Little Voice

Little Voice is a charming coming-of-age drama with a slice of life genre presented exclusively on Apple TV+ in 2020. The show is a heartwarming rendition of a young woman’s journey where she navigates through her personal and professional life setting in the heart of New York City.

The plot focuses on the protagonist, Bess King, played by the mesmerising Brittany O'Grady, a gifted singer and songwriter who battles with self-doubt and stage fright. Bess hones a distinctive singing voice, thus the title "Little Voice", and her struggle to bring this voice out to the world forms the crux of the series. Despite her insecurities and complex personal life, Bess is determined to pursue her passion for music.

The series beautifully captures the essence of a young artist's life in a bustling city. Bess's life is entwined with an array of authentic characters, including her roommate Prisha, played by Shalini Bathina, her struggling artist best friend Samuel, portrayed by Colton Ryan, her loving yet troubled father Percy, played by Chuck Cooper, and an autistic brother Louie, played by Kevin Valdez. Each character adds their own flavor to the storyline and collectively, highlighting the multiplicity and universality of the human experience.

Little Voice has music at its heart and soul, with original songs woven into every episode, underscoring the series' narrative arc. Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-nominee Sara Bareilles is the creative power behind these songs. Notably, Bareilles is also an executive producer of the show alongside Jessie Nelson, who is known for his remarkable storytelling in 'I am Sam' and 'Corrina, Corrina.' The duo's synergy has resulted in a harmonious blend of narrative strength and relevant soundtracks, tethered together with a keen, emotional sense of storytelling.

The Little Voice sets itself apart with its thoroughly nuanced depiction of the characters. There is a strong emphasis on diversity and the portrayal of individuals from different walks of life. It takes the audience through the Bohemian, charming neighborhoods of New York City, offering a glimpse into the life and struggle of artists, musicians, and budding dreamers in this metropolis.

The execution of the series weaves in melodrama, romance, and family ties seamlessly into the storyline, ensuring that the audience is enthralled as the plot unfolds. It narrates a soul-stirring tale of a young woman struggling with life's chaos, coming to terms with her difficulties and finding her own rhythm in the discordant symphony of the everyday world.

Brittany O'Grady's nuanced performance punctuates Bess's inner struggles while highlighting her determination and strength. Her portrayal of Bess is heart-touching in her vulnerability and brave in her ambition – a blend that adds to the character's depth and likeability. Chuck Cooper's portrayal of Bess's father Percy becomes a symbolic character, a mirror to Bess's fear, and hope, which adds a profound dimension to the storyline.

In every aspect, Little Voice maintains an immersive aesthetic and an evocative soundscape, evident in its exploration of various cityscapes of New York, the seamless transitions between scenes, the use of light and shadow, and the production design that captures the quintessential spirit of individual freedom and artistic evolution.

Little Voice is a promising series for those who relish a gentle, slow-burning drama accentuated by unforgettable melodies, realistic character arcs, and believable narrative illustrations. The melancholy, enthusiasm, hopes, disappointments, love, and heartbreak of being a young adult in the world of music are brought to the fore with subtle sincerity. One can perceive it as an ode to young dreamers, artists, and musicians stepping firmly, albeit hesitantly, into the unforgiving yet rewarding world of music.

In a nutshell, Little Voice is a celebration of music, friendship, challenge, self-discovery, and the human spirit's resilience. The show is a must-watch for those who appreciate the struggle and the art, the failure and the triumph, the silence and the music - a sumptuous serving of a life lived and shared amidst the soaring highs and disheartening lows of the magnificent world of music.