“Maid”

Maid portrays domestic violence and single parenthood with earnest sensitivity and honesty

By: Jun Lin

Content warning: subjects of domestic violence and abuse

“It’s not real,” Alex tells herself, “because he didn’t hit me.” She repeats this to a social worker, to a woman at a domestic violence shelter, to herself, over and over again like she’s convincing herself that it’s true.

“Maid” follows Alex (Margaret Qualley) from the moment she flees from her boyfriend (Nick Robinson) with their daughter, Maddy, after his threats come close, to physically harm both of them. No other option exists when her daughter’s wellbeing is at stake—it’s the final straw that sets the wheels of the show in motion.

Through small glimpses of her ever-unfurling memory, it reveals that she has been abused emotionally since her relationship began. The struggle to come to terms with this and ultimately recognize the signs of non-physical abuse carries over into each episode. It’s a personal journey of mourning, acceptance, and growth as she starts working as a full-time maid.

The use of surrealism and other creative decisions (a visible countdown of her money into the negatives, for example) reflect the abstract despair of her situation. Hopelessness, helplessness, loneliness—the pain isn’t gratuitous, and it cuts deeper than surface level. There are moments of true levity and joy, too, treasured with new friends and celebrated with the love she shares with Maddy.

Alex is anchored by her independence, built alongside those who truly support her until she unwaveringly believes in herself:

Yes, it is real.