Spring break marks the perfect time to begin a new show, especially one that has been occupying the trending list on Netflix and various social media platforms. The new Netflix Original series “Pieces of Her” is one such example. Its trailer promises a riveting tale of familial secrecy, identity crises and emotional narratives. 

“Pieces of Her” details the quest of Andy Oliver (Bella Heathcote) to find out more about her mother Laura (Toni Collette) and her past. After a shooting at a local restaurant exposes Laura to unwanted press coverage, past enemies begin to threaten the life she built, the only life Andy has ever known. “Pieces of Her” unfolds like a novel, which is not surprising considering it is adapted from Karin Slaughter’s 2018 novel of the same name. “Pieces of Her” is made up of eight episodes, around one hour each. The series has ample time to play out without being bogged down by unnecessary details, characters and story arcs. 

The cast of “Pieces of Her” does well with the script and story. “Dark Shadows” actress Heathcote  is effective as the stubborn and anxious Andy, and she acts as a great foil to young Laura in flashbacks (portrayed by a sour-faced Jessica Barden). The true star, however, is Colette. She is phenomenal in whatever piece of media she is in and in any role she takes on no matter the genre, but she seems to have a knack for playing imperfect mothers. This talent is showcased in her work as the troubled and grieving Annie Graham in “Hereditary,” as well as in her role as obnoxious lifestyle guru Joni Thrombey in the 2019 film “Knives Out.” 

Colette incorporates stellar choices in acting that create a complex and realistic character whom audiences admire. Colette’s performance, as well as Laura’s character in general, opposes the tired trope of the perfect mother that has occupied the media for eons. Colette masterfully combines the sympathetic and questionable aspects of her character as a person and as a mother. Laura loves her daughter Andy so much that she is willing to do anything to protect her and their meticulously constructed life, even if it means creating a false reality that can damage even the strongest of relationships. 

Where “Pieces of Her” falls short, however, is its lack of commitment to the thriller genre. The narrative, lackluster as it is, is constructed carefully and methodically. However, it does not leave me invested, which is the entire point of a thriller. The first episode is well done and certainly entices viewers to watch more, but by the fourth episode the series becomes predictable. The writers’ choice to constantly flicker back and forth between past and present leaves the shocking revelations characteristic of thrillers nowhere to be seen. The big reveal in the final minutes of episode eight is underwhelming because it could be seen a mile away, or, in this case, many episodes back. Thrillers are supposed to prolong and maintain the intrigue and investment of audiences to surprise audiences in the story’s denouement. “Pieces of Her” doesn’t accomplish this purpose, which makes the show as a whole fall flat for me. However, it is worth the watch for Colette’s performance.