A Small Light: Unveiling the Stellar Disney+ Cast

A Small Light, the powerful and poignant limited series chronicling Miep Gies’ courageous efforts to hide Anne Frank and her family during World War II, is not strictly a Disney+ original. While available on Disney+ in some regions, particularly internationally, its primary home in the United States is on National Geographic and streams on Hulu. Therefore, the cast isn’t exclusive to Disney+ productions, but rather a collaboration between these platforms.

The Core Cast: A Deep Dive into the Players

The casting for “A Small Light” is nothing short of masterful. Each actor embodies their character with a remarkable depth of emotion and authenticity, bringing this crucial historical narrative to life with extraordinary sensitivity.

Bel Powley as Miep Gies

At the heart of “A Small Light” is Bel Powley as Miep Gies. Powley, known for her roles in “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” and “The Morning Show”, delivers a career-defining performance. She portrays Miep not as a flawless saint, but as an ordinary young woman who makes an extraordinary choice. Her Miep is spirited, resourceful, and deeply compassionate, capturing the character’s unwavering resolve in the face of unimaginable danger. Powley’s nuanced performance allows viewers to connect with Miep on a deeply human level, understanding her fears, her doubts, and her ultimate commitment to doing what’s right.

Joe Cole as Jan Gies

Joe Cole, recognized for his intense performances in “Peaky Blinders” and “Gangs of London”, embodies Jan Gies, Miep’s husband, with a quiet strength and unwavering support. Jan is portrayed as a member of the Dutch Resistance, a fact initially hidden from Miep, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship. Cole masterfully balances Jan’s commitment to the resistance with his deep love and protectiveness of Miep, making him a compelling and crucial character in the story. Their marriage is portrayed as a partnership built on trust, courage, and a shared moral compass.

Liev Schreiber as Otto Frank

The venerable Liev Schreiber, a seasoned actor with a history of compelling roles, brings gravitas and emotional depth to the role of Otto Frank. As the father desperately trying to protect his family, Schreiber portrays Otto with a dignified sorrow and unwavering hope. He captures Otto’s intelligence, his unwavering optimism in the face of adversity, and the immense burden he carries as the patriarch of a family in hiding. Schreiber’s performance is both heartbreaking and inspiring, reminding us of the human cost of prejudice and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Billie Boullet as Anne Frank

Young Billie Boullet makes her acting debut as Anne Frank and the casting director has hit a homerun. Boullet brings to life Anne’s effervescent spirit, her intelligence, and her unwavering belief in humanity, even in the darkest of times. While she isn’t the central focus of the story, Boullet’s portrayal of Anne resonates deeply, reminding us of the immense potential cut short by the horrors of the Holocaust. It is a testament to her youthful energy and charm.

Ashley Brooke as Margot Frank

Another incredible talent is Ashley Brooke who plays Margot Frank. Margot is Anne’s older sister and is portrayed to be a role model to Anne. Brooke’s portrayal of Margot has brought her to life and shows us the strength and bond that Anne and Margot Frank shared.

Supporting Cast

The ensemble cast is equally impressive, fleshing out the world around Miep and Jan and highlighting the complexities of life during wartime. Here are some key members:

• Caroline Catz as Auguste van Pels
• Andy Nyman as Hermann van Pels
• Noah Taylor as Dr. Fritz Pfeffer
• Amira Casar as Edith Frank
• Ian McElhinney as Johannes Kleiman

Each of these actors delivers a nuanced performance, bringing their respective characters to life with a depth of understanding and empathy.

Location, Location, Location: Where Can You Watch?

As mentioned, “A Small Light” is not exclusively available on Disney+. In the United States, the series aired on National Geographic and is available for streaming on Hulu. Internationally, its availability may vary, with some regions offering it on Disney+. It’s crucial to check your local listings or streaming service offerings to confirm where you can watch the series.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insights into the series “A Small Light”:

1. Is “A Small Light” based on a true story?

Yes, “A Small Light” is based on the true story of Miep Gies, who, along with her husband Jan, helped hide Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis during World War II. The series is adapted from Miep Gies’ memoir, Anne Frank Remembered.

2. How many episodes are there in “A Small Light”?

“A Small Light” is a limited series consisting of eight episodes.

3. Is “A Small Light” suitable for children?

“A Small Light” deals with sensitive and mature themes related to the Holocaust and World War II. While it is an important historical story, it contains scenes that may be disturbing for younger viewers. Parental guidance is strongly advised.

4. What makes “A Small Light” different from other Anne Frank adaptations?

Unlike other adaptations that primarily focus on Anne Frank and her diary, “A Small Light” tells the story from the perspective of Miep Gies, highlighting her courage and the risks she and others took to protect the Frank family. It sheds light on the ordinary people who performed extraordinary acts of resistance.

5. Where was “A Small Light” filmed?

“A Small Light” was filmed in various locations, including Amsterdam, where the story takes place, and in Prague, which served as a stand-in for some scenes due to its well-preserved historical architecture.

6. What is the significance of the title “A Small Light”?

The title “A Small Light” refers to Miep Gies’ belief that even small acts of kindness and courage can make a difference in the face of overwhelming darkness. It emphasizes the idea that ordinary people can make a difference.

7. Did Miep Gies ever read Anne Frank’s diary?

Miep Gies did not read Anne Frank’s diary until after the war, when Otto Frank gave it to her. She was responsible for safeguarding the diary after the Franks were arrested.

8. How accurate is “A Small Light” to historical events?

“A Small Light” is largely considered to be historically accurate, drawing from Miep Gies’ memoir and other historical sources. However, as with any dramatization, some artistic liberties may have been taken to enhance the narrative.

9. What are the critical reviews of “A Small Light” like?

“A Small Light” has received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, compelling performances, and historical accuracy. Critics have praised the series for its fresh perspective on the Anne Frank story and its exploration of themes of courage, resilience, and resistance.

10. What awards or nominations has “A Small Light” received?

“A Small Light” has garnered numerous awards and nominations, including recognition for its acting, writing, and directing.

11. What is Bel Powley’s background?

Bel Powley is a British actress who has starred in a variety of film and television productions. Some include the The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015) and The Morning Show (2019).

12. Will there be a second season of “A Small Light”?

As a limited series, there are currently no plans for a second season of “A Small Light”. The story is considered complete with the eight episodes that have been produced. However, the success of the series may lead to future projects exploring other untold stories from the Holocaust or World War II.

“A Small Light” serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of courage, compassion, and the power of ordinary people to make a difference in the world. Its stellar cast brings this crucial historical narrative to life with remarkable depth and sensitivity.