In the poignant series finale of Lulu Wang’s Expats, emotions run high as the characters played by Nicole Kidman, Ji-Young Yoo, and Sarayu Blue grapple with grief, loss, and the quest for closure. Titled Home, the finale leaves a lasting impact as it explores how these women navigate through their pain and move towards healing.
Margaret (Nicole Kidman) faces the heartbreaking reality of her son Gus’s tragic fate, prompting her decision to move back to America. However, before the departure, she confronts Mercy (Ji-Young Yoo) and Hilary (Sarayu Blue) in a coffee shop, attempting to reconcile and find solace in the midst of shared pain.
The narrative takes a complex turn as Mercy deals with an unexpected pregnancy stemming from her affair with Hilary’s husband, David (Jack Huston). The series expertly weaves guilt and apologies, bringing the characters to a crucial juncture of emotional release.
Hilary, portrayed with poise by Blue, embarks on a transformative journey. Confronting her sick father, Daleep, she unveils her pregnancy and addresses his past abusive behavior. In a powerful moment, she vows to break the cycle of silence, promising to reveal the truth to her future son. The episode unfolds with a mix of heartache and catharsis.

As the characters’ visual representation mirrors their internal conflicts, cinematographer Anna Franquesa Solano and showrunner Lulu Wang discuss the intentional choices that underscore the emotional arcs. Hilary’s composed world, symbolized by a perfect color palette and balanced framing, evolves into a liberating single shot, capturing her newfound freedom.
Margaret’s journey, initially veiled in control, unfolds in layered sequences. The series carefully depicts her transition from chaos to strength, culminating in a powerful single-take shot that signifies her resolve to live on her terms.
The episode also introduces subtle metaphors, such as lingering shots through glass and images inspired by Michael Wolf’s Hong Kong architecture exhibition. These elements, seamlessly integrated into the narrative, add depth and visual poetry to the storytelling.
In a pivotal scene where Margaret addresses the camera, the decision to maintain ambiguity about the recipient of her words adds an abstract layer, enhancing the closure for the audience. The series creators emphasize empathy and universal themes, inviting viewers into the characters’ personal reflections.
Expats finale not only provides emotional closure for its characters but also offers a visual and narrative journey that resonates with authenticity. The collaborative efforts of Wang and Solano result in a cinematic exploration of grief, growth, and the enduring strength found in the face of life’s challenges.