Currently streaming on Netflix, Pieces of Her is a suspense thriller series based on the eponymous novel by Karin Slaughter. It has all the elements of thrilling storyline, murder mysteries and complex characters with the backdrop of dysfunctional family dynamics.
The story begins with Andy who is living a listless and lonely life at her mother’s outhouse. Her mother- Laura works as the speech therapist and is very good at her job. Both of these women look so different in nature and temperament. Although there is a bonding between them specially valued by Andy because of Laura’s recent health problems; still, viewers tend to find them living with some aloofness.
However, their world is not limited to themselves only as Laura’s ex-husband and Andy’s stepfather- Gordon is still on friendly terms with his earlier family and they have a regular visitor- Charlie who is almost like a father figure to Andy from her childhood. This humdrum routine suddenly changes one day when Laura manages to tackle a mentally unstable man at a local restaurant in quite a professional manner.
This raises questions about her true backstory not only from the curious media people but also from Andy. This unwelcome sudden fame opens doors to mortal dangers for Laura, Andy and all those people whom they value so much. But why? Who is the real Laura?
Viewers are baffled by these questions and might find the successive onslaught of assassination attempts a bit confusing. But soon things start clearing up as the fog settles over Laura’s past and her real background story.
Thus the storyline takes us to the Queller mansion where we meet the eccentric and complex members of the Queller clan. This famous and wealthy family having made a fortune in pharmaceuticals is headed by Martin Queller. He is equally famous for his ruthless business practices and egotistical behaviour. After death of his wife, he is more or less in charge of his three children. Out of these, the elder one- Jasper is dreaming up of inheriting his father’s position and fortune, the middle son- Andrew is wasted on drugs and empty activism but Martin’s favourite is his youngest child, his only daughter- Jane whom he is driving to become a successful pianist.
Things start going really southward soon because of Andrew and his extended circle of friends. Tired by her father’s relentless pushing to practice and practice more for achieving the perfection in her pianist’s career; Jane leans on her middle brother’s shoulder, only to be caught in the storm brewing in her family.
Indeed it is very interesting to watch this entire saga unfolding on the screen and to understand how stubbornly can the past pull back the present. The plot line with its many twists and turns where the mother-daughter duo finally fit all the pieces of puzzles only to lead towards an equally uncertain future is worthy of a one time watch. It has been made binge watch worthy with superb acting chops displayed by Toni Collete and supported by a talented cast. This series is surely worthy of your time, go for it!!
