The Miniaturist (2017) User Reviews

Miniature eeriness

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 2 January 2018]

Jessie Burton's 2014 debut novel 'The Miniaturist' does have a good deal to admire. Although some of the characterisation lacks depth (especially Johannes of the main characters), Burton's depiction of the 17th century Amsterdam setting is so attentive to detail that one feels like unseen observers of the action and the atmosphere has a real eeriness and mysteriousness.

Its 2017 adaptation does a very respectable job adapting it. There is a lot to admire and there are not a lot of adaptations that manage to be faithful in most detail and the spirit of the source material without being too faithful. 'The Miniaturist' manages this obstacle very well. It is easy to see why it won't click with some viewers. For a BBC period drama (or any kind of television period drama for that matter), it is quite unconventional, the setting is not one seen a lot, it's not adapted from the work of a famous novelist like Charles Dickens or Jane Austen, it's a slow burner and there are a few scenes not for the faintest of hearts.

'The Miniaturist' is not perfect. Telling who is who in the supporting roles is not easy at first, that and that it never quite overcomes the book's characterisation shallowness (Johannes did seem underdeveloped at first, and the supporting roles are fairly sketchy other than how they serve to the story and any important events), are the first half's only real problems for me.

Second half is very compelling and quality is extremely high throughout, but not everything felt resolved enough. The miniaturist explanation seemed half-baked, confused and needed more time than it had to explain it properly (flashbacks may have helped perhaps) and a couple of subplots like the sugar one didn't feel tied up enough and still felt hung open by the slightly abrupt end.

However, 'The Miniaturist' is hugely successful everywhere else. Visually it is quite an achievement. It's sumptuously shot, atmospherically lit and the period detail is like a puritan era-set/Rembrandt painting come to vivid life. The mix of austere and not-so-austere (with flashes of brighter colours in Nella's costuming) costumes was striking. The doll's house was beautifully designed and suitably mysterious, while the miniatures were exquisitely eerie.

Music score was understated yet hypnotic. The dialogue provoked thought and intrigued without letting go. It is very stirring and taut in the trial scene too. Where the 'The Miniaturist' (2017) really succeeds too is in the atmosphere, again advantaged by the source material. The story unfolds in a slow-burner way but the mysteriousness, subtle tension, eeriness and dark dread to me it didn't feel ponderous. The climactic moments are quite powerful, and, even though one wishes they could have gotten to know the characters more, it is hard not to feel that the outcome is an injustice.

Direction is atmospheric and draws out uniformly great performances from the cast. In particular Romola Garai, a revelation in a formidable but complex roles. Anya Taylor-Joy enchants and affects as Nella, avoiding making her too passive, while Alex Hassell is brooding and charismatic, particularly telling in the trial scene where Johannes makes a very persuasive case for himself. Hayley Squires is a spirited Cornelia while Geoffrey Streatfield brings authority to Frans, a character that part of you hates.

Overall, very well crafted and very admirable. 7.5/10 Bethany Cox

Some confusion among viewers?

[pmkearney · 8/10 · 17 September 2018]

There seems to be some confusion among British and American viewers writing here, yes? The 156-minute production seems to have been shown in two episodes on British TV while PBS is showing the production on Masterpiece in three episodes of 52 minutes each. No surprise there- think back to the showing of "Bleak House" and how it was presented quite differently to the two audiences in terms of episodes. BTW, it seems a fine production to me, not at all thin and poorly-conceived. Quite the opposite!

Guess what? There were homosexuals in the 17th century!

[sorrelloriginals · 6/10 · 17 September 2018]

Guess what? There were homosexuals in the 17th century!

It is very interesting reading the reviews for this series as they are all over the place from glowing to downright insulting. What I found a little peculiar was that a few people claim to be so "Deeply offended" and or shocked by the inclusion of scenes depicting homosexual relations between two men. I presume that this is in the original source material and of course is deeply essential to the plotline whether you like the plot line or not. Really in 2018 what is the big deal.? You know your son is not going to turn to be gay if he sees this on TV.

beautiful

[Kirpianuscus · 1 January 2019]

The basic source of seduction for this mini-serie is the atmosphere. As beautiful embroidery of cultural references, from Vermeer and Rembrandt to Victorian Gothic stories. The week point - maybe...atmosphere. More exactly, its pressure who seems transform the characters in clay sillhouettes. In essence, a beautiful adaptation , unrealistic in few points but real seductive for the flavors of a lost time. So, a sort of gem. Maybe not original but aestheticall at whole.

very good at first, but fails to keep its implicit promise

[cherold · 7/10 · 13 November 2020]

In The Miniaturist, a young woman marries a stranger and finds herself living in a mansion full of mysteries. After her new husband gives her a doll house, a creator of miniatures begins supplying her with prescient gifts for the house.

Looking like a Vermeer painting, full of mystery and portent, gorgeously filmed, with a beautiful sense of period, I loved the first half of this two-parter.

As the series moved into a second half in which the lack of character development became more noticeable, with main characters unexplored and some at-first intriguing characters fading from view, I became less enamored, although the story and style were still compelling.

The greatest disappointment was in the title character. My issue was less the explanation, which was underwhelming yet was a satisfactory reversal of direction, but in the complete lack of explanatory motive that made the core of the series seem like a cheap narrative device.

With no narrative or emotional core, The Miniaturist is a beautiful but hollow experience.

The cast is good and I enjoyed this for the most part, but when it was all over I just had a "that's it?" feeling.

I can't really recommend or not recommend it. It should have been better but overall it's still generally pretty good.

An interesting period drama.

[larmo · 6/10 · 27 October 2021]

This is an interesting and well acted drama. The directing and writing are also very good. The production values are quite striking because of the fidelity in representing the environment of the time in history that the drama takes place in. Further, while visiting Amsterdam Holland, I was able to visit a museum there that has the centuries old miniature houses that are like the one in this series. I find it interesting that this series could very well be a play, because there is a small cast of actors, and the events take place in mostly indoor settings. There are reviews that suggest that the central female character tends to have a modern woman's sensibilities and view point.

I think it is reasonable to believe that some women, through the ages, were very "modern" in their thinking. In researching the series. It is mentioned in the book that the series is based on. That there is a mystical element to the story, and that does impact the plot of the series. Where some questions aren't answered.

Beautiful production / weak script

[Pugboy75 · 7/10 · 17 March 2021]

The production of the Miniaturist is beautiful. 17th century Amsterdam is brought to life in glowing, flickering, and subtle shades. In episode 2, the food is a tantalizing still life - fruit and lobster never looked so delicious. The Miniaturist's scenes are beautifully executed, along with the fine acting from the ensemble cast. The radiant Taylor-Joy, who is in nearly every scene, tries to wring every ounce of humanity from her character. If only the production spent as much time and depth on script development and deeper character portraits. The Miniaturist is close to being outstanding, but lacks meat on the bone. We want to dive deeper into these characters' lives! There is a lost opportunity to make something exquisite here, which is a disappointment. However, with a running time just shy of three hours, brevity serves the Miniaturist well. Who would not want to be in a Vermeer painting come to life?

Mesmerizing - A beautiful, mysterious Vermeer brought to life

[mizhodes · 9/10 · 3 January 2018]

I started watching the first episode and did not move. It is beautiful. It is light and dark, funny and disturbing. It is worth the time and I will definitely watch it again. The acting was first rate, but the sheer beauty of the lighting and the sets, especially the miniature steals the viewer's attention.

Feminism theme; Good characters; Ineffective title

[chinesexiaomin · 7/10 · 14 January 2018]

I agree with the reviewer below who said that the miniaturist served nothing. If the core of everything is the miniaturist (not the miniatures !), the film could be titled as "the miniaturist"; while the core of the film is the girl Nella! Why isn't it called "Nella and her myserious miniatures" or something like that? I've never read the book, so I'm not saying about the book; Watching the film. when I first saw Nella (who seemed quite center-character like) I thought SHE was the miniaturist (because the title is The Miniaturist) but then oh no the miniaturist is just a mysterious girl served nothing. On the other hand, Nella is strong and not religion-baffled like Marin(though she is sort of a feminist too). The characters are charming, though Johannes is really dumb-like (while Frans is played rather convincingly here).

Captivating, decadent, a real treat.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 20 September 2018]

I absolutely loved The Miniaturist, I thought it engrossing, and enchanting. I'll admit, after ten minutes, I found myself thinking I wasn't going to get into it, as I'd hoped for a Ghost story, unaware of the very different direction it was going to head into.

Initially, I was struck by how incredibly beautiful it is, it is a lavishly produced drama, with incredible costume and set design. The production values are excellent, it is so well shot, so easy on the eye.

Superb acting, Anya Taylor Joy and Alex Hassell share the spoils, with the former shining initially, and the latter shining later on. In all fairness though, each cast member performs admirably, Romola Garai never fails to impress. Each character adds something, nobody just there to make up the numbers.

It has a mystery, and an intrigue, you're desperate to know who the talented, but well informed miniaturist is, but the main element I would say is the love story element.

The authentic Dutch settings add to the overall feel of it. I think this is a drama that will only improve on subsequent viewings. I loved it, 9/10.

Good realization of bad book

[elenaspetrovic · 7/10 · 3 August 2021]

I read a book and was disapointed. So I was were suprised to fond out there Is a miniseries. This ecranization follows the story well. People Are mad because of the ending, but when something Is based on the book you can't change it. You get what story From the book was.

A Feast for the Eyes

[friskyfeline213 · 9/10 · 27 February 2018]

It's as if Rembrandt and Vermeer have come to life. It's an engaging story beautifully told. I could go season 2.

Pour some sugar on me

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 17 May 2018]

An adaptation of Jessie Burton's novel. The Miniaturist tells the story of Petronella Oortman (Anya Taylor-Joy) an 18 year old woman married off to a wealthy sugar merchant, Johannes Brandt (Alex Hassell.)

She has moved from the provinces to the thriving city of Amsterdam and living in her husband's household run by her initially severe sister in law Marin (Romola Garai) which has two servants.

The house seems to contain secrets, her husband is rather reluctant to be with her but he does give her a dollhouse as a wedding gift. Petronella furnishes the doll house with miniature replicas that arrive as gifts. The miniaturist making the dolls may have a second sight as her real life replicas seems to betray what is being remain hidden in the household or maybe she has just observed what was there all along in plain sight.

Petronella tries to adapt to her new life, but she is doing so without her husband's love yet he is pleasant to her.

The series was gloomily lit to reflect Nella' mood. The photography and art direction are inspired by a Vermeer or Rembrandt painting. The series was unsure whether it was a supernatural drama with shades of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca or a story of a young woman being defiant as the household's dark secrets unfold but it did feel unsatisfying.

loved it

[zeikwijf · 10/10 · 28 November 2020]

I give it a 10, because this series has brought me everything I want in a movie. It has enthralled me, bewitched me, given me hours of pleasure. When the last shot expired, I immediately wanted to see it again, that's how much I loved it. After I gave the 10, I started to read the reviews and I felt really stupid. There they were: the flaws, the faults, the incongruencies, the anachronisms, the everything you name in order not to like a movie. I wanted to change my score, but then I thought: yes it has flaws - I would say: OF COURSE it has flaws. But must a movie be technically perfect in order to get a 10? No. It just has to bewitch you, just as this one did to me.

Now the peculiarities: What I found most frappant, is the appearance of the characters. I have lived for 37 years in Amsterdam and I can testify: especially Petronella has an absolute Dutch face! And I see every day lots of Marins in the streets. I was so puzzled by this that I stopped watching to check on the web if the actrices were Dutch! Which they aren't.

Yes, some of the reviews were correct, there are flaws. The scenery is not Amsterdam, it's Leiden (this is not a flaw by the way, it's perfectly normal to divert from the books actual place when it has become too modern to use for filming). The inside of the houses are not even Dutch. The houses at the Herengracht all have a specific Dutch position of the rooms. I didn't recognize this in the picture. But the wooden panels, the colours (grachtengroen!), the garments, all is absolutely recognisable as old Dutch (some of this still exist). A Dutch friend of mine pointed out that in real life, doll houses are modelled after (possibly) real existing buildings while as in the film, it is the other way round: the house is modelled after the doll house. And doll houses have to be broad. That would explain why the house in the film doesn't have the shape of a 'grachtenhuis' in Amsterdam.

Also true that the Dutch don't use "Señor" but perhaps they did back then in the XVIIth century in some cases? Because of the Spanish hegemony?

Lots of the critics appear to me as funded. But I got the feeling lots of them were outed by Americans, not Europeans. They say things like: "it's woke! There were no homosexuals in the XVIIth century" "Masters would never talk that way to servants" "A woman would never say "I can do this"" etc I think they are shocked by the modernity of the characters. It didn't bother me. Every film, even historical, is a product of its time: in hindsight you recognize the epoch it is made immediately. So its never truly historical, isn't it? It is, as best, historical as historically seen in the year of the making. So this series is a product of our time. Is it so bad? And furthermore: is it impossible for such characters to have truly lived at that time? There were homosexuals, there were intelligent girls like Petronella, there were slaves granted their freedom, and perhaps they didn't use the exact words The Miniaturist proposes, but perhaps a pair of them had those idea's, and ways? History doesn't recall all of the beings and all what they do, does it?

As for the servants and their straight forward ways, yes it's a bit modern, but near the end it becomes clear why they act like they do. It's a very special household.

Whatever. I started by saying I loved it, and love it I did. All of the above didn't manage a bit to refrain me from doing so. Thanks to writer and makers for their hard work.

THERE ARE 3 EPISODES, NOT JUST 2

[stuphill · 9/10 · 17 September 2018]

For everyone who believed episode 2 was the ending; it is not. There is a 3rd and final episode due to be on September 23rd, on PBS MASTERPIECE.

Excellent

[captainspaceship · 10/10 · 3 January 2018]

Brilliant tale, acting, direction and design. So the BBC can still do it after all!

Another tedious, revisionist period drama from the BBC

[korereviews · 4/10 · 7 January 2018]

The Miniaturist teases you with the prospect of a proper mystery, but delivers only a tedious soap opera revolving around a group of characters apparently designed by a BBC diversity commission.

Plausibility and realism are clearly not the priorities here: character 1) a freed slave/household servant who doesn't act like a servant but lips off the masters of the house, standing up for his rights and dignities in a way that makes us enlightened 21st-century folk feel great, but is radically unlikely for a 17th-century black man, and probably would have got him whipped or worse. Character 2) a homosexual man who supposedly has to hide his proclivities from society at large, but in fact spends nearly all his time having sex in semi-public places, resulting in his sexuality being known by pretty much everyone in town including, 3) his young wife, who after an extremely brief period of being upset about the fact that she was deceived into marrying a gay man, realizes that their marriage is not a lie, but just "different" and happily embraces the fact that her own sexuality and opportunity for motherhood has been effectively stolen from her. 4) The gay man's sister, who has her own dark secrets, namely, sleeping with a married man and getting pregnant. And so they all form a merry band of politically-correct 17th-century heros and fight against their common enemies (all the straight, white, non-adulterating people of Amsterdam). I'm personally pretty left-wing, but as a thinking person, I can't help but find this kind of heavy-handed liberal moralizing and historically-revisionist storytelling galling and offensive. And frankly, it just gives fuel to the right-wing wackos and so is counterproductive. With some subtlety and realism, these characters could have been portrayed to much greater effect.

On the upside, the visuals are lovely and the miniatures are exquisite. The performances are also solid. If you can turn your brain off while watching, you just might enjoy it.

Get it right

[careycarter-29045 · 28 March 2020]

While I found the movie not at all bad, I was irritated by the use of "Senor" and "Madame". The Dutch do not use these titles, they use "Meneer" and "Mevrouw". Surely this basic element of the spoken language of Dutch should not of been overlooked.

A beutiful story

[smario44-155-115679 · 9/10 · 1 June 2019]

A story and a beautiful intrigue and the costumes and set up of lights are exceptional !!!

love it

[iwonakuzmicka · 10/10 · 30 January 2018]

Very good series a lot going on in two episodes... which makes you glue to the screen

Should do a 2nd series/season

[cboylstein · 10/10 · 22 March 2021]

Now that we understand how Nella was the architect of her own fortune, the audience should get to see how the strong woman emerges into Dutch society. Deserves another 3 if Taylor-Joy is willing.

Really?

[Taxiridefan · 2/10 · 21 February 2018]

I watched the first episode and became wrapped up in the mysteries that surround the house and its inhabitants, the Mysterious Miniaturist and how they seemed to know everything that was going on within those walls. Then we get to the second episode and what do we get? Two characters are dead, there really was no big mystery to the Miniaturist, she was just observant and life will just go on. No mystery, no intrigue, just a flat ending. Watching this was like going to the symphony where it builds up to this huge crescendo and the end is someone blowing a party whistle. There was no point to any of it.

A Period Rarely Shown

[westsideschl · 8/10 · 22 September 2018]

Rarely, maybe twice or thrice in the past half century, do you get a movie centered about the 17th century Netherlands Golden Age of sciences, trade & the arts. Is it historically 100% accurate? No, but there was more than enough to give you some sense of the times. The film is centered around an Amsterdam trading household dealing in sugar (an appropriate hook for our times) in which our head male takes a young wife. The movie allows us to understand those times by looking though the eyes of our female lead which not coincidentally was going through female related issues similar to today. Yes, some females then were expressing independence. The households in those days were like little fortresses of protection from authoritarian adjudication. Especially religious turmoil between Protestants & Catholics.

The plot has a touches of thriller, layered intrigue, and mysticism. Again, a contemporary look/tone into the turmoils of that society.

The producer & director went to extraordinary lengths to make the sets, setting background, makeup, costumes, props (even the paintings on walls, and abundant mood fixing candle light) all period accurate. Most remarkable were the miniatures as proxies to our characters even to the clothing on these porcelain peoples.

Acting, was engaging, especially Anya Taylor-Joy, who fittingly looks like she modeled for the Dutch painter Vermeer's painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring".

excellently adapted

[mravawishes · 8/10 · 20 August 2018]

This is a bold, vibrant and well-woven take on burton's novel, and it succeeds in transcending much of the eeriness and atmosphere of the novel onto the screen. i loved the visuals and the portrayal of 1600s bustling, crowded city ruled by religion and money was downright exquisite. the scene of guild feast was particularly well-done.

it does alter the ambiguous ending of the novel slightly, making it more satisfying for tv audiences. i've no trouble recommending this 2-episode series: it is striking, memorable, and delivers some excellent performances, as well as lovely visuals. a delight to savour.

Well set

[priscillajshepherd · 9/10 · 1 October 2018]

This caputured me right from the start especially as the minitures started to arrive.., I really enjoyef the series but it was a sad 😞 unexpected ending that could of been better. If you didnt catchnon to the minitures being delivered and why you would of missed the plot