(#64) Sharp Objects S1 (2018) - [8.25/10]
Updated: Apr 9, 2019
A journalist returns to her hometown to investigate a story (murder).
How would I describe this show in one word?
Editing.
Note My friend had recommended this show to me and described it as one of the best shows he had ever seen, mainly for their character development. For the latter I'd totally agree. As for the former, eventhough it is very unique in style and story-telling, I can see it coming off as one that would not please and entertain everyone.
Review The story follows a journalist who is assigned to investigate a story (the murder and disappearence of two young girls) in her hometown - a place that she hoped she'd never to return to and a mother who she loathes the sight of. The characters in this show are so rich, the kind of density you don't normally find in other shows with even longer lengths. The three female leads in this story play out such powerful performances. Patricia Clarkson steals the limelight and proves she's a force to be reckoned with despite her age. The character of the three are so powerful and interesting. Too much so one would say as the show's plot in itself is buoyed by an anatomy of their lives. One would call it a superior form of story-telling, an average viewer would call it a distraction from the story. Is it? Well, as my friend rightfully pointed out, sometimes characters not only FUEL the story but ARE story and I found that perspective quite logical in this film because eventhough by the end you are left with more questions than answers, the answers are buried within the finely-crafted character itself. I found that quite amazing actually. I could re-watch the show and pay close attention to every intricate detail and all my unanswered questions would probably be answered but... Not everyone would opt this method and frankly, I don't see myself doing that either. It is a very unique form of story-telling but one one that is very difficult to be appease and be appreciated by the general audience. Because story-wise there is no real materialistic progress until the latter portion of the show which might disappoint and lead a lot of viewers astray. I was not really disappointed by the plot, I found it quite fascinating in fact, it's just that there wasn't much update to it till late on but it was all with it by the end though with a jaw-dropping climax - literally! It is a pity though, cause from the technical department, it was gorgeous. Some movies and shows make you think about the story, some the acting, few the direction, fewer the cinematography and rarely the editing. I don't think I recall ever being mesmerized by the editing than any other department - it was not only unique, but haunting, sublime, surreal, and all the adjectives that are synonymous of wonderful. If not for anything else, watch this show for it's outlandish filmmaking style. It's a great watch! It's only unfortunate that it could not improve in its story department. RATING: 8.25/10
Creator: Marti Noxon Rated: TV-MA Runtime: 1 hr/episode Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery Starring: Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, Chris Messina