Exposing the “lie”: uncovering abuse and misogyny in Big Little Lies

Abstract

Based on Lianne Moriarty’s 2014 novel, HBO’s Big Little Lies, intricate representation of feminist issues including childcare, careers, domestic abuse and assault has garnered critical acclaim in its acute portrayal of elements behind the exteriors not often glimpsed in television representations of motherhood, marriage and relationships. This article examines the series’ complex and sensitive depiction of domestic violence and sexual assault, illustrating the influence of the #MeToo movement on representations of feminist concerns in popular television series. The essay also denotes that the series reflects what I propose to call “conspicuous feminism” and further interrogates how the prominence of #MeToo raises its visibility while engaging with significant feminist themes. As a result, Big Little Lies’ undertaking of these themes can be largely prescribed to a conspicuous feminism that has commercial visibility and appeal in its resolute scrutiny of the circumstances of misogyny and abuse, though elements of race and class are not solidly addressed.