356. Web-series Reviews – 171

More web-series reviews…

Big Little Lies – Ran from 2017 to 2019 with 2 seasons.  Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and Shailene Woodley.  Based on a book.  Meryl Streep gets added in the 2nd season!  When Madeline and Celeste take new-in-town single mom Jane under their wing, they don't realize how the arrival of Jane and her inscrutable little boy will affect them all. "Big Little Lies" is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive.

A review from IMDB...

The hook of "Big Little Lies" is a murder mystery, in which we don't know who-done-it OR who is the victim. This mystery is well-sustained until the end, but it's really secondary; it takes a back seat to the show's characters, its style, its atmosphere. The director, Jean-Marc Vallée, has a personal, identifiable style in both this and the later "Sharp Objects", which I would broadly define as "enhanced realism", or maybe even "psychedelic realism": everyday / normal scenes blended with memories, fantasies, and sudden displacements in space & time. He also succeeds (in both shows) in making you feel as if YOU are living in the locations where the characters live. The acting is first-rate by every single cast member (even the little kids): this may be Nicole Kidman's best work in years (her scenes with her husband are frequently disturbing, as they're meant to be), but my own favorite is Reese Witherspoon, who gives you the impression at first of being loud and aggressive, only to reveal layers of kindheartedness and vulnerability underneath (she doesn't mingle in other people's lives as a hobby; she genuinely CARES about other people). The series has a perfect ending, which brings together every element like clockwork. I'd say it's a notch better than "Sharp Objects", which is already a fantastic show in itself. Do not miss either one.

I enjoy reading user reviews on IMDB. It seems clear that the critics of this show are not pleased with the casting choices that do not align with the characters in the book. I've shared that frustration when I've watched an adaption of a beloved book seem to dishonor the characters in a story that moved me by inaccurate casting choices. So I get it. But from the perspective of a viewer who didn't read the book, this show was brilliant in both seasons. The star studded performances were phenomenal in every way. Even Meryl Streep perfectly made you hate her in the most real and relatable way. Only a seasoned actress could accomplish that with such precision. I loved seeing all those amazing actors in such a compelling story. I think it's important to give grace and remember that productions should get certain allowances when making adaptations of books to screenplays. I think the screenplay worked and was acted beautifully by the cast. The most important part of a series is to make the audience feel something, and it accomplishes that goal in strides. I was captivated throughout both seasons and was invested in the outcome of the characters. I laughed, cried and was genuinely entertained. This is just plain good television and I hope for more enthralling shows like this.

My Take – A definitive watch! Don't miss it!

 

Constellation – Came out in 2024.  Jo returns to earth after a disaster in space and discovers that there are missing pieces in her life, so she sets out to expose the truth about the hidden secrets of space travel and recover what she has lost.

A review from IMDB...

"Constellation," Apple TV+'s new sci-fi drama, is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking exploration of loss, grief, and the power of human connection. Created by Peter Harness ("The War of the Worlds") and directed by Michelle MacLaren ("Breaking Bad," "Game of Thrones"), the series boasts a stellar cast, led by Noomi Rapace ("The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"), in a dual role.

The story follows Jo (Rapace), a space shuttle pilot who is haunted by the death of her husband, a fellow astronaut who died during a mission. When Jo is offered the chance to participate in a new experimental program that could allow her to communicate with her husband's consciousness, she seizes the opportunity. However, the experiment has unexpected consequences, and Jo finds herself caught up in a complex mystery that threatens not only her own life but the future of humanity.

One of the things that sets "Constellation" apart from other sci-fi dramas is its unique visual style. The series features some of the most stunning space cinematography I've seen since Alfonso Cuarón's "Gravity." The special effects are also top-notch, helping to create a truly immersive and believable world.

But "Constellation" is more than just a visual spectacle. It's also a deeply emotional and character-driven story. Rapace gives a tour-de-force performance, bringing both strength and vulnerability to the role of Jo. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Jonathan Banks ("Better Call Saul") and James D'Arcy ("Agent Carter") providing strong performances.

The series also explores some complex and thought-provoking themes. "Constellation" is a show that asks big questions about the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the power of love. It's a show that will stay with you long after you've finished watching it.

If you're a fan of sci-fi dramas, then you need to check out "Constellation." It's a show that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. It's a show that will make you think, feel, and wonder.

Here are some additional things to consider:

The music is a bit weak in some spots, but it doesn't detract too much from the overall experience.

The pacing can be a bit slow at times, but it allows the characters and story to develop fully.

The show is not afraid to tackle some complex and challenging themes.

Overall, "Constellation" is a highly recommended sci-fi drama that is sure to please fans of the genre.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

P. S. If you're a fan of Stephen King, you'll be happy to know that he's a fan of the show too. He tweeted about it, saying, "Constellation is a mind-bender. I'm hooked."

My Take – A definitive watch!

 

Inspector Rishi – Came out in 2024. When mysterious deaths begin to plague a mountain village, the local people begin to fear that it is the Vanaratchi, a demonic forest spirit that is committing these murders. A skeptical inspector, Rishi, along with his sub-inspectors Ayyanar and Chitra, is tasked with the challenge of uncovering secrets and finding out the truth behind these inexplicable paranormal events. The trio not only navigates through challenges in their personal lives but also battles supernatural forces at play, which test their resolve and abilities to the limit.

A review from IMDB...

Folklore, horror, super natural, thriller, jungle, poaching, LGBTQ, superstitions, friendship , loyalty, hallucinations- so many themes packed for a slow yet eventful show.

A skeptic crime branch Inspector Rishi Nandhan is assigned to investigate a series of bizarre murders in a small mountain village, committed by a deadly forest ghoul called the Vanaratchi.

The investigation builds up most of the drama along with beautiful sub plots and flashbacks.

The only flaw for this gritty and haunting show is the pacing. The initial 3-4 episodes become drag and slow to set up. The transitions, montages and editing drag the pace which would have easily got the show to a gripping drama. Due to this, the depth is lacking and the emotional backstories felt forced.

Yet you would be invested with the show for the horror, the thrilling drama, the murders and the horrifying reality of poaching. The writing shifts gears from becoming murder mystery to a horror folks tale to grotesque poaching reaching to a penultimate climax.

Performance wise Naveen Chandra & Srikrishna Dayal blend a Ram Balram duo. But it is the supporting cast of Kanna Ravi, Malini & Sunaina who get the best moments and they give their heart out. Watch out for their performance in the later part of the show.

Absolute Kudos and spectacular production design, the cinematography, the gripping BGM, the claustrophobic and haunting jungle and the ease with which everything blends together. Special mentions to the creature effects and the VFX - spot on and believable.

The dubbing may sound silly - there is a caricature dubbing of typical South Indian lingo and accent which comes out of the blue for the supporting cast.

If you loved Poachers, which was an even gripping amazing drama then Inspector Rishi will blend the elements of horror with it.

My Take – A definitive watch!

Adios till next time😊!