In Shailene Woodley’s latest project, the television series “Three Women”, she plays journalist Gia Lombardi, who takes it upon herself to write a transformative piece about sex in America. However, the idea seems too wide in context for Lombardi, with the focus appearing to be on the author’s audacious goals rather than the subject matter itself. Readers may find this reminiscent of the 2019 best-selling book “Three Women” by author Lisa Taddeo, which was criticised for making broad statements about women’s sexuality and trauma based on a limited number of cases.
Despite its ambitious start with Lombardi’s grand assertion, the TV adaptation of “Three Women”, also helmed by Taddeo and aired on Starz, soon expands beyond its initial onset. Surprisingly, a switch in format provides Taddeo’s characteristic attention to detail as well as the requirement for multiple viewpoints. This enables a shift from experiencing the protagonists of “Three Women” through Taddeo’s prose to understanding them via the performances of the actors and the directors who shape the visual narrative of their affairs and related contributors. And what’s another way to delve into a topic as inherently tactile as sex?
Lombardi’s subjects carry pseudonyms that are mirrored from Taddeo’s book. There’s Lina (Betty Gilpin), a housewife from Indiana who distances herself from her indifferent husband to rekindle an affair with a high school flame who is now married. Sloane (DeWanda Wise) is a captivating entrepreneur from Martha’s Vineyard who seemingly thrives on her spouse’s voyeuristic tendencies. Then there’s Maggie (Gabrielle Creevy), a young woman from North Dakota who chooses to accuse her former school teacher of engaging in an affair when she was minor, which features both Maggie and teacher Aaron Knodel’s real names.
The TV adaptation exhibits significant character changes; being predominantly white, the characters in Taddeo’s book presented a certain roadblock to her objective of drawing broad themes from unique narratives. For the series, however, Sloane and her husband Richard (Blair Underwood) are portrayed as African Americans, which provides an added layer of contextual depth to her character.
Across the stories of Lina, Sloane, and Maggie, the defining feature is the depiction of intimacy. It presents sex scenes that evolve over ten minutes or more. This length gives occasions from the initial attraction to hesitant involvement to total abandon and back again.
Another focal point of the series is Lombardi’s voice-over, which eventually merges into her physical appearance. The series uses Lombardi as a type of fourth woman character who is loaded with her own versions of a troubled past and relationships. In contrast, the character arc of Lombardi ends rather abruptly, leaving some critical facts vague.
Yet what Lombardi, and Taddeo before her, has found on her cross-country investigation is worth mentioning. Gilpin energizes Lina’s journey of self-discovery, clearly highlighting her journey is far more about reviving her pleasure than her dispassionate, cheating partner.
As to represent its subject matter authentically, “Three Women” impacts by exploring the complexities of its characters, instead of lumping them together with broad strokes. The series is effective as each of the trio is their own universe, with Lombardi serving as the guide.
To experience “Three Women”, the first episode is now available for streaming on the Starz app, with new episodes releasing every Friday.
FAQS:
1. Who stars in the television series “Three Women?”
The series stars Shailene Woodley, Betty Gilpin, DeWanda Wise, and Gabrielle Creevy.
2. Where can I watch “Three Women?”
“Three Women” is available for streaming on the Starz app.
3. Is “Three Women” based on a book?
Yes, “Three Women” is a TV adaptation of a best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo.
4. What is the main theme of “Three Women?”
The series explores the intimacy and sexual relationships of three different women in America.
5. Who are the three women in the series?
The three women are Lina, an Indiana housewife, Sloane, a Martha’s Vineyard-based entrepreneur, and Maggie, a young woman from North Dakota.
Credit: variety.com
