'Expats' Episode 4 takeaway: Hillary Starr opens up about her rough childhood
HONG KONG, CHINA: The series 'Expats', starring Nicole Kidman and Sarayu Blue, is creating a significant buzz with its honest and unvarnished depiction of complexities in the lives of expatriates.
Directed by Lulu Wang, the Amazon series has already released three episodes, with each episode receiving praise reviews from fans.
In the latest episode, the series delves into the complex relationship between Hilary Starr (Sarayu Blue) and David Starr (Jack Huston). Their stark differences push them to the brink of separation.
Hilary, in a final attempt to salvage their connection, earnestly initiates a dialogue, seeking common ground. However, her efforts are met with disappointment as David displays a lack of interest.
The fourth episode, titled, 'Mainland', demonstrates Hillary's complicated relationship with her mother, Barinder (Sudha Bhuchar). As Barinder visits Hilary in Hong Kong, their interactions are marked by constant criticism
Barinder blames Hillary Starr for the collapse of her marriage
Barinder embodies the quintessential Indian-Punjabi mother, affectionately addressing her daughter Hillary by her true name, Harpreet. Playfully teasing her with humor upon their first encounter, Barinder nudges Hillary, affectionately reminding her of her unique quirks and traits.
Barinder expertly scrutinized every move Hillary made, from questioning her dental hygiene practices to expressing disapproval of her choice to wear flip-flops.
Her commentary extended beyond her daughter, as she playfully mocked Tilda (Jeniffer Beveridge), another foreign, particularly poking fun at her short hair.
As Barinder chatted away, the elevator suddenly stopped working, startling her. Tilda stepped in when Hillary was unable to continue the conversation in Cantonese, which allowed Barinder to make fun of Hillary's limited command over the language once more.
Upon learning about Hillary and David's separation, Barinder continues to highlight Hillary's shortcomings.
She attributes the breakup to Hillary's choice of not having children, insinuating that this decision played a pivotal role, urging Hillary to reconsider and start a family before her biological clock ticks away.
Hillary Starr confides in Tilda about her traumatic early years
Hillary, worn down by her mother's taunts, reveals to Tilda the hardships of her upbringing. She opens up about the changes she faced, recounting how her father subjected her mother to physical abuse, leaving her battered and bruised.
She revealed that she adopted the practice of using makeup from her mother as a way to conceal the bruises. The two of them turned it into a kind of ritual. Hillary remains perplexed as to why her mother had to endure such painful experiences.
Disturbed by her daughter's decision to share private information with an unknown person, Barinder acknowledges the difficulty of her situation, expressing a reliance on her husband and a sense of incapacity to live independently.
The elevator soon resumes its operation, and the three exit with Tilda bidding a sarcastic farewell to the duo. Despite Barinder expressing her desire to check into a hotel, Hillary complies, marking yet another instance of emotional blackmail.
Barinder insists on needing to use the bathroom and enters the house when Hillary doesn't positively to her actions. Finally, we witness Hillary embracing herself and her choices as she steps into the rain, enjoying the droplets with a smile.
'Expats' episode 4 is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.
