The Miniaturist tells the story of 18-year-old Nella, who moves to Amsterdam after marrying a wealthy merchant named Johannes Brandt. She expects to reunite with her husband but instead meets his sister Marin and their two servants, Cornelia and Otto. The initial reception is cold, but Nella receives a dollhouse replica of their home from Johannes as a wedding gift. She then hires a mysterious miniaturist to furnish it.
The story unfolds as the miniaturist sends lifelike gifts that replicate items and people in the house with intricate detail. These gifts start to predict the future, leading Nella to uncover mysteries about her new home and the miniaturist. As danger increases, Nella faces the challenge of saving or destroying everyone involved.
Based on Jessie Burton’s bestselling novel, The Miniaturist is a beautifully crafted production with impressive sets and costumes. The meticulous costume design is particularly noteworthy, contrasting Marin’s Puritan attire with Nella’s vibrant, youthful clothes. Nella’s bold colors often stand out, reflecting the characters’ moods and the scene’s emotions.
Every scene is filled with tension, with characters openly hiding secrets. The initial excitement of Nella’s journey quickly turns into suspense as she enters her new home. Her life appears even more uncertain after marriage, heightened by the prophetic gifts from the miniaturist. These gifts eerily resemble actual objects or people, leading to constant speculation about whether they are clues or warnings. The miniaturist’s motives remain questionable until the end.
The cast excels in amplifying the emotional depth of the scenes. Anya Taylor-Joy plays Nella, but Romola Garai truly shines as Marin. Garai’s performance is compelling, showcasing her clear disdain for Nella and her need to control her brother’s household. Marin’s subtle jabs and petty acts, like providing wrong measurements for Nella’s gowns, add depth to her character. Paapa Essiedu also stands out as Otto, bringing a calm presence amid the unfolding drama. Hayley Squires and Alex Hassell complete the cast as Cornelia and Johannes. Unfortunately, the chemistry between Taylor-Joy and Hassell sometimes feels lacking, but the overall ensemble performance lifts the series.
While The Miniaturist is engaging, it does progress slowly, which might test the patience of some viewers. However, fans of BBC’s period dramas will likely appreciate this new addition.
You can watch The Miniaturist online with a PBS membership or catch it during limited reshowings on your cable service. Be aware that the show contains mild sexual content and some gore and violence.
Did you watch The Miniaturist? What did you think? Did you also find it slow at times? Feel free to share your thoughts!
