To wander to a world where women’s emotions, desires and traumas are laid bare is almost foreign. But that’s where Three Women –and their story– brings us. The series, currently streaming on Starz, with new episodes every Friday, is opening conversations at work places, in group chats, and within ourselves about the cost and consequences of our sexual and emotional desires. Since the debut in September, critics and viewers alike have been united in their praise of the series and its deft adaptation of the beloved book of the same title. Each of the three main characters enjoy a distinct coven of fans, but all are equally praised for the vagina monologues they inspire, from one-night stands to miscarriages and more.
What is it about these three women that feel so familiar, yet brings the audience to new territory?
‘Three Women’ • Photo courtesy Starz.
Well, Gia could have the answer. Afterall, she is the foundational character, the narrator and the fourth woman. Her research and writing take her from New York to Indiana to North Dakota to Martha’s Vineyard, and along the way we discover she is a teller of stories only running away from her own. Ultimately through her quest, we meet Lina, a housewife suffering a serious case of unrequited love. Her resourcefulness in finding release continuously resonates with the audience, married or not. And Sloane, a wife, mother and entrepreneur who allows neither role to define her sexual boundaries. Liberated, luxurious and fully leaning into her lust, she appears to be the most aspirational of them all. And Maggie, the youngest and humblest of the characters here, who emerges the hero. Her tale – her trauma, her truth– ties all three women together, and binds the audience too, in a resolute and thrilling climax towards personal freedom.
Ironically, this modern feminist revolution was almost not televised.
‘Three Women’ • Photo courtesy Starz.
The book was released by Simon and Schuster in 2019 to rave reviews and immediately snagged Narrative Non-Fiction Book of the Year at the 2020 British Book Awards. Three Women received an instant following of readers who connected with this unique tribe and their bittersweet stories. When the series was initially announced as a Showtime series, scheduled to debut on January 20th, 2023, the interest was palpable. But once completed, the series was shelved.
Starz Network soon swooped in and gave the series, starring Shailene Woodley as Gia, Dewanda Wise as Sloane, Betty Gilpin as Lina and Gabrielle Creevy as Maggie, a second chance. The main cast is rounded out by a coterie of Hollywood vets and newbies, ranging from Blair Underwood to John Patrick Amedori. The adaptation of the book does these talented actors justice, not just with an authentic script, but with authentic sets and wardrobe that subtly amplify the soul of each character. From Lina’s smart, efficient, functional clothing and beautiful suburban home, which is surprisingly central to her raison d’etre; to Sloane’s lavish style and sumptuous Martha’s Vineyard mansion, the backdrop to both her cumming and her undoing; to Maggie’s casual duds and cozy, yet suffocating, home, quietly highlighting her angst and discontent.
‘Three Women’ • Photo courtesy Starz.
Visually and intellectually their stories –and the series– are stimulating in ways much more than sexual. In between the raw scenes of lovemaking, self-pleasure, orgies, and assault, are nuanced narratives about the emotional highs and lows that brought these women to bed. Lina’s silent relationship with her husband fuels her rebellion and revelations. Sloane’s demanding relationship with her mother, who seems to cut her down at every turn, gives us insight on her wanderlust. Maggie’s whirlwind relationship with her parents takes her from abandonment to suffocation. Not to mention Gia’s growing and sinking and growing relationship with her lover…The richness and the range of their tales, their traumas and the truth quite literally suck you in from the first episode to the last.
Different as each woman is, they are united as a triptych that highlights the vulnerable and valiant places your vagina will go. They are simpatico in speaking to the release and renewal that honesty and transparency with yourself can bring. And combined, they are a force that makes us look at our actions and desires, squarely in the face –or penis. Whichever comes first. It’s cheeky. It’s humbling. It’s racy. It’s hard. It’s soft. And based on where you are on your own journey, this groundbreaking series can be either deeply centering or deeply confusing. It’s not neat and simple or perky or pretty. But, ultimately, that’s how the story of these three women becomes one for us all.
The Ten Episode of Three Women – Season One debuted on Starz September 23, 2024. New Episodes each week on Fridays.
‘Three Women’ • Photo courtesy Starz.
