Amazon’s adaptation of Holly Ringland’s novel, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, features well-known stars Sigourney Weaver and Alycia Debnam-Carey, but it is the incredible performances by Alyla Browne and the stunning Australian sunsets that truly steal the show. Written by Sarah Lambert and directed by Glendyn Ivin, the adaptation is visually captivating and well-acted, but it struggles to fully capture the depth of the novel’s literary conceit. While the series tackles the generational legacy of abuse through powerful metaphors, its thin overall narrative and supporting characters often get overshadowed by the effort to visually represent these metaphors.
The story follows nine-year-old Alice Hart (Alyla Browne) who lives in a coastal town with her mother Agnes (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) and abusive father Clem (Charlie Vickers). After a tragic fire leaves Alice without her parents and unable to speak, she is taken in by local librarian Sally (Asher Keddie), but her grandmother June (Sigourney Weaver) suddenly appears, claiming to have never met Alice’s mother. Alice, who is both unable to speak literally and metaphorically, moves with June to Thornfield, a farm filled with literal and metaphorical flowers.
The literal flowers, which fill the fields and greenhouses of Thornfield, each hold a thematic meaning and serve as a way for people to express themselves when words fail. The metaphorical flowers are the women of Thornfield, who are survivors of abuse given sanctuary and the opportunity to nurture themselves alongside the literal flowers. While the series often comes across as heavy-handed in its symbolism and storytelling, it does succeed in portraying the complexity of psychological trauma and the cycle of abuse.
Within the series, Alyla Browne gives a remarkable performance as young Alice, conveying deep emotions without the need for words. She captivates viewers with her expressive acting, making even the smallest bursts of emotion impactful. On the other hand, Alycia Debnam-Carey’s portrayal of the older Alice feels scripted and less engaging. The plot relies heavily on three key lies and omissions which cause frustration as viewers wait for the eventual reveals. While the show aims to showcase psychological complexity, it struggles to achieve this through a simplistic story that stretches over seven hours.
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Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of June is nuanced and believable, capturing both her strength and the darkness that comes from trying to do the right thing. However, many of the supporting characters, including Twig (Leah Purcell) and Candy (Frankie Adams), are underdeveloped and do not receive the attention they deserve. It is disappointing to see marginalized female voices take a backseat, as these characters could have added more depth and complexity to the story.
Visually, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is stunning, with each frame artistically composed. The series frequently features picturesque sunsets and carefully arranged flowers to visually represent the emotions and messages that characters struggle to express. While the aesthetics are visually pleasing, they often overshadow the storytelling and character development. It would have been more impactful to trade some of the visual wonderment for a deeper exploration of the characters and their stories.
Despite its flaws, the performances by Alyla Browne and the breathtaking cinematography make The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart worth watching. The series tackles important themes of abuse and resilience, highlighting the need for understanding and compassion. However, the adaptation falls short in fully capturing the depth and complexity of the novel, leaving the viewer longing for a more nuanced exploration of the characters and their experiences.
