Bookish Stuff, Meme

Streaming Sunday – Lessons in Chemistry

Jonetta | Blue Mood Café

 

Streaming Sunday features TV series or movies adapted from books I’ve read, offered on at least one streaming service and I’ve watched.


Lessons in Chemistry is a period drama series based on the book of the same name by Bonnie Garmus. The 8-episode series was developed by Lee Eisenberg for Apple TV+ and began streaming on October 13, 2023. It stars Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott and all eight episodes are now available.

The series stays remarkably true to Elizabeth Zott and Calvin Evans as the main characters, two chemists working at Hastings Research Institute in the 1950s. However, it seriously departs from the book in other characterizations and tones down the misogyny and gender inequities. I’m not sure of the logic or reasoning behind those changes as it took out a lot of the emotional punch. But, the magnificence of Elizabeth Zott still shines brightly.

 


I loved the book, even when it made me angry or cry, so I was concerned about how the series would translate all of that on screen. While the unfairness of how women were treated in the workplace during that era was portrayed, particularly men’s traditional views of women’s role, it was severely watered down when it came to what happened to Elizabeth’s research and how it was co-opted. It was disappointing because I felt that was significant to the story but it didn’t detract from Elizabeth’s essence.

 

 

But the biggest changes involve the secondary characters, which dramatically alters the story. Calvin’s neighbor Mrs. Sloane is a much stronger, vivid character, completely revised from the book with her own secondary plot. The dog, Six Thirty, has an amazing storyline in the book but is much more muted in the series. However, Elizabeth’s daughter Madeline (Mad) is everything she was in the book, which was delightful.

 

 

There’s a lot the series gets right, including Elizabeth and the whole point of the story. One other thing that resonates beautifully is her television show. They nailed it. Bottom line…those who loved the book will also enjoy the adaptation to screen but may be wistful about some of the things missing or changed. I really liked the series, binging through it in two sittings and highly recommend it. Just loved the book more and strongly urge you read it first.

 

Published by Jonetta | Blue Mood Café

19 thoughts on “Streaming Sunday – Lessons in Chemistry”

  6. I loved the book and I love the show. Brie Larson is perfect as Elizabeth Zott. I will be watching the finale tonight. Great review as always, Jonetta!

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  10. I should get the book from the library shortly, then will watch the series. Too bad they downplayed the way women were treated and the misogyny that was present during that time, but maybe that was the only way they could get the series made. Thanks for this wonderful review of the mini-series, Jo.

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