A Small Light (2023) History Movie Review
The Anne Frank story is well-known, depicting a tragic tale of hope and resilience during the violent Nazi occupation. But Anne didn't survive on her own—she had help, especially from Miep Gies, a friend and secretary of Anne's father. Nat Geo's new miniseries, "A Small Light," shifts the focus to Miep's bravery in hiding the Franks from the Nazis.
In the first two episodes, we follow Miep, an ordinary young woman facing tough circumstances. She meets a guy named Jan and lands a job working for Otto Frank. As the Nazis advance, Miep finds herself smuggling the Franks to safety in the annex above Otto's Amsterdam offices.
%20History%20Movie.jpg "A Small Light (2023) History Movie")
Miep's resourcefulness shines early on when she and Frank's sister Margot must bike past a Nazi checkpoint. Despite facing obstacles, Miep thinks on her feet and navigates through challenges. The series portrays her courage and determination as she helps the Franks hold on to their humanity during a perilous time.
Powley's performance throughout all eight episodes of "A Small Light" is exceptional. The series essentially portrays Miep Gies' coming-of-age story, showing her growth into a self-assured adult amidst life-or-death situations. Powley brings a mix of clever energy and practicality to her portrayal, injecting even the most intense moments with a welcomed touch of humor. The show successfully navigates a delicate balance between tone
—reminiscent of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and "The Pianist"
—avoiding the somber tone often found in Holocaust stories without veering into the whimsy of "JoJo Rabbit."
Miep's journey isn't the sole heroic tale explored in the series. Jan's attempts to provide ration cards to the Franks lead him to join the Dutch resistance. The chemistry between Cole and Powley is evident as their initial innocence transforms into a hardened awareness of the sacrifices required to save others. The cast, including Noah Taylor and Andy Nyman as fellow Annex residents, is already impressive, but Schreiber's portrayal of Otto Frank stands out as the foundation of the show. His character exudes noble resolve, inspiring Miep's own bravery. Scenes between Schreiber and Powley are particularly powerful, showcasing the strength of their performances.
While the show briefly features Anne Frank's perspective, it primarily focuses on Miep and her unspoken bravery. The series echoes Gies' famous quote about anyone, even an ordinary person, being able to bring light to a dark room. "A Small Light" explores this idea in heartwarming, humanistic ways. Despite knowing the inevitable outcome of the Frank family's story, the audience can't help but hope for their survival. Even if they don't make it, the show emphasizes a narrative not of misery and turmoil but of lives lived and the small moments of happiness found in the darkness.