User reviews

This is best viewed after watching Lifetime's other productions of the Dollanganger series adaptations from the VC Andrews novels. Like the book itself (Garden of Shadows), the impact of Flowers in the Attic (Book or film) will be lessened if this is watched first. It is a story that is written in retrospect. With that said, this lifetime series is probably better constructed and more heavily funded than the Lifetime adaptations that come later in the timeline. It's competent, compelling, and well-scripted material, even as watered down with a PG rating. Hannah Dodd as young Corrine fits a spitting image of Lifetime's future Corrine as Heather Graham. Honestly, it comes down to this: The VC Andrews source material is fantasticly dark, but also very mature, and will probably never get the on-screen justice it deserves. This is the closest any studio has come to re-creating it on film. Until an MA or R rated version of all this material is made, and a network is willing to fund a complete season per novel, this is the best there is and it is pretty good all things considered. At this point, Lifetime is way ahead of the game on VCA adaptations, so might as well just keep sticking with this working formula.

Flowers in the Attic: The Origin is a haunting and compelling prequel that masterfully exposes the tragic foundation of the Foxworth family's twisted legacy. This Lifetime adaptation brings new depth to V. C. Andrews' iconic Dollanganger series, focusing on the emotional transformation of Olivia Winfield Foxworth, the cruel matriarch from Flowers in the Attic.

The prequel introduces us to a younger Olivia, a hopeful and strong-willed woman who, upon marrying the cold and manipulative Malcolm Foxworth, finds herself ensnared in a web of family secrets and emotional abuse. Olivia's gradual descent into bitterness and cruelty is deeply affecting, as her spirit is systematically broken by Malcolm's unfaithfulness, cruelty, and the moral rot within the Foxworth family.

The Origin succeeds in humanizing Olivia, offering viewers a greater understanding of her tragic journey from a victim of her circumstances to the cold-hearted grandmother who imprisons her own grandchildren in the attic. This exploration of her motivations adds layers to the original story, revealing the emotional scars that compel Olivia to preserve the Foxworth legacy at any cost, even as it destroys those around her.

Malcolm Foxworth looms large as the architect of much of the family's dysfunction. His relentless quest for control, power, and dominance creates a toxic environment that infects every member of the Foxworth household. The prequel delves into the family's dark history, including Malcolm's illicit relationships and the consequences of his actions, which set the stage for the generational trauma that plagues the Foxworth lineage.

Perhaps most chilling is how The Origin recontextualizes the actions of Corrine Dollanganger, Olivia's daughter, whose betrayal in Flowers in the Attic shocked readers and viewers alike. Raised in an emotionally detached household, where greed and control reign, Corrine's willingness to lock her own children away for financial gain now feels tragically inevitable. The prequel paints a fuller picture of how the toxic environment shaped her, making her choices both horrifying and tragically human.

While Flowers in the Attic: The Origin does not entirely excuse the horrific actions of the characters we love to hate, it brilliantly fleshes out the emotional and psychological underpinnings that lead to their downfall. Themes of power, betrayal, greed, and emotional manipulation are woven into a gothic tapestry that enriches the Dollanganger mythos, offering a deeper, more nuanced look at the trauma that defined the family.

For longtime fans of V. C. Andrews' series, The Origin is essential viewing. It not only adds new emotional complexity to the Foxworth saga but also shines a light on the dark secrets and tragedies that led to the infamous events in Flowers in the Attic. With its gripping psychological drama and haunting revelations, Flowers in the Attic: The Origin offers a captivating, and at times heartbreaking, look into the origins of a deeply troubled family.

It's a nightmarish glimpse into what life was like for women in the early 1900s. Jemima Rooper's performance connects you to fear. I watch scary movies often, I have never been so scared for a fictional character. Max Irons is scary as Malcolm Foxworth, a dressed-to-kill predator capable of creepily deluding his victim into a false sense of security. The talented ensemble created a jaw-dropping atmosphere that feels scary and mysterious. After watching this first episode, I am unsure of my feelings toward the future Olivia and what she eventually will do to her grandchildren. What she did was unforgivable, but will I be more empathetic towards who she will become? Flowers In The Attic: Origins is a well-told story that only requires me to sit back and listen.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

The twists and turns and family secrets (and forbidden affairs) are (on paper) as campy as it comes, but what makes this miniseries work is that everything is played straight when a lesser adaptation of VC Andrews' gothic novel "Garden of Shadows" (now called Flowers in the Attic: The Origin for the TV version) might have played it tongue in cheek. The earnestness works and the series expands upon the book by filling in blanks and showing more of the characters' motivations than the novel did. While the acting is slightly uneven at times, the performances generally work, particularly for the characters of Olivia, Nella (a character created specifically for the series), and young Corrine (who bears a striking resemblance to Heather Graham but delivers a better performance than Heather did playing an older version of the same character in the adaptation of Flowers in the Attic several years ago). The writing is clever and the direction and editing are often extremely suspenseful and sometimes haunting and scary. If your mind is open to watching and going along for the ride of a true old-fashioned miniseries family saga within the genre of "The Thorn Birds" and other popular miniseries from the 80s, then you won't be disappointed. Flowers in the Attic: The Origin is the most well-produced, twisted, and fun adaptation of a VC Andrews novel to date.

Love that Lifetime did "The Origin" - I read this series years ago and it makes me want to reread them AND it brought me to start watching Lifetime movies which I am NOW hooked on, lol This movie series is done so well, it is dark and twisted with lots of drama. I find myself oddly understanding and feeling sorry for Grandmother - how is this happening. Haha A must watch for people who love drama, suspenseful dark films.

They made it "super woke" because people didn't behave like or speak like this back when it's supposed to take place. I don't remember the gay plot line in the books. Even the words they say it's so 2022. But it works. It's still entertaining and the girl who plays Corrine is gorgeous.

It is a shame to think that many people might skip this ambitious effort by Lifetime, thinking it will be one of their run-of-the-mill efforts, particularly their uneven adaptations of other books in the series. I first sampled it out of curiosity, thinking it could be some goofy, light summer fare. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this miniseries was shockingly good. I am as shocked as I would be had the Hallmark Channel has suddenly put something out that was of the same quality as THE THORN BIRDS. The acting, script, direction and design is excellent, and I believe this is worthy of Emmy nominations--this must have four times the budget of the typical Lifetime effort. This was a delicious, epic, fun ride through some gothic territory and well worth your time, particularly if you were a fan of the book series. If only they could give FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC and PETALS ON THE WIND (the two best books in the series) this much time and budget to tell their spellbinding stories.

Read the FITA series and all the VC Andrews stories growing up. Loved them! Was soooo disappointed with the FITA heather gram series. HG IS AWFUL. The actor who played Kathy AWFUL. But the origin story series was actually surprisingly good!! Acting so much better. And did a great job showing how grandmother's disturbing behavior came to be.

Please have THIS cast remake the FITA series so there is continuity with the set/house and characters.

Entire cast is weak except Kelsey Grammer, who has two minutes of screen time. Shame he did not play a lead character which would've saved this show based on.popular novels. Nothing shown reflects authentic 1919 in segregated Virginia USA, esp black workers, gay ppl, poor whites, & women's rights. Lead female narrates her feelings & emotions bc lacks acting dkills to display them, like rest of cast.

Series starts out bit interesting that an Independent,, single woman is working as equal business "Partner" with her father before 1919. Grand mansion is way too clean with few house servants . High society in USA back then would've made in depth "inquiries" of unknown male suitor before she married, not just rely solely on rumor of wealth. There would've been real in depth courtship too if she were so beloved by her Dad & male cousin as narrated. Lead female has no $$, no dowry is spoken of, so WHY rich handsome Southerner marries a poor non Traditional southerner who is not beautiful, charming nor young is utterly silly. New hubby has lots of Southern traditional manners that were the norm back then, but is narrated as "evil." The estate is deemed "evil" too bc of its Virginia location.

This SLOW moving 4 ep series plods on, shifts to soap opera plot incl incest & current political agenda is clearly inserted making this series nonsensical. Its timeline is much older than well acted & cast film " the help", yet here blacks have all the power & common sense.

Lead female quickly changes into her hubby, despite narration, & soap opera plot / agenda continues. Best part of this series is the estate & grand house, but only 3 rooms are shown. . Despite vast wealth, no character travels, no balls, gowns, jewels, nor parties are shown - all Southern customs. No one really age's either, some cast are ageless, & hubby is always "late for unspecified work." Time drags in this boring, short series that feels like 12 episodes instead of 4.

OK to play this while doing chores due to constant narration.

I too grew up on these amazing books of V. C. Andrews. The prequel is even better than the OG that appeared on Lifetime. Damn, near perfection with the high regard of consistency throughout this 4 episode series..Well done Lifetime. Max Irons was phenomenally intoxicating as Malcolm, all because of his good genes Jeremy Irons.

I really really enjoyed this! I really hope they remake the 2014 Flowers In The Attic lifetime movie in the style of FITA:The Origin! All of my friends love it and have watched it and we all really want them to redo the original series! The writing in this is SOOO much better than the VC Andrews books and they fill so many plot holes. Absolutely 10/10.

Lifetime did their thang with Flowers in The Attic The Origin (Garden of Shadows). I have been a fan of VC Andrews since I was a young girl. I read Heaven in fourth grade probably shouldn't have been reading her novels at that age but this author introduced me to the world of reading and I've been hooked every since. I almost did cart wheels when I found out that Lifetime was doing films of all VC Andrews books, but sadly I was disappointed. The casteel series is my favorite series from VC Andrews and Lifetime butchered it! I don't think I even got through Heaven. I didn't bother to watch the rest of the series. One day I had the television on basically watching me while I was reading and Their version of Flowers in the Attic was playing and boy oh boy was it good!! I really enjoyed it almost better then the original. So I decided to watch the dollanger series.. petals in the wind was just bland nothing like the book. If there be thorns was awesome and they stuck to the book which was great. I haven't watched seeds of yesterday because I'm nervous it would be a waste of time because besides the casteels series, seeds of yesterday is my favorite book. It always makes me cry every time I read it and I know Lifetime is not going to be able to do seeds of yesterday justice. I will watch it in due time. Flowers in the Attic the Orgin I must say is the best lifetime adaptation of VC Andrews books. Lifetime must've put some money in this one. The settings, clothing, characters was all on point! Loving it!! The film adaption did add extra plots in the movie but they were actually entertaining and welcomed so I didn't mind. Thank you Lifetime for finally getting it right! Now can you please redo The Casteel series??? Seriously we owe Heaven more than what we were given.

I haven't seen The Flowers in the Attic series yet, so when this came out I decided to start with it. It is riveting. There are so many fingers in this movie, that it keeps you looking around the corner for the next "surprise". The actors do an amazing and hauntingly convincing job as their character's continue to grown and change. Throughly enjoyed this series.

Not bad but one of the worst edited series I've ever seen on TV. Jump cuts that make no sense, whole story lines ( daughter going to ball and becoming pregnant,) that are covered in two scenes. I kept rewinding thinking I missed something!

15 yr old daughter played by a 27 yr old actress!?

And may I add, the music is awful!!

But in true Lifetime Channel form, very entertaining!!

Absolutely love the acting, story and characters. So well done. Never did an IMDB review before but could not resist. Brilliant. Lifetime this time you have outdone yourself.

Absolutely loved this limited series!!!! The cast was superb & the story kept me on my toes the whole time. We need more of the story with this cast! I really hope they will make another limited series or better yet a full series. I was torn that it was only 4 episodes. When it ended I was so wanting more. This story is captivating! I highly recommend it! Definitely binge worthy!

I stuck with it til the end. It was truly awful. The acting was wooden and deviated so far from the book to be almost unrecognisable.

In the film Flowers in the Attic (the original) the actress playing Olivia was perfect (she was also brilliant as Nurse Ratched). This potrayal of Olivia was just wrong. I also noticed that Malcolm said Foxworth Hall didn't have electricity yet there were table lamps that were obviously electric ones. Max Irons' accent was dreadful and kept slipping. It has been a few years since I last read the book but I don't remember the Nella/Celia plotline, was that added just to throw some diversity into the series?

Came across the trailer while browsing YouTube. What a lucky find. I haven't read the books so it was quite suspenseful for me and I couldn't stop watching until the end in one sitting. Amazing acting, dialogues and cinematography for a Lifetime series.

It is quite a heavy story and left me a bit disturbed but 100% worth the watch. Max Irons and Jemima Rooper were phenomenal.

If you like shows with some mystery and darkness, I definitely recommend. The direction it took convinced me to pick a side, and then some.

Wish there would be an origin of the 'origin' and we get to see the story of the Foxworth's before Olivia's entry into the family.