Brie Larson will teach you to make the perfect lasagna in 'Lessons In Chemistry' on Apple TV+.
Brie Larson delights in the Apple TV+ series Lessons In Chemistry as Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist whose career is hindered by sexism and an unexpected tragedy.
The eight-episode drama series spans the 1950s and 1960s when women were limited in their career options despite their wits. In Elizabeth’s case, she’s often the most intelligent person in the room and the lab, but she is regarded more for her coffee-making abilities than her knowledge.
Based on Bonnie Garmus’ award-winning bestselling novel, the series introduces its viewers to Elizabeth in the early 1960s. She’s a highly successful chemist turned television cooking show host who uses her profound knowledge of chemistry to make delicious, healthy, mouthwatering dishes.
The story then flashes back to her time as a lab technician when her male colleagues overlooked her and ignored her ideas. Her life changes when she befriends fellow chemist Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman). Speaking of chemistry, Larson and Pullman’s is undeniable.
Lewis Pullman and Brie Larson have real on-screen chemistry.
The two bond over science and their love of the perfect lasagna. At its heart, this is the story of two misunderstood people who find that once-in-a-lifetime love we’re all searching for. It is an us-against-the-world love story that instills hope in dire times like these.
Their personal and professional relationship flourishes, and the couple is on the brink of a breakthrough in science in what was then a new area of research: DNA. Life is perfect until tragedy strikes, and Elizabeth becomes a single mother and is forced to find a way to support herself and her daughter.
Through a friend of her daughter Mad (Alice Halsey), she’s offered the opportunity to host the cooking show Supper at Six. Her food is undeniably delicious, and this position will pay her more than she’s ever made.
Reluctantly, she takes the job. What sets her apart from other TV chefs is that she refuses to be the pretty prop and instead explains away her unique style of cooking by giving scientific reasons for her soon-to-be-famous recipes. Her audience is filled with disenchanted homemakers, but she inspires them to pursue their career dreams.
Another lovable character is Harriet (Aja Naomi King), who lives across the street from Elizabeth and Calvin. Her storyline focuses on her fight to stop a freeway from being built that would destroy their predominantly Black neighborhood. These two seemingly opposite women bond over this and become friends.
In addition to starring, Larson also executive produced the limited series. The Academy Award-winning actress delivers a delightful performance as a headstrong woman who was, in many ways, ahead of her time. You root for Elizabeth as she’s hit with obstacle after obstacle, but you’re comforted in knowing that with her tenacity, she'll find a way around them.
This show is an excellent escape from the gut-wrenching news headlines we’re all seeing, and it’s refreshing to go back to a time when life seemed a bit simpler. Though humanity has continuously faced hardships, life seemed more hopeful back then. If Elizabeth teaches us anything, it is that a hearty homecooked meal can lead to true love and genuine friendship. If you stick together and fight the good fight, absolutely anything is possible.
Lessons In Chemistry premieres Friday, October 13, on Apple TV+, with the first two episodes and a new episode airing weekly.
