This is absolutely incredible. I went into it without reading the synopsis or watching the trailer, since the one-liner, poster and cast highlights were enough. Presumed Innocent took me with a swoop, from the subdued ever-increasing cues present in all parts of the production, where they make ample use of all our senses, to each new revelation that came along, and so much more.
The nuanced storytelling and truly human depth in the midst of suspense, thrill and drama make this a great watch. Experiencing this without preconceived notions from trailers, plot synopses and too many learned details can give a truly immersive journey. We do step into their life, after all.
Time zoomed by as I lay watching, having been very unwell and fatigued, and was then so unexpectedly enlivened by this story that unfolds just perfectly. While some might and do find the pacing slow initially, it is crucial for the story as a whole. I was hooked in the first ten minutes and boy did it pay off...
As the show progresses, the acting, story development and the aforementioned pacing all prove their worth in this work of art. They're all top-notch when the complete arc is considered. Some things were quite apparent, while others even slipped unnoticed, until parts in further episodes up to the last second made them snap in place so clearly-and in hindsight, so obviously-that it felt truly magical and shocking when it was all over, since before those moments the dropped clues were mysterious enough and the events kept me from analyzing everything, which in turn made this all the more intriguing.
Getting carried so by storytelling like this is rare and I'm so, so glad I watched it all and kept all my senses alert and engaged. You might want to, too, if you are in search of an escapade that takes its time and does not rush you through crucial bits, while still keeping the focus and pace in check, this could be it.
Magical. Now, SOME SPOILERS BELOW.
S P O I L E R S B E L O W .
Right from the beginning there were some familiarities to something way back, which I couldn't place, until I opened IMDb right after finishing the last episode. It was the movie, of course. But I was getting some Defending Jacob vibes too, and couldn't figure out why, they just kept popping up.
As dissociative breaks and anxiety came on screen, I first put them under the less nice parts of life, but they were given enough distinction that their impact lasted...and wow, what deeper meaning they had after all. On top of that, more such thematic clues later on with signs of wavering stability in multiple characters kept me in the dark about the "whodunnit" practically throughout the show.
In the end, it finally struck so, SO hard that there was an audible gasp and I was just blown away. Those vibes, the name and so much more came together with all the twists and turns so precisely wound that I'm still sitting here, contemplating their significance, three hours later. I'll need to blurt the truly spoiling stuff out at some point but that won't be here!
The multifaceted layering across all the many tools of storytelling employed here, from the tiniest changes in body language and facial expressions to the more immediately apparent central elements and the subtle play of light and shadow, props and effects, and the whole package, make this a standout. This show rewards a curious and patient viewer with a suspenseful, thrilling experience that has clearly been meticulously crafted and expertly given to us.
Thank you so much, absolutely wonderful work everyone involved, and congratulations on a perfect show!
The nuanced storytelling and truly human depth in the midst of suspense, thrill and drama make this a great watch. Experiencing this without preconceived notions from trailers, plot synopses and too many learned details can give a truly immersive journey. We do step into their life, after all.
Time zoomed by as I lay watching, having been very unwell and fatigued, and was then so unexpectedly enlivened by this story that unfolds just perfectly. While some might and do find the pacing slow initially, it is crucial for the story as a whole. I was hooked in the first ten minutes and boy did it pay off...
As the show progresses, the acting, story development and the aforementioned pacing all prove their worth in this work of art. They're all top-notch when the complete arc is considered. Some things were quite apparent, while others even slipped unnoticed, until parts in further episodes up to the last second made them snap in place so clearly-and in hindsight, so obviously-that it felt truly magical and shocking when it was all over, since before those moments the dropped clues were mysterious enough and the events kept me from analyzing everything, which in turn made this all the more intriguing.
Getting carried so by storytelling like this is rare and I'm so, so glad I watched it all and kept all my senses alert and engaged. You might want to, too, if you are in search of an escapade that takes its time and does not rush you through crucial bits, while still keeping the focus and pace in check, this could be it.
Magical. Now, SOME SPOILERS BELOW.
S P O I L E R S B E L O W .
Right from the beginning there were some familiarities to something way back, which I couldn't place, until I opened IMDb right after finishing the last episode. It was the movie, of course. But I was getting some Defending Jacob vibes too, and couldn't figure out why, they just kept popping up.
As dissociative breaks and anxiety came on screen, I first put them under the less nice parts of life, but they were given enough distinction that their impact lasted...and wow, what deeper meaning they had after all. On top of that, more such thematic clues later on with signs of wavering stability in multiple characters kept me in the dark about the "whodunnit" practically throughout the show.
In the end, it finally struck so, SO hard that there was an audible gasp and I was just blown away. Those vibes, the name and so much more came together with all the twists and turns so precisely wound that I'm still sitting here, contemplating their significance, three hours later. I'll need to blurt the truly spoiling stuff out at some point but that won't be here!
The multifaceted layering across all the many tools of storytelling employed here, from the tiniest changes in body language and facial expressions to the more immediately apparent central elements and the subtle play of light and shadow, props and effects, and the whole package, make this a standout. This show rewards a curious and patient viewer with a suspenseful, thrilling experience that has clearly been meticulously crafted and expertly given to us.
Thank you so much, absolutely wonderful work everyone involved, and congratulations on a perfect show!