“Lady in the Lake” Brings a Fresh Take on 1960s Baltimore to TV

Apple TV+ has just launched “Lady in the Lake,” a new miniseries that reimagines Laura Lippman’s 2019 novel. The show, while fictional, draws inspiration from two real disappearances in 1969 Baltimore.

Lippman used these cases as a starting point for her novel, crafting a narrative that explores women’s ambitions in the 1960s.

“I set out simply to write a novel about a woman who wanted to matter,” Lippman told NPR, explaining her inspiration. She added, “The world in the mid-1960s was filled with women who were thinking, ‘I’m not done. This can’t be it.'”

The real-life cases involved Shirley Parker, a 35-year-old Black woman, and Esther Lebowitz, an 11-year-old Jewish girl. In the series, these characters are reimagined as Cleo Johnson and Tessie Durst respectively.

Alma Har’el, the creative force behind the show, took some bold steps in adapting the book. Right from the start, viewers are treated to a Thanksgiving parade scene that wasn’t in the original story. She blends reality and fantasy, using dream sequences and symbolic imagery to tackle weighty themes like racial tension and gender discrimination in the 1960s.

The first two episodes of “Lady in the Lake” focus on Tessie’s disappearance, mirroring aspects of Esther Lebowitz’s real case. Both girls vanished after entering a fish store, and their deaths shocked their communities. However, the series takes creative liberties with the details, such as where Tessie’s body is found.

Maddie Schwartz, played by Natalie Portman (her first leading role in a TV series), is a Jewish housewife with dreams of becoming a newspaper reporter. Her path crosses with Cleo, portrayed by Moses Ingram, whose death becomes central to the story. Shirley Parker’s case, which inspired Cleo’s character, remains more mysterious. Parker’s body was found in a Baltimore lake in June 1969, but due to decomposition, the cause of death was never determined.

According to the author, Lippman purposely avoided deep research into the real cases. She stated,

“Once I’ve decided that a real-life crime is going to be my inspiration, I do no more research about it. Because I don’t really want to know about that crime.”

The show delves deep into the question of who gets to tell these women’s stories, especially in an era when many voices were silenced. To explore this further, Har’el tweaked some characters from the book and introduced new ones as well.

“Lady in the Lake” excels in recreating the look and feel of the 1960s. From the costumes to the set design, every detail helps transport viewers back in time. The carefully chosen soundtrack, while sometimes distracting, adds another layer to the period feel.

One of the show’s unique features is its use of performances within the story. Characters often break into song or comedy routines. For instance, Cleo’s husband, Slap, delivers a standout comedy performance that adds depth to his character.

Generally, the cast delivered strong performances across the board. Moses Ingram has received particular praise for her portrayal of Cleo. Natalie Portman brings her usual skill to the role of Maddie, though some viewers might wish for a more emotionally expressive performance.

Har’el’s ambition is clear in every frame of “Lady in the Lake.” She’s trying to balance a compelling mystery with commentary on social issues of the 1960s. While this juggling act doesn’t always work perfectly, it results in a show that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

“Lady in the Lake” has received mostly positive reviews, earning a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.