HBO’s new television series “Get Millie Black” takes a strong and nuanced look at Jamaica’s complicated social milieu, deviating from standard crime drama storytelling. Marlon James, an award-winning novelist, created the five-episode series, which stars Tamara Lawrance as Detective Millie-Jean Black, a British-Jamaican police officer who returns to her birthplace after 18 years.
The show deviates from traditional Caribbean storylines by focusing on the rough neighborhoods of Kingston rather than gorgeous tourist sights. It chronicles Millie’s effort to find a missing young girl while also dealing with personal issues, such as her relationship with her transgender sister, Hibiscus.
“We filmed in Kingston to capture the authentic texture of the landscape and how people interact,” Lawrance informed the audience. Her portrayal of Millie emphasizes the protagonist’s dual role as an insider and an outsider in her native community.
The series takes on vital social topics, particularly LGBTQ+ rights in Jamaica. Currently, same-sex partnerships are illegal, and consensual intercourse can result in up to ten years in prison. The Hibiscus tale draws emphasis on the issues that transgender people encounter.
James uses an innovative storytelling style in each episode, with distinct character voiceovers. This technique turns the detective story into a wider societal commentary, addressing Jamaica’s complex race and socioeconomic dynamics.
The main inquiry focuses on finding Janet, a missing young girl. Through this plot, Millie tackles systemic corruption and fights powerful institutional actors, including a Scotland Yard superintendent with colonial overtones.
Lawrance emphasizes the value of truthful depiction. She researched Jamaica’s queer population, highlighting advocacy organizations such as Quality of Citizenship Jamaica and J-FLAG that fight to advance LGBTQ+ rights.
Unlike classic heroic detectives, Millie is depicted as a potentially destructive force. Her compulsive need to help others comes at a high personal cost, which adds complexity to her character.
“Get Millie Black” goes beyond normal amusement, meaningfully analyzing belonging, trauma, and redemption. By focusing on minority experiences, the series makes a big cultural statement.
HBO and Max launch new episodes every Monday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
