Airdate: Mildred Pierce

Hot Emmys favourite Mildred Pierce begins this week on Showcase.

The miniseries adaptation of the classic American novel directed by Todd Haynes was nominated for more Emmys than any other production this year.

It stars Kate Winslet and Guy Pearce, both of whom are up for acting gongs.

Mildred Pierce brings to life the memorable characters introduced in James M. Cain’s classic novel of pride and privilege in the middle class. Starring acclaimed actress Kate Winslet (Oscar-winner for ‘The Reader’) in the title role, and co-written and directed by iconic filmmaker Todd Haynes (Oscar®-nominated for his screenplay ‘Far from Heaven’), this five-episode miniseries is an intimate portrait of a uniquely independent woman who finds herself newly divorced during America’s Depression years, as she struggles to carve out a new life for herself and her family. The drama explores Mildred’s unreasonable devotion to her insatiable daughter, Veda (played by Evan Rachel Wood in later episodes), as well as the complex relationships she shares with the indolent men in her life, including her polo-playing lover, Monty Beragon (Guy Pearce) and ex-husband, Bert Pierce (Brían F. O’Byrne).

The story of Mildred Pierce resonates as strongly today as it did when the book was first published in 1941. Left to fend for herself and her two young children when her husband Bert goes off with another woman, Mildred swallows her fierce pride, and the scorn of her eldest daughter, Veda, to take a job as a diner waitress. With a talent for baking pies and a tremendous work ethic, Mildred sets her sights on becoming a restaurateur in her own right. Along the way, she finds love with a charming, wealthy idler named Monty Beragon, only to endure a heartbreaking personal tragedy. Later, Mildred encourages Veda to pursue her dream of success and social standing, but her daughter’s practiced airs elicit a stormy love-hate relationship between mother and daughter. The rivalry becomes entangled with a threat to Mildred’s business, and culminates in a shocking act of betrayal. But through years and tears, Mildred finds the strength to carry on.

8:30pm Wednesday 3 August on Showcase.