Reviews

This movie was so sensual and adrenaline-pumping, I couldn't stop watching it. The neon color schemes, the creepiness of the not-quite-Midwest accents, the riches. I think a lot of people hate this film because it takes the reality of elder abuse and glamorizes it. To be sure, that is not a noble plot, but I find that the horror from the basis in reality adds to how much it captured my attention. In a backwards way, this may make people keep watch over their parents and relatives more. Unfortunately, this is capitalism. I don't like it much myself. But to take such a horrifying look at it, let it draw you in, isn't that an argument itself against it? You can only become a billionaire through exploit, and I don't think that fact is hidden in this film at all. It is nakedly stated that this is the American dream. I don't take this film as a celebration of that. I am fascinated and yes, disgusted, by each of the characters because as intended, they are sexy, ruthless, and guileless. And in the end, the common man gets his revenge, and it turns out the glamour and success can all go away by chance, at the drop of the hat. Her own words are turned against her-- he never gave up. I think people are taking away the wrong lessons and intent of this movie, lending to their lower reviews. Definitely a worthwhile watch.

It's so hard to rate this, because it's one of the most intense and creative shows I've ever seen. There are some aspects that are really well done, and the cinematic effects (filters/lighting) carry a lot of the weight and accentuate Sam's experiences. Sometimes, though, it's a little overdone, much like my 14 year old self on Instagram with all the effects. And then there's the plot. Again, incredibly creative and intense, but any sort of character motivation is sacrificed to serve plot twist upon plot twist upon plot twist. It makes little sense at the end. The only character whose motivation I can follow somewhat clearly is Sam's, and there are many things in the first episode that should have been answered or referenced in the following parts of the series. Maybe they will be in the coming 'second half'. I really hope the 'Winter' segment is easier to follow, because every single character changing allegiances approximately 4 times per episode is making ME feel like I took LSD at a Celtic festival.