The miniseries also adds some scenes and characters that are not in the novel, such as Olive’s encounter with a homeless man, Henry’s funeral, and Olive’s visit to Denise’s house.
The miniseries features an ensemble cast of actors, some of whom play multiple roles. The main cast includes:
- Frances McDormand as Olive Kitteridge
- Richard Jenkins as Henry Kitteridge
- Zoe Kazan as Denise Thibodeau
- Rosemarie DeWitt as Rachel Coulson
- Martha Wainwright as Angela O’Meara
- John Gallagher Jr. as Christopher Kitteridge (adult)
- Devin Druid as Christopher Kitteridge (age 13)
- John Mullen as Kevin Coulson (age 13)
- Cory Michael Smith as Kevin Coulson (adult)
- Peter Mullan as Jim O’Casey
- Rachel Brosnahan as Patty Howe
- Brady Corbet as Henry Thibodeau
- Maryann Urbano as Linda Kennison
- Libby Winters as Suzanne
- Patricia Kalember as Joyce
- Audrey Marie Anderson as Ann
- Donna Mitchell as Louise Larkin
- Frank L. Ridley as Mr. Thibodeau
- Bill Murray as Jack Kennison
The miniseries was praised by critics and audiences for its performances, direction, writing, cinematography, and music. It received 13 nominations at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards, and won eight, including Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Jenkins), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (McDormand), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Murray), Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special (Anderson), Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special (Cholodenko), Outstanding Casting for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special, and Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Limited Series or Movie.
Conclusion
Olive Kitteridge is a novel and a miniseries that depict the life of a complex and flawed woman and the people around her. Both works explore the themes of human nature, relationships, and the meaning of life with honesty, humor, and compassion.
