece for the senses, The Lady of the Lake immerses viewers in its unique story.
With just the right amount of background music at the right time, a line of dialogue can send shivers down the spine of your audience.
The Apple TV+ series has all the trappings of a best-selling novel, with storylines that jump from the page to the small screen.
If you’re obnoxious, it’s Miss Morgenstern
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In the last episode, I established that the central theme of the series is dreams.
This theme continues as Maddie strives to achieve the life she’s always dreamed of.
Her small apartment is in a troubled neighborhood and she seems happier than she has in a long time.
In addition, she not only entered the journalism industry but also obtained a formal position at a newspaper.
It also helps that she has a handsome lawyer taking care of her back and other body parts.
However, none of this helps her reconcile her old life with her new one.
Milton doesn’t even appear in this episode, leaving her son alone to judge.
I don’t know about any of you, but I almost jumped for joy when she finally beat the shit out of Seth.
That kid needs an attitude adjustment, but I like where things are going.
So now Mattie has her own place, her own job, and a man free from the constraints of law and religion.
But her happiness costs her Milton (Brett Gelman (Stranger Things)), Seth (Noah Jupe (Franklin)), and possibly the Jewish community after the Christmas Eve fiasco.
In a way, both women have something that the other lacks in their lives.
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Lady of the Lake may be sinking, but Moses Ingram will continue to rise as Cleo Johnson
Unlike Maddie, Cleo has the full love and support of her husband, children, and the majority of the black community.
But Cleo must fight hard to live the life she desires.
As much as she wants to be independent, the dream she clings to will eventually become her nightmare.
We already know Cleo is going to be murdered at some point, and I have to commend the writers for delaying that until Lady in the Lake Season 1 Episode 4.
However, this could mean we’ll see less and less of Moses Ingram’s career-defining performances.
Her calm and thoughtful attitude is a testament to the women of the time and their need to keep quiet.
Regardless of race, no one wants to hear what women in the 60s thought.
As we have seen, Cleo is a woman who does not need words to convey her message.
The question now is, what will happen to Slapp and the kids?
What is certain is that they will soon meet Miss Maddie Morgenstern.
Through these interactions, we might see Moses Ingram’s Cleo through one fever dream or another.
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Mr. Sandman, give me a dream. Makes him the sweetest man I have ever met.
It’s hard not to paint these rivals, rivals, and even foils in women’s lives as purely male.
However, all of the characters responsible for the misery in Maddie and Cleo’s lives are men.
That’s not to say there aren’t amazing male characters in this story to cheer them up.
Maddie has Officer Platt, who seems to genuinely care about her, aside from physical intimacy.
Cleo had Slap, and her sons, who not only appreciated their mother and wife, but recognized the impact their actions had on her.
However, for every Pratt, there is a Milton and Seth.
Every Slap will have a Shell and a Reggie.
Now that Cleo has escaped the assassination attempt on Myrtle Summer, it’s all up to Maddie.
We have a sneaking suspicion that things will turn out to be just as nightmarish for Ms. Morgenstern.
If her interactions with Stefan are any indication, the former housewife is in trouble.
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She’ll be investigating Shel Gordon’s dealings at a level of danger Madeline is definitely not used to.
Regardless, it will be incredible to watch Natalie Portman bring even more energy and excitement to the role.
I can’t wait to watch this acid trip into a not-so-mysterious murder thriller!
What do you think drew Maddie to Cleo’s murder?
Is there a connection between Tessie and Cleo besides Reggie?
Let us know in the comments below, and join me again as I review the next episode of Lady in the Lake!
