The Miniaturist is a three-part period piece that demands your attention, not necessarily because of the eloquence of its dialogue or the depth of its characters, but because of the careful intricacy of its set pieces, costumes, and performances. Taylor-Joy is like Vermeer’s Pearl painting come to life, while the dollhouse at the center of everything gives Barbie’s Dreamhouse a run for its money. The performances are aptly subtle and stoic, only going big when the event asks for it. Again, the writing and characterizations may leave you wanting more, but the performances, the details, and even the drama and mystery that move the whole thing more than make up for these low points.
Synopsis
A woman moves to live with her new husband in 17th century Amsterdam, but soon discovers that not everything is what it seems. Based on the adaptation by Jessie Burton.
Storyline
1686, Amsterdam. Nella (Anya Taylor-Joy) is wed to the wealthy merchant Johannes (Alex Hassell), but her eagerness for love is thwarted when she realizes just how many secrets Johannes and his sister are keeping from her.
TLDR
Anya Taylor-Joy’s face simply belongs in period pieces, doesn’t it?
What stands out
The gorgeous set pieces, especially the intricate doll house.