“You have to do better” admonishes the doctor, after learning of Alex and her daughter Maddy’s black mold-infested living conditions. We witness the superhero strength and resourcefulness of this single mom as she works cleaning houses and struggles to escape a cycle of generational abuse in the Netflix drama MAID. The 10-part series is based on the New York Times bestseller Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land.
In her memoir Land states “I want those invisible, forgotten people, and their stories, to come into the light. I want them to feel seen. I want people to see them.” By sharing her story Land takes us into the relentless misery of the working poor in America. The ticking tally of Alex’s funds displayed in the corner of the screen further accentuates the desperation and tremendous difficulty of keeping herself and her child afloat.
In a scene near the end of the series, Alex admits to her writing group that “my happiest day hasn’t happened yet but it’s about to.” The day she describes to the group does come to fruition one day and it is a joyful stop on this incredible journey. Stephanie Land has blessed us all by sharing her story!
“You can recognize survivors of abuse by their courage. When silence is so very inviting, they step forward and share their truth, so others know they aren’t alone.” ― Jeanne McElvaney