When Does The Little Things Take Place?
The Little Things is a psychological thriller television series that premiered on Netflix in 2018. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Marissa Stapley and follows the story of a young woman named Nancy Rhoden who returns to her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, after her husband’s murder. The series explores themes of grief, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships.
Plot Overview
The story begins with Nancy Rhoden (played by Ruth Wilson) returning to her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, after her husband’s murder. The police investigation that follows reveals that Nancy was the last person to see her husband alive, and she becomes the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, Nancy‘s past is revealed, and she is forced to confront the secrets and lies that have haunted her family for years.
Main Characters
- Nancy Rhoden (played by Ruth Wilson): The protagonist of the series, Nancy is a complex and multi-dimensional character who is driven by a desire for justice and revenge.
- Tom Rhoden (played by Sam Claflin): Nancy‘s husband, who is initially portrayed as a charming and successful businessman. However, as the series progresses, his true nature is revealed, and he becomes a key player in Nancy‘s investigation.
- Liz Rhoden (played by Helen Mirren): Nancy‘s mother, who is a complex and troubled character with her own secrets and motivations.
Themes and Symbolism
The Little Things explores several themes, including:
- Grief and Trauma: The series delves into the emotional and psychological impact of trauma on individuals and families.
- Family Secrets and Lies: The show highlights the complexities of family relationships and the ways in which secrets and lies can destroy lives.
- Justice and Revenge: Nancy‘s desire for justice and revenge drives the plot of the series, and the show raises questions about the morality of seeking revenge.
Symbolism and Imagery
The series features several symbolic elements, including:
- The Old Mansion: The mansion where Nancy‘s family has lived for generations is a symbol of their wealth and privilege. However, it is also a place of dark secrets and lies.
- The River: The river that runs through Birmingham is a symbol of the city’s history and the flow of life. It is also a place of transformation and change.
- The Flowers: The flowers that Nancy finds in the woods are a symbol of her desire for beauty and innocence. However, they also represent the violence and trauma that she has experienced.
Episode Structure
Each episode of The Little Things is self-contained, but they are also part of a larger narrative that explores the themes and characters of the series. The show features a mix of flashbacks, present-day scenes, and flash-forwards, which adds to the complexity and depth of the story.
Significant Events
- Nancy‘s Return to Birmingham: The series begins with Nancy‘s return to her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama**, after her husband’s murder.
- The Police Investigation: The police investigation that follows reveals that Nancy was the last person to see her husband alive.
- The Discovery of the Body: The discovery of the body of Tom Rhoden, Nancy‘s husband, sets off a chain of events that drives the plot of the series.
- The Confrontation with Liz: Nancy confronts her mother, Liz Rhoden, about her involvement in her husband’s murder.
Conclusion
The Little Things is a complex and thought-provoking series that explores themes of grief, trauma, and family secrets. The show features a strong performance from Ruth Wilson, who brings depth and nuance to the character of Nancy. The series is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and is sure to leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.
Table: Main Characters
| Character | Played by | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nancy Rhoden | Ruth Wilson | The protagonist of the series, a complex and multi-dimensional character driven by a desire for justice and revenge. |
| Tom Rhoden | Sam Claflin | Nancy‘s husband, who is initially portrayed as a charming and successful businessman. However, as the series progresses, his true nature is revealed, and he becomes a key player in Nancy‘s investigation. |
| Liz Rhoden | Helen Mirren | Nancy‘s mother, a complex and troubled character with her own secrets and motivations. |
Table: Symbolism and Imagery
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| The Old Mansion | A symbol of wealth and privilege, but also a place of dark secrets and lies. |
| The River | A symbol of the city’s history and the flow of life. |
| The Flowers | A symbol of beauty and innocence, but also a representation of the violence and trauma that Nancy has experienced. |