A Powerful True Story of Courage in WWII: Acclaimed Eight-Part Drama Reveals the Woman Who Risked Everything to Protect Anne Frank’s Family
Anne Frank’s diary became one of the most important personal accounts of the Holocaust, but the extraordinary woman who helped preserve her words is less widely known. National Geographic’s acclaimed eight-part drama A Small Light tells the remarkable true story of Miep Gies, who risked her life to shelter the Frank family from Nazi persecution.
Starring Bel Powley as Miep, Joe Cole as her husband Jan Gies and Liev Schreiber as Otto Frank, the historical drama explores the courage of ordinary people who refused to ignore the suffering unfolding around them.
The Woman Who Helped Save Anne Frank’s Diary
Set in Nazi-occupied Netherlands, A Small Light follows Miep Gies, a young woman whose search for employment brings her into contact with Otto Frank.
Although Otto initially hesitates to hire her because of her limited experience, Miep’s determination eventually wins him over.
As Nazi persecution intensifies, Otto asks Miep to help hide his family.
Accepting the responsibility means risking her own safety and the lives of those closest to her.
Alongside her husband Jan, Miep helps protect the Frank family and others facing persecution. Jan also becomes involved in the Dutch Resistance, taking part in dangerous underground activities.
After the Frank family’s hiding place is discovered, Miep preserves Anne’s diary, helping ensure that her words survive for future generations.
Bel Powley Brings Miep Gies’ Extraordinary Courage to Life
Bel Powley’s portrayal captures Miep’s transformation from an ordinary young woman seeking independence into someone willing to face extraordinary danger.
The series also examines her marriage to Jan, played by Joe Cole, showing how their different approaches to resistance place increasing pressure on their personal lives.
Billie Boullet portrays Anne Frank, while Liev Schreiber delivers a moving performance as Otto Frank.
Eleanor Tomlinson plays Tess, Miep’s friend, whose determination to preserve her comfortable lifestyle provides a stark contrast to Miep’s willingness to help others.
Through these characters, the drama explores the difficult choices people faced during the Nazi occupation.
The Forgotten Heroes Behind the Frank Family’s Survival
While A Small Light focuses on Miep, the series also acknowledges the wider network of Dutch citizens who helped Jewish families and resisted Nazi persecution.
However, some historical figures receive less attention than others.
One notable example is Bep Voskuijl, who played an important role in supporting the Frank family while they remained in hiding.
The drama fictionalises aspects of Otto Frank’s business staff and gives Bep a comparatively limited presence.
Despite these historical compromises, the series highlights how ordinary individuals became involved in extraordinary acts of courage.
A Haunting WWII Drama That Builds Toward a Devastating Conclusion
Rather than relying on constant battlefield action, A Small Light develops its emotional impact through everyday moments of fear, love and sacrifice.
Cinematographer Stuart Howell creates an increasingly haunting atmosphere as the story approaches its conclusion, while Matthew Simonelli’s understated costume design helps bring the historical setting to life.
The series also contrasts the suffering of persecuted families with the ordinary social lives continuing around them.
Across eight episodes, the deliberate pacing allows Miep and Jan’s personal stories to develop alongside the growing dangers of the occupation.
Although some sections move slowly, the longer format gives greater weight to the difficult decisions that define their lives.
Why A Small Light Is Worth Watching
A Small Light offers a moving perspective on one of history’s darkest periods by focusing on the people who chose to help others despite enormous personal risks.
Bel Powley’s central performance, supported by Joe Cole and Liev Schreiber, gives the drama its emotional strength.
The series also reminds viewers that Miep’s courage involved far more than a single heroic decision. Protecting the Frank family required repeated acts of bravery under increasingly dangerous circumstances.
Above all, A Small Light honours the woman who helped preserve Anne Frank’s diary and the ordinary people whose quiet resistance made an extraordinary difference.
A Small Light premiered on National Geographic on May 1, 2023, and has also been available on Disney+ and Hulu, depending on region.