Expats trailer: Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue starrer sets off a chain of life-altering events

Prime Video has unveiled the trailer for Expats, a six-part limited series set to premiere on January 26, 2024. Based on Janice Y. K. Lee’s bestselling novel The Expatriates, the show follows the intricate lives of American expatriates in Hong Kong. The series is set amid the vibrant backdrop of 2014 and will narrate the stories of three women—Margaret, Hilary, and Mercy.

Expats trailer features life-altering moments

The nearly three-minute-long trailer introduces us to Margaret, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, an American expatriate navigating personal tragedy in Hong Kong. Supported by Hilary (Sarayu Blue) and Mercy (Ji-young Yoo), Margaret seeks healing and a sense of self beyond her tragedy. However, the narrative takes a twist when Mercy's involvement in Margaret's tragedy is hinted at, adding intrigue to the storyline.

Official synopsis of the series reads, "Set against the complex tapestry of Hong Kong residents, Expats depicts a multifaceted group of women after a single encounter sets off a chain of life-altering events that leaves everyone navigating the intricate balance between blame and accountability."

Controversies surrounding Expats

Despite much anticipation, Expats encountered its share of controversies during production. Kidman's exemption from Hong Kong's strict quarantine measures and filming amid the city's ongoing political unrest sparked criticism. Reports surfaced claiming Kidman walked off the set prematurely, an assertion refuted by Amazon Studios.

Lulu Wang's debut TV project

Renowned for her 2019 film The Farewell, Lulu Wang spearheads Expats as showrunner, writer, and director—marking her first venture into television. The series boasts an impressive lineup of executive producers, including Kidman, Alice Bell, Melanie Marnich, and others. Janice Y. K. Lee, the author of the source material, also contributes as a producer.

Set amid the vibrant backdrop of 2014 Hong Kong, Expats revolves around the lives of three American women—Margaret, Hilary, and Mercy—whose paths converge following an unexpected family tragedy. The series aims to dissect privilege while exploring the blurred lines between victimhood and accountability.

The cast features Brian Tee as Margaret's husband, Clarke, and Jack Huston as Hilary's husband, David. Additionally, Kidman and Wang serve as executive producers, with Wang contributing as creator, director, and writer for the series.