Review: Michelle Pfeiffer Shines in 'Margo’s Got Money Troubles' Despite Script Limitations
This review analyzes the new eight-part comedy-drama series 'Margo’s Got Money Troubles,' created by David E. Kelley and adapted from Rufi Thorpe’s bestselling novel. The story follows Margo, a young single mother and OnlyFans creator played by Elle Fanning, who faces financial struggles after becoming pregnant by her English professor. Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a powerful performance as Margo’s mother, Shyanne, a former Hooters waitress navigating her own complex romantic history with a wrestler and a minister. While the critic praises Pfeiffer’s portrayal of grief and resignation as a potential career renaissance, the review critiques the series for remaining too light and safe. Despite tackling themes like sex work and family trauma, the show adheres to Kelley’s signature glossy style, avoiding deep interrogation of its darker subjects. The narrative is described as a 'charming schmaltzfest' that fails to fully explore the realistic horrors of its premise, ultimately feeling constrained by its network television roots rather than embracing the pugnacious nature of the source material.
Wire timeline
Review: Michelle Pfeiffer Shines in 'Margo’s Got Money Troubles' Despite Script Limitations
This review analyzes the new eight-part comedy-drama series 'Margo’s Got Money Troubles,' created by David E. Kelley and adapted from Rufi Thorpe’s bestselling novel. The story follows Margo, a young single mother and OnlyFans creator played by Elle Fanning, who faces financial struggles after becoming pregnant by her English professor. Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a powerful performance as Margo’s mother, Shyanne, a former Hooters waitress navigating her own complex romantic history with a wrestler and a minister. While the critic praises Pfeiffer’s portrayal of grief and resignation as a potential career renaissance, the review critiques the series for remaining too light and safe. Despite tackling themes like sex work and family trauma, the show adheres to Kelley’s signature glossy style, avoiding deep interrogation of its darker subjects. The narrative is described as a 'charming schmaltzfest' that fails to fully explore the realistic horrors of its premise, ultimately feeling constrained by its network television roots rather than embracing the pugnacious nature of the source material.
The Guardian