Florence Pugh delivers a compelling performance in the new Netflix limited series “East of Eden,” an adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel set in early 1900s California. The seven-episode drama, created by Zoe Kazan, explores the complex character of Cathy Ames, portrayed by Pugh, whose journey from victim to manipulative figure forms a central narrative thread.

In the series’ fourth episode, titled “Kate,” Cathy abandons her husband Adam, played by Christopher Abbott, and their two infant sons to seek independence. She adopts a new identity and begins work in a brothel, where she is taken under the wing of the madam Faye, portrayed by Martha Plimpton. As Cathy adapts to the brothel’s environment, she assumes responsibility for managing operations and supporting the other women there.

Kazan, who first encountered Steinbeck’s novel as a teenager, was drawn to the dynamic between Cathy and Faye, noting how the story reflects on the intersection of economic freedom, sex work, and survival. She describes an intriguing duality in early Western settlements, where brothels and churches stood side by side, blurring boundaries between sanctity and vice. This atmosphere informs the series’ portrayal of Cathy’s new surroundings and relationships.

Pugh’s portrayal reveals layers of vulnerability beneath Cathy’s hardened exterior. In one poignant scene, Cathy comforts an injured prostitute, recounting the story of “Alice in Wonderland” as a coping mechanism to shrink away from pain. Pugh suggests that this moment reflects Cathy’s deep-seated trauma and the complex nature of her relationships with men and power.

The episode also marks a turning point where Cathy’s ambitions take a darker turn. Initially, Faye presents a maternal figure, promising Cathy a stake in the brothel, but Cathy’s growing desire for control leads her to poison Faye, ultimately inheriting the brothel and transforming it under her ruthless leadership. This shift underscores Cathy’s relentless fear of losing autonomy, even as she grieves the woman who first showed her kindness.

Both Pugh and Kazan emphasize the ambiguity surrounding Cathy’s emotions and motivations. While some actions appear calculated, others hint at genuine fear and vulnerability. Kazan describes Cathy as a character torn between craving security and resisting the loss of self-determination, highlighting the tension that makes her one of the series’ most complex figures.

The series blends the original novel’s themes with a nuanced exploration of economic and emotional freedom, enabling Pugh to expand upon her history of portraying multifaceted female characters. “East of Eden” stands out not only as a faithful adaptation but also as a fresh examination of power, identity, and survival in a challenging era.