Lessons in Chemistry Series Review

Discover the world of chemistry and romance.

Based on the novel written by Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry is a 2023 Apple+ series. Set in the 1950s, Elizabeth Zott is an intelligent woman who dreams of being a chemist. Her dream is put on hold when she falls in love, becomes pregnant, and gets fired from her lab.

I had Lessons in Chemistry on my watch list ever since I read the premise (and because Brie Larson is in it). Lessons in Chemistry is a rich examination of women’s roles, chemistry, and the quest for identity.

Brie Larson is a magnificent actress. Her character, Elizabeth Zott, is a strong-willed woman with a passion for science and chemistry. However, Elizabeth has a complicated attitude that affects most of her zealous decisions. You have to understand her story to apprehend her state of view. Her ideas on love change over the story as she learns about her calling.

Her chemistry with the rest of the cast (and I just realized the pun!), particularly with Lewis Pullman and Alice Halsey contributed significantly to the series’ overall impact. Actors formed genuine relationships. Elizabeth and Calvin’s relationship is endearing. He is patient with Elizabeth and can talk forever with her about their scientific discoveries in the field.

Madeline ‘Mad’ Zott (Halsey) is one bright kid. She takes on after her astute mother, that’s for sure. I adore the relationship between Elizabeth and her daughter. The actors are so natural in their interactions. Elizabeth doesn’t have an easy time raising Madeline, especially under circumstances that weren’t taken well in the '50s era.

Harriet Sloane’s (Aja Naomi King) role is an integral example of friendship. Neighbors are not just the people who live on your block. They are here for you in times of stress. Take advantage of having dinner with your neighbors. Elizabeth and Harriet pass along essential advice to one another.

The dog who played 6:30 made me miss my dog. Dogs are a gift to this world. 6:30 is so sweet and he is there for everyone. He is responsive to all the situations. One episode dedicates only a small portion of the dog’s narration. While it was insightful, to me it was a bit random. Writers could have implemented more perspective changes like this.

Lessons in Chemistry serve as a reflection on gender roles. It challenges stereotypes and highlights adversity. Women weren’t given a lot of freedom in the 1950s. Though her ideas are audacious, Elizabeth inspires viewers to challenge their beliefs. I was fond of the TV show segment where Elizabeth takes a stand against the show’s corrupt manager (Rainn Wilson).

I was thinking the series would be bogged down by constant chemistry lessons but it is more than that. The series is beautifully written and contains several relatable themes.

Be warned, the series has depictions of sexual assault and suicide. And it’s also sad. I was not expecting the death of one character. Lessons in Chemistry is compelling. It’s one of the best series I have seen in a while. Every night I couldn’t wait to watch the next episode.

Now I need to read the book. Each episode keeps you hooked effectively striving for layers than just making it character-driven drama. Episodes are roughly an hour but time passes quickly.

If you’re wondering if you need to like chemistry to watch this series you don’t have to. It’s not just about the subject of chemistry. It’s about other layers derived from chemistry, like romance. The series is crafted well so check it out on Apple+.