Even Marvel Studios knows how hard it would be to surpass the benchmark set by Avengers: Endgame. Despite the initial buzz around Brie Larson’s The Marvels, it seems that it might experience one of the MCU’s lowest opening weekends in history. However, amid The Marvels buzz, MCU fans shouldn’t make the mistake of skipping Brie Larson’s TV miniseries Lessons in Chemistry.
During the 1960s, not a lot of women were allowed to pursue a career outside of their homes. The latest Apple TV+ series, Lessons in Chemistry, showcases the challenges faced by women in that era through the eyes of its lead character, Elizabeth Zott (portrayed by Brie Larson). The lead character is an aspiring scientist whose career faces jeopardy after losing her job at a lab.
What Makes Brie Larson’s Lessons in Chemistry a Must-watch
While the latest Apple TV+ original is not based on a true story, it still showcases the challenges women faced in a historical context. In the 1960s, societal expectations confined women to the roles of wives and mothers. There were limited opportunities for them outside of their households. Only a few women worked as secretaries, teachers, and nurses. However, the lead character in the series breaks that norm.
While World War II allowed women to take up jobs for a brief period, this shift did not last long. After the war was over, female roles were reverted to their old norms. According to CBC, in the 1060s, only one-third of women were part of the workplace, and most of them were single. The series also delves into Elizabeth Zott’s apprehension about marriage or pregnancy, as it hampered her career.
Beyond the limited job opportunities for women, Brie Larson’s character also symbolizes the emergence of the women’s movement in the 1960s. Elizabeth Zott uses her platform to educate viewers on matters beyond household work. Slowly, she starts expressing her views on protests. Larson’s character embodies a woman who fought for equal pay and opposed sexism during the feminist movement of the 1960s.
Also Read: Brie Larson’s Comments on The Marvels Star Park Seo-joon Might Upset Die-Hard MCU Fans
What Made Brie Larson a Perfect For Captain Marvel
Carol Denvers’ journey in the MCU is complex. She faces external adversaries and her inner demons alike. Initially aligned with the Kree Empire, Danvers joins the Starforce against the Skrulls. Ultimately, she returns to earth, regains her memories, and unlocks a range of powers, including superhuman strength. To authentically portray this role, the MCU required an actor who could tap into the emotional depth of the character.
Hence, based on this one reason, Captain Marvel writers were convinced that Brie Larson would be the right choice for the role.
Nicole Perlman said (via MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios):
“It was really important that the Skrulls weren’t actually the bad guys; they were the refugees.”
Kevin Feige meticulously chose the cast members for the initial film, recognizing that MCU’s success is mostly attributed to Marvel’s history of making great casting decisions. As a result, Larson’s portfolio positioned her as the right fit for the MCU role.
