380. Web-series Reviews – 195

More web-series reviews…

Bench Life – Came in 2024, Tamil webseries. Explores the lives of a couple of engineers on the bench in an Indian IT firm.

A review from IMDB...

"Bench Life" is not just a web series; it's an authentic and heartfelt portrayal of the unsung phase in an IT professional's journey - the bench. Directed by the exceptionally talented Manasa, this five-episode series (each around 40 minutes) marks her debut, and she has delivered with remarkable finesse. The storyline is crafted with precision, offering a perfect balance of humor, realism, and emotional depth, all tied together with well-placed hooks that keep the audience eagerly awaiting the next scene.

The standout aspect of the series is its music and lyrics. The songs are not just background scores; they are integral to the narrative, each carrying profound meaning and blending seamlessly with the emotions on screen. Every frame reflects Manasa's meticulous attention to detail, and her vision translates beautifully into relatable everyday moments that connect deeply with software employees and beyond.

On a personal note, I am in awe of Manasa's daringness and dedication. In an industry where female directors are vastly underrepresented, she has made an indelible mark with her courage and passion. Her ability to bring out such authenticity and relatability speaks volumes about her storytelling prowess and creative clarity.

The glimpses of Mahesh in the series were a delightful touch, adding a sense of familiarity and fun. What makes "Bench Life" extraordinary is its ability to showcase the camaraderie, struggles, and quirky moments of corporate life in a way that feels personal to every viewer.

Manasa has proven herself to be a force to reckon with in the industry, and her debut is a testament to her skill, determination, and vision. This series is a must-watch for its relatable content, impeccable execution, and the inspiration it offers to dreamers everywhere. I wholeheartedly applaud her for breaking barriers and creating something so refreshing, meaningful, and enjoyable. Here's to more milestones in her career!

My Take – Worth a watch!

 

Ludwig – Came in 2024.  While seeking to unravel the mystery of his twin brother's disappearance, reclusive puzzle-designer John 'Ludwig' Taylor takes on his twin brother James's identity as DCI on Cambridge's major crimes squad.

A review from IMDB...

Ludwig is a new BBC series that brings a fresh and quirky twist to the detective genre. Starring David Mitchell, it follows John Taylor, a socially awkward puzzle lover who is reluctantly pulled into solving crimes when his police detective twin brother, James, mysteriously disappears. To find out what happened to James, John must impersonate his brother and use his unique puzzle-solving skills to crack the cases.

The show blends light-hearted humour with mystery, offering a cosy, entertaining experience. Each episode features a new crime for John to solve, while the central mystery of James's disappearance ties the story together. John's logical approach to crime-solving, combined with his nervous and introverted personality, creates a fun contrast as he stumbles through police work, often solving the cases in unconventional ways.

David Mitchell shines as John, bringing his signature wit and awkward charm to the role. His interactions with Anna Maxwell Martin, who plays Lucy, his determined and sharp sister-in-law, add emotional depth to the series. Lucy drives the investigation forward, motivating John to keep up the ruse while they search for James. Their relationship forms the heart of the show, balancing the comedic elements with moments of genuine concern and urgency.

While Ludwig doesn't offer intense drama or complex plots, it thrives as a light and enjoyable watch. The crimes are simple, and the stakes never feel too high, making it perfect for those who enjoy a laid-back mystery series. Its cosy atmosphere, combined with Mitchell's dry humour and the fun puzzle-solving aspect, makes it a charming addition to the detective genre.

In short, Ludwig is a pleasant, entertaining series with a unique puzzle-based approach to crime-solving, perfect for fans looking for something witty and easy going.

My Take – An excellent BBC series.

 

Chimp Crazy – Came in 2024.  Former nurse-turned-exotic animal broker Tonia Haddix, spends her days caring for animals in captivity. However, her love for one chimpanzee in particular spins into a wild cat-and-mouse game with authorities and an animal rights group.

A review from IMDB...

Impressed with this documentary. Impressed with the ability to get into the viewpoint of its subject(s), while actively hoping for the opposite outcome. I think it's much better than tiger king, the surrealism/reality TV-esc feel of this one makes more sense as Tonia is THAT person, to a tee. Of course, Joe Exoctic was right up that alley aswell, but Tonia walks, talks and breathes like a reality star. She doesn't think twice before accepting a documentary, while being an active criminal (Joe Exotic is also guilty of this, although he was a lot more discriminate about his dealings, many revelations were through other sources), Tonia will tell you it all herself. Histrionic to the max, she is really fascinating to watch. Now, to get to the core of this series, the chimps. In my opinion its handled excellenty. With empathy, with passion, and with their best interest in mind. Obviously, Eric Goode and a few PETA lawyers can't take down the whole illegal animal trafficking business (not to mention certain places it isn't even illegal yet) but they can document all the atrocities, talk to the family members and those affected, and of course, show us the chimps. Wether it's through archival footage or Eric's own lense, we are brought into the chimpanzees world of suffering. You'd think recapping old stories like Travis the chimp would be a waste of time, but with this amount of detail, tragedy and closeness to the source, these segments end up being windows into a truly horrifying world. I don't think the story of Travis has ever hit this hard before. The lingering shot of him rocking back and forth......chilling. This documentary is great, Eric Goode is growing and coming into his own as a documentarian, journalist and filmmaker. With this series, he's been able to capture a much more real sense of emotion and personality, than in previous works. Aswell as the aforementioned ability to sync up with the corresponding subjects' perspective throughout, which is greatly appreciated. It isn't a masterwork of understanding its subject, like say 'Grizzly Man', but I'd say it does a pretty good job considering how unhuman, unnatural and hard to pin down this community is. Eric loves working with the weirdos, that's for sure. 4 stars, recommended!

My Take – Worth a watch!

Adios till next time😊!!