Marriage isn’t easy, especially when your partner ends up shrinking to the size of a doll due to a scientific accident. This peculiar situation befalls Lindy (Elizabeth Banks) and Les, played by Matthew Macfadyen of “Succession” fame, in the new series from Sony Pictures Television titled “The Miniature Wife.”
“It’s such a brilliant predicament, isn’t it? It’s absurd yet immediately intriguing, and ultimately it revolves around a relationship,” Macfadyen shares with Variety ahead of the show’s unveiling at Mipcom.
“The writing is exceptional—snappy and sharp, yet tender. It feels like a mashup of ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’ and ‘Scenes from a Marriage.’ When the stakes are so heightened, it’s thrilling to explore the narrative’s direction.”
Adapted from a short story by Manuel Gonzalez, “The Miniature Wife” is produced by Media Res, known for “The Morning Show” and “Pachinko.” Greg Mottola, who directed the initial two episodes, serves as an executive producer alongside Banks, Macfadyen, Michael Aguilar, Suzanne Heathcote, Michael Ellenberg, and Lindsey Springer.
Before their lives are upended, Lindy and Les, who have a teenage daughter, are working to maintain their long-term relationship amidst their career challenges.
“When they first got together, she was the star player in their marriage. Lindy authored a semi-autobiographical book that earned her a Pulitzer Prize, which was later adapted into an Oscar-winning film. Les, a research scientist, supported her success, but often felt overshadowed in their relationship,” Macfadyen explains.
“It’s relatable yet ridiculously outrageous. Moreover, all the relationships in this story are rather dysfunctional, which I find particularly enjoyable to portray,” remarks Sian Clifford, widely recognized for her role in “Fleabag.”
In the series, Clifford portrays Lindy’s friend and long-time collaborator, joined by Zoe Lister-Jones, Sofia Rosinsky, and O-T Fagbenle (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) as Les’ “science buddy.”
“I’m fascinated by his wife. And understandably so,” he chuckles. “There’s significant tension since Les is the brilliant genius, and I find myself enamored with his wife. It’s a tricky situation.”
Even after her transformation, Lindy doesn’t lose her feistiness.
“Elizabeth Banks is quite a handful,” Fagbenle jokes. “Her portrayal makes it clear that Lindy is no victim. She’s compelling and strong—regardless of her diminutive size, she has the resilience to deliver a powerful punch.” Clifford agrees, “And she remains Les’ equal, which adds to the charm of the story.”
As their relationship spirals into chaos, the couple’s conflicts often lead to hilarity, even when Lindy is only as tall as a dollar bill.
“They reach a low point in their relationship, even when she’s tiny. Les isn’t holding back during their moments of frustration. It’s dark, but it’s also absurd,” comments Macfadyen. “Playing opposite Elizabeth when she’s furious was incredibly fun—it’s amusing to see someone so small expressing their anger in grand gestures.”
Fagbenle adds, “This absurdity allows exploration of dysfunctional relationships without becoming too heavy. They face lies, betrayal, and deceit, but the unique context shifts the way we engage with these issues.”
As Lindy transitions into living in a dollhouse, events intensify. Yet Macfadyen emphasizes the importance of maintaining a serious tone throughout.
“There’s no other way to approach this. Playing it tongue-in-cheek would lead to quick disengagement,” he remarks. “It’s fascinating because their relationship remains the same despite the change in size and circumstances; they’re still fundamentally the same individuals.”
Nonetheless, the miniature world crafted by the production team adds a joyful dimension to the narrative.
“All the props and sets were incredibly realistic, acting like another character in the story. The execution was entirely original,” Fagbenle recalls, with Clifford contributing, “They created a giant AirPod for a phone and a set of Lego stairs! It was truly impressive.”
Viewers will also be introduced to the characters before the transformative event.
“We delve into their backstories, giving context to how their relationship evolved when hope still lingered. Episode 9 will be particularly thrilling—it’s a flashback episode, and it’s wild,” hints Clifford.
Fagbenle concludes, “The script is visually captivating, but what truly drew me in were the intricate relationships. The emotional struggles of a daughter disconnected from her mother or a couple navigating their careers and relationship offer profound material—this is the essence of the show.”
