Lessons in Chemistry is an eight-part adaptation of the Bonnie Garmus bestselling novel of the same name. The series was adapted for Apple TV+ by Lee Eisenberg, and it stars the Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson as a brilliant chemist constantly underestimated because of her gender. And because she lives in the 1950s.
Where can you watch Lessons in Chemistry in the UAE?
Lessons in Chemistry is now streaming on Apple TV Plus in the UAE. There is no free trial currently available for Apple TV in the UAE, but if you buy an Apple device such as an Apple TV or an iPhone, you also get free access to the platform for a limited time.
The series starts with Elizabeth Zott (Larson) hosting her highly popular cooking show, where she’s about to show her housewife audience how to make the perfect lasagna. Our protagonist is so beloved by her adoring fans that they queue outside the television studio hoping to sit in the audience.
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Elizabeth starts getting close to Dr Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman), the only person at Hastings who is her intellectual equal. As the institute’s shining star, Calvin has access to the most resources and his private lab. When Elizabeth borrows some of his solutions for her outside-of-office-hours research, he instantly assumes she’s a secretary. He eventually realizes his mistake, apologizes, and a friendship evolves.
Calvin is close to his neighbour, Harriet Sloane (Aja Naomi King), who is facing her fight for equality when their neighbourhood is about to be torn apart by the construction of a new freeway.
As Elizabeth and Calvin start working together on some highly scientific research, the chemistry between them is undeniable. They fall in love and move in together until tragedy hits. There’s also an adorable dog thrown in the mix. (In the novel, the dog talks, but in the series, he’s limited to an internal voice).
A compelling period drama
While it took some liberties with the story, the series does follow the book closely enough and Elizabeth’s compelling story. Brie Larson’s portrayal of the scientifically-minded lead character is excellent. She conveys Elizabeth’s awkward, not-like-other-girls personality without forgetting to show viewers the character’s vulnerability. Elizabeth likes science and logic, but she’s also caring with a soft spot for her pooch.
Set in the 50s, the show captures the era’s allure through sets and costumes. It’s part romantic comedy, part drama, and includes some clever social commentary in the narrative. While the series takes some swipes at social issues, this is primarily a sweet story about a woman’s perseverance in achieving her goals despite adversity.
Lessons in Chemistry is a light drama with relatively low stakes and (mostly) endearing characters. The show benefits from an excellent cast, and the cinematography does justice to the period it portrays.
What are the other critics saying about Lessons in Chemistry?
Movies and Munchies loved the series and described it as “enthralling.”
Nextfilm praised the series based on the first two episodes and is looking forward to watching the rest of the show.
Lori C
Lori C. is an entertainment writer who studied Film and Television at University. She watches and reviews films and series from most genres, but some of her favourites include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, The Handmaid’s Tale, Westworld, and True Blood.
