“The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart”: An Amazon Drama That Fails to Blossom

‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’ Fails to Blossom

TV Review By Alison Herman

In the recently released limited series, “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart,” Amazon Prime Video attempts to tackle the complex and sensitive topic of gendered abuse. Adapted from Holly Ringland’s novel of the same name, the show follows the story of Alice Hart, a young girl who moves to a wildflower farm with her estranged grandmother after the tragic death of her parents. The show delves into themes of trauma, family, and the power of communication through the language of flowers. However, despite its noble intentions, “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” falls short in its execution.

An Overcrowded Plot

One of the main issues with the series is the overcrowding of its plot. Over the course of seven episodes, the show introduces numerous subplots and twists that overshadow its deeper message. The pacing is uneven, with some story beats lingering for too long while others are rushed over. This lack of balance and focus hampers the realism and sensitivity required to effectively explore the lived experience of gendered abuse.

Misplaced Melodrama

“The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” often veers into melodrama, detracting from its intended realism. The series introduces unnecessary revelations about the characters’ pasts that come out of left field and lack a clear basis in what is shown onscreen. These melodramatic elements distract from the core narrative and undermine the emotional impact of the story.

A Comparison to ‘Big Little Lies’

A useful comparison can be drawn between “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” and another Australian book-turned-limited-series, “Big Little Lies.” Both stories explore the theme of intimate partner violence, but “Big Little Lies” demonstrates a more successful translation from page to screen. With its focused narrative and stylistic choices, “Big Little Lies” effectively conveys the hidden horrors of abuse.

Editorial

“The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” is a well-intentioned series that attempts to shed light on important issues. However, its overcrowded plot, melodramatic tendencies, and lack of narrative focus detract from its overall impact. To effectively explore the lived experience of gendered abuse, a more measured and attentive approach is required.

Advice

As viewers, we should approach shows like “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” with critical engagement. While it is commendable that such topics are being addressed in mainstream media, it is essential to examine the execution and delivery of these narratives. By holding creators accountable for the way they handle sensitive subjects, we can encourage more thoughtful and impactful storytelling.