Series Review: "Olive Kitteridge" (2014).

"There's no such thing as a simple life" in Olive Kitteridge. This television miniseries directed by Lisa Cholodenko, adapted by Jane Anderson, and based on Elizabeth Strout's 2008 novel of the same name. A look at a seemingly placid New England town that is actually wrought with illicit affairs, crime and tragedy, all told through the lens of Olive, whose wicked wit and harsh demeanor mask a warm but troubled heart and staunch moral center. The story spans twenty-five years and focuses on Olive's relationships with her husband, Henry, the good-hearted and kindly town pharmacist; their son, Christopher, who resents his mother's approach to parenting; and other members of their community.

Shortly after its initial publication in 2008, Frances McDormand bought the film adaptation rights of the novel. She then hired Anderson to pen the adaptation, Cholodenko as director, and cast Richard Jenkins as Henry Kitteridge.

The film stars Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, Bill Murray, Zoe Kazan, Rosemarie DeWitt, Cory Michael Smith, Ann Dowd, and Jesse Plemons. The cast provides an insightful examination of town life through the prism of McDormand's character, with wicked wit and harsh demeanor mask a warm but troubled heart and staunch moral center, combines sardonic humor with poignant drama and comes up with a unique tone and style, in itself quite an accomplishment for any miniseries. Best of all, though, is Olive's introspection and the insight she provides about society and relationships. In the center of it McDormand occupies a place for her character and makes that place into a brilliant show of its own. There is nothing wrong with who she is and what she does, although all around her actors are cracking up in strangely written roles.

Worthwhile as both a well-acted ensemble piece and as a smart, warm statement on Americana town values, Olive Kitteridge is remarkable. It is a smart, brooding, fanciful character-driven ensemble piece about a New England town that is wrought with illicit affairs, crime and tragedy, all told through the lens of the show's titular character. It is fearless in its approach to storytelling and, far more often than not, succeeds in the risks it takes and there is much to admire about this series, including top-notch performances, artful direction and creative storytelling that employs various techniques. It centers on a family, but is not about one. It's a film about families in general, as well as communities in general, an institution with challenges that are universal. Just imagine: You're expected to live much, if not all, of your married life with another adult. We're not raised for this. I'm not sure there are many recent releases that understand and explore the American town dynamic better than this. That alone makes the film worth a look. Cholodenko gives so much depth and realism to this modern-day-American-town drama, you can feel the humanity pouring out of her for each one of these unconventionally authentic characters. It certainly got enthusiastic reviews, almost universally glowing notices about the rich characterizations and quirky humour shaped by the show's celebrated playwright and screenwriter, Jane Anderson, and director, Lisa Cholodenko.

Simon says Olive Kitteridge receives: