Nat Geo's 'A Small Light' Episode 2 Review: Miep finds different ways to skirt around the Nazis

'A Small Light' is based on a true story and brings to light the heroic contributions of Miep Gies
UPDATED MAY 2, 2023
Joe Cole as Jan Gies and Bel Powley as Miep Gies in 'A Small Light' (National Geographic)
Joe Cole as Jan Gies and Bel Powley as Miep Gies in 'A Small Light' (National Geographic)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The first two episodes of National Geographic's newest miniseries 'A Small Light' are as interesting as they are sad. The limited series is based on a true story and shines light on the heroic contributions of Miep Gies. The story highlights how the life of a carefree and young Gies changes overnight when she gets on a mission to protect Anne Frank and her family, and many others from persecution following the Nazi invasion of Holland. Episode 2 highlights how they prepare the Secret Annex and how they settle into the small space.

This episode brings out the best in the characters, while also delivering a story that is heartbreaking, as we know how it ends. Gies wasn't given credit for her contribution, and 'A Small Light' perfectly unearths a story that was waiting to be discovered for so long. 

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Frank family adjusts to the Secret Annex

Episode 2 starts with Miep (Bel Powley) going back into the house to find Anne Frank (Billie Boullet) waiting for her. Anne seems interested, she is curious about the world outside and wants to know everything that is going on outside their secret hiding space. She asks Miep what is going on outside and what her friends are upto. The episode seems slow, but it steadily brings out the best of the series.

While Miep becomes the heroine and makes up her mind to save people, she learns different tactics whenever she or anyone else has a brush with Nazis. Her character clearly potrays what the real Gies may have done and gives an idea of how she might have felt while doing something so brave. Her biggest test comes when she is tasked with getting Otto's daughter, Margot, past a Gestapo checkpoint unnoticed.

Who all will we see in the upcoming episodes?

There are many characters who will grace our screens from Episode 3. If you've read the book, you'd know that eight people were in the Secret Annex. As we see the series progressing, the cast will be joined by Caroline Catz as Mrs Van Pels, Noah Taylor as Dr Pfeffer and Andy Nyman as Mr Van Pels, who all become part of the Secret Annex community with the Frank family. 

Episodes of 'A Small Light' are available to watch as soon as they are released on National Geographic. You can catch the episodes a day later on Hulu and Disney+. New episodes drop every Monday.

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