90 reviews
Hard to follow but intriguing
Don't compare it with the original, just watch . I think it's quite fascinating. But it jumps to much from one scene to another. Rachel Weisz is stunning in her performance. She's making it easy to see two sisters. The story is acceptable and the way the portrait women as strong women is ok. What I don't understand is why they switch so much in between scenes. I lost the story more than once. What the hell is the role of the housekeeper and why are there so much dialogues that I don't follow or don't understand. But then again, the story is acceptabel and I keep on watching. Those of you who rate after one episode or even less. Get out!
It looks awesome, and Rachel kills it- otherwise it's a little all over the place
I am a big Cronenberg fan, and I am very familiar with the original Dead Ringers. I will not compare them since this is a reimagining- but I will say they really are extremely dissimilar.
This show looks great, and Rachel plays the parts extremely well. The practical effects are SOLID- lot's of blood but I can imagine how it would be too much for some with all the graphic birth depiction. That being said- the show can be very hard to follow. It's all over the place, jumping from place to place sometimes from time to time with no indication. They are also introducing new characters all the way up to episode 5 (there are only 6). I think it could be a bit more cohesive. Yes, I do understand that is the point- it's supposed to be disorienting and the twins are supposed to sometimes be indistinguishable, so maybe you'll see it differently than I did.
This show looks great, and Rachel plays the parts extremely well. The practical effects are SOLID- lot's of blood but I can imagine how it would be too much for some with all the graphic birth depiction. That being said- the show can be very hard to follow. It's all over the place, jumping from place to place sometimes from time to time with no indication. They are also introducing new characters all the way up to episode 5 (there are only 6). I think it could be a bit more cohesive. Yes, I do understand that is the point- it's supposed to be disorienting and the twins are supposed to sometimes be indistinguishable, so maybe you'll see it differently than I did.
The way I see it (an alternate interpretation)
- blueskyy_ng
- Apr 21, 2023
- Permalink
Four episodes in and it's just as I thought when I saw the first episode...
None of this is Rachel Weisz's Fault
My take is that this all works better as a book. The show feels like we viewers are missing something. Why are the twins the way they are? Their codependency on each other needs to be clarified. As viewers, we learn that the twins had a healthy childhood with devoted and involved parents - after a bout of severe postpartum depression. There appears to be nothing in the twins' life to warrant the kind of insecurity and lack of self-esteem that would lead to the toxic levels of codependency we see unless we're missing something.
That's one big problem. Another is that the story plays on all the worst stereotypes of twins, particularly female twins. The final problem is the ending plothole. It's a big one, and again, it feels off as if the writers needed an ending, and this was it.
Still, I watched all of it. Having Rachel Weisz play two parts was weird and off-putting. She was terrific with the material she was given. None of the problems with this show were her fault.
That's one big problem. Another is that the story plays on all the worst stereotypes of twins, particularly female twins. The final problem is the ending plothole. It's a big one, and again, it feels off as if the writers needed an ending, and this was it.
Still, I watched all of it. Having Rachel Weisz play two parts was weird and off-putting. She was terrific with the material she was given. None of the problems with this show were her fault.
Stop comparing genius
After reading 90% of the reviews I wonder what the hell, everyone else is watching that I'm not. The biggest complaint on here, is it's not the same as Cronenberg's. I'll be the 1st to admit that Cronenberg is God and everything he makes is a masterpiece. This shouldn't be compared to that. It's a REMAKE. As in, similar story beats from a different perspective. This was wonderful and I DO agree that Rachel Weisz deserves every accolade for her performance. I gained a lot of respect for her after this series that I never had before. I mean, I knew she was good, but WOW! The little nuances in body language and facial contortions that define the twins is astonishing! Great series! Don't listen to the ghost of Ebert who trashes all genre films and series. 100% worth your time!
- bradbear-65903
- Apr 24, 2023
- Permalink
A Reimagining Delivering Deminishing Returns
- hedrummond
- May 2, 2023
- Permalink
You must be joking.
This is the fourth review. The first three were all ten out of ten, leading me to believe that they're less than legitimate. "Amazingly plays both sisters! I didn't see the original!" "Perfectly portrayed seamlessly! The Jeremy Irons film!" "A freaking genius... the writing is so awesome!"
Enough already.
The original was a David Cronenberg film, not a Jeremy Irons film. Yes, Irons did an excellent job in it, but make no mistake - Cronenberg wrote and directed it, and it's entirely his disturbing vision, so it's disgusting that these three gushers don't even mention his name.
What I've learned over the past few years is there is absolutely no depth to which the utterly-desperate-for-content modern streaming production houses (Netflix, Amazon, Apple, etc.) will not stoop to debase themselves and utterly violate the great (and let's face it, not so great - they don't care) movies of the last half century. Catch-22. Three Days of the Condor. True Lies. Westworld (alright, that was a lousy movie that was remade as a pretty good series). One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Dead Ringers. The list goes on and on. Sometimes it's so obvious that they've cast the entire show to as closely resemble the original actors as possible that it hurts. Other times they think they're doing a hip gender (or racial) updating, as with this one.
What's next? Citizen Karen?
Someone. Please. Stop. These. People.
Enough already.
The original was a David Cronenberg film, not a Jeremy Irons film. Yes, Irons did an excellent job in it, but make no mistake - Cronenberg wrote and directed it, and it's entirely his disturbing vision, so it's disgusting that these three gushers don't even mention his name.
What I've learned over the past few years is there is absolutely no depth to which the utterly-desperate-for-content modern streaming production houses (Netflix, Amazon, Apple, etc.) will not stoop to debase themselves and utterly violate the great (and let's face it, not so great - they don't care) movies of the last half century. Catch-22. Three Days of the Condor. True Lies. Westworld (alright, that was a lousy movie that was remade as a pretty good series). One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Dead Ringers. The list goes on and on. Sometimes it's so obvious that they've cast the entire show to as closely resemble the original actors as possible that it hurts. Other times they think they're doing a hip gender (or racial) updating, as with this one.
What's next? Citizen Karen?
Someone. Please. Stop. These. People.
- jonathancanucklevine
- Apr 21, 2023
- Permalink
Can you love Rachel Weisz twice?? YES
Crazy and disturbing it is...and yes there are moments of 'why?' (housekeeper and the dinner party weirdness) but it is also a clever script and impressive visuals with excellent issue based concepts from all angles.
I haven't watched the Cronenberg film, but the series at times gave me the same uncomfortable 'what is going on?' Cronenberg vibes.
I loved Rachel Weisz anyway, but I really thought she was brilliant and deliciously perfect.... twice.
I gave it an 8 because the only issue I had would be some of the plot was just too deliberately pretentious, but hey I definitely recommend it, especially if you are very very bored of the usual pasty bland stuff that has been coming out recently.
I haven't watched the Cronenberg film, but the series at times gave me the same uncomfortable 'what is going on?' Cronenberg vibes.
I loved Rachel Weisz anyway, but I really thought she was brilliant and deliciously perfect.... twice.
I gave it an 8 because the only issue I had would be some of the plot was just too deliberately pretentious, but hey I definitely recommend it, especially if you are very very bored of the usual pasty bland stuff that has been coming out recently.
- suginer-922-918658
- May 21, 2023
- Permalink
Poor Rachel
- sareed1971
- Apr 27, 2023
- Permalink
A deliciously twisted re-telling of a Cronenberg classic
- Avwillfan89
- Apr 22, 2023
- Permalink
Too pretentious with nothing behind that
The whole series attitude is trying too hard to be conceptual and look like a masterpiece. In fact, we have pseudo intellectual hopeless and meaningful project that will be forgotten by viewers in 15 minutes after watching this.
Getting viewers attention by showing so many birth acts is a cheap tool when it has nothing to surprise besides that.
You can be pretentious when you have something to say to the world and when it really worths it but in this case the whole projects looks like Paris Hilton trying to be Stephen Hawking.
I guess the main issue here is weak plot which was shrinking all over the place.
Getting viewers attention by showing so many birth acts is a cheap tool when it has nothing to surprise besides that.
You can be pretentious when you have something to say to the world and when it really worths it but in this case the whole projects looks like Paris Hilton trying to be Stephen Hawking.
I guess the main issue here is weak plot which was shrinking all over the place.
- Almost_Soldout
- Apr 21, 2023
- Permalink
Hard to watch, but very good
This show had me hooked from the first episode. If you can stomach the multiple themes of miscarriage, birth, suicide, drugs, alcoholism and murder; then it's a brilliant story. But it's certainly not easy to watch. What I liked the most was the way it accurately portrays modern capitalism and the lack of humanity that billionaires have towards women's health and healthcare.
It also touches on the very sad but real subject of motherhood, wether is chosen or not. It also shows a very real picture of pre/postpartum depression, miscarriage, death at childbirth and family trauma from all these subjects.
The cast is perfect and each character is played flawlessly. As others said before me, Rachel Weisz certainly deserves an award for her amazing performance.
It also touches on the very sad but real subject of motherhood, wether is chosen or not. It also shows a very real picture of pre/postpartum depression, miscarriage, death at childbirth and family trauma from all these subjects.
The cast is perfect and each character is played flawlessly. As others said before me, Rachel Weisz certainly deserves an award for her amazing performance.
BRILLIANT - Ignore the low user rating!
Beautifully acted, beautifully written, visually and audibly beautiful, beautifully experimental and innovative. This series was obviously a labour of love for everyone involved.
People like what they like; but it is sad to see such an accomplished piece of work so under-appreciated. It currently has a user rating of 6.4. Many lesser, run-of-the-mill, formulaic, unambitious, lazy productions earn higher user ratings than this. I see some reviewers rating this show with 1 and 2 stars. Not only is this ridiculously unjustifiable; but in today's climate (with production companies/streamers struggling financially), these kind of ratings will probably be interpreted as reasons to not take a chance on funding more ambitious, artistic projects such as this one.
I remember The White Lotus having similarly ridiculously low ratings after the first few episodes. Gladly, the critic's enthusiasm filtered through and the show became successful; resulting in further wonderful season(s)!
I just wish people would rate sensibly. It's fine if you don't like something, but it doesn't mean it deserves 1 star because it didn't hook you after 15 minutes. Either give productions a considered rating or don't rate at all!
I'm ranted out now!
Dead Ringers is a riveting, weird, shocking and delightful series. Beautiful TV. If you appreciate an artistic approach to TV production, you will love this.
Thank you to the writers, actors, production team and Amazon Prime.
People like what they like; but it is sad to see such an accomplished piece of work so under-appreciated. It currently has a user rating of 6.4. Many lesser, run-of-the-mill, formulaic, unambitious, lazy productions earn higher user ratings than this. I see some reviewers rating this show with 1 and 2 stars. Not only is this ridiculously unjustifiable; but in today's climate (with production companies/streamers struggling financially), these kind of ratings will probably be interpreted as reasons to not take a chance on funding more ambitious, artistic projects such as this one.
I remember The White Lotus having similarly ridiculously low ratings after the first few episodes. Gladly, the critic's enthusiasm filtered through and the show became successful; resulting in further wonderful season(s)!
I just wish people would rate sensibly. It's fine if you don't like something, but it doesn't mean it deserves 1 star because it didn't hook you after 15 minutes. Either give productions a considered rating or don't rate at all!
I'm ranted out now!
Dead Ringers is a riveting, weird, shocking and delightful series. Beautiful TV. If you appreciate an artistic approach to TV production, you will love this.
Thank you to the writers, actors, production team and Amazon Prime.
Just Blahhhhhhhh
What an incredible waste of time this was.
I had such a big expectation that this would be great especially because of Rachel Weis but no not even her impeccable acting could save it.
Predictable from the opening scene. Lots of wasted time no real story to follow. I think in my opinion it was just made to shock at the lengths some will go to.
The housekeeper 🤔🤔no real answers except that's she was just as fu&$;d up as Beverly and Elliot.
It definitely had potential but to me it just seemed like a jumbled mess of fill-in scenes and story lines to keep it going.
Definitely not a series I would recommend.
I had such a big expectation that this would be great especially because of Rachel Weis but no not even her impeccable acting could save it.
Predictable from the opening scene. Lots of wasted time no real story to follow. I think in my opinion it was just made to shock at the lengths some will go to.
The housekeeper 🤔🤔no real answers except that's she was just as fu&$;d up as Beverly and Elliot.
It definitely had potential but to me it just seemed like a jumbled mess of fill-in scenes and story lines to keep it going.
Definitely not a series I would recommend.
- kerry_kirby09
- May 9, 2023
- Permalink
Amazing
It is so nice to feel challenged and stimulated by such a thought-provoking series. This is not your middle-of-the-road usual fare: it is smart, it's profound and multi-layered and it's beautifully put together. Rachel Weisz is (not surprisingly) amazing and manages to portray convincingly two very distinct characters. You just completely forget it's one actress doing both roles. The rest of the cast is strong and the photography and music are excellent too. I would really encourage anybody who likes to watch artistically original content to give it a go! Bravo. Ps. Although I saw the original movie when it was first released, I have very little so cannot compare but I think the series completely stand on its own anyway.
- OliSomenzi
- Apr 29, 2023
- Permalink
Dreamlike mystery of a twin sister
Episode 5, The dinner scene
The series gained good traction after the first half. Production quality was top notch, though was shot a bit dark for my tastes. I think it was a challenge to take the original material and work it into a less Cronenberg and more 21st century theme. I believe it was a success and was just as interesting as the earlier film. I've long been an admirer of Rachel Weisz and was really impressed with her in the dinner scene in episode four at about the 39 minute mark. That's the one that rings award nominations for me. She has had many risky diverse roles in her career and this performance ranks among her best. Dark themes for sure, but executed really well.
Sort of a Waste of time I can never get back...
I really like Rachel Weisz, and I wanted to like this thing. It is like a train wreck where you feel so bad for all the humanity but you continue to watch the train crash and burn. WHY they thought this was worthy of a series is beyond me. Listen, I love Cronenberg's movies, but that 1988 version of this story was terrible in my humble opinion. I didn't think Jeremy Irons was right for the role he played, and the continuity of the movie was a bit jumpy and aloof. However, compared to this dumpster fire, Cronenberg's movie was a masterpiece!! I didn't want to give it a 1, so I guess I gave it a 3 for effort maybe? All I know is I kept waiting for something worthwhile to happen. What you get in this series is shocking attitudes, language, and inappropriate weirdness. I'm not a prude guys, but GEESH..
- artcoo-23524
- Apr 23, 2023
- Permalink
I deserve an award
Upon conclusion of watching all six episodes I read a number of the reviews and felt like I wished that I had seen the original. Perhaps there is some redeeming value in it. I found nothing in this awful story that was edifying.
To be fair the first two episodes were somewhat interesting. Kind of provocative, made me a little patient to see what might unfold. But, by half way through the fourth I had to force myself to continue.
You certainly have every right to question my state of mind that I continued to punish myself and watch the whole twisted meaningless confusing and wasted effort!
Many other reviews pointed to some of the specific failings of this gross production. They were correct. I'll finish by saying you're better off just watching the news.
To be fair the first two episodes were somewhat interesting. Kind of provocative, made me a little patient to see what might unfold. But, by half way through the fourth I had to force myself to continue.
You certainly have every right to question my state of mind that I continued to punish myself and watch the whole twisted meaningless confusing and wasted effort!
Many other reviews pointed to some of the specific failings of this gross production. They were correct. I'll finish by saying you're better off just watching the news.
- Posterboy1
- May 11, 2023
- Permalink
Brilliant
I genuinely am baffled by the low reviews here. They seem to stem from those disappointed by the remake of the original movie so I'll start off by saying I've never watched nor heard of the movie Dead Ringers, so went into this completely blind. Rachel is absolutely fantastic playing the two opposite twins with a complex and at times, questionable relationship. The show is dark yet with sprinklings of comedy, the characters are prickly, and the storyline's are sometimes shocking and overall leaves you feeling like you've seen something you shouldn't have and wanting more. I've only watched ep 1 but I'm hooked and can't wait to devour the rest of the show.
- cberkerussell
- Apr 29, 2023
- Permalink
Illogical plot, random dialogues and pointless characters.
This show seems to be written by an artificial intelligence: it is very difficult to follow what is happening, because the interactions are so random and illogical. It focuses too much on characters that do not have any relevance to the story and never gets to the point. The two Mantle sisters are so annoying: Elliot does not have any kind of compassion and humanity, while Beverly is just too insecure and scared to do anything that is slightly out of her comfort zone. The show displays pretty well the unhealthy codependency of the two sisters that is put at risk by Genevieve. However, there are some other plot points that are potentially interesting, but that they were never properly developed: in the first two episodes there are highlighted a few of the weaknesses of the American healthcare system when it comes to young pregnant women, or the several risks for ladies that would like to have a baby at an older age, but these does not go anywhere. Most of the time there are just overly long and boring sequences that are not even aesthetically pleasing; the images are just too dark and sometimes it is difficult to understand what is happening.
I did not watch the original Cronenberg film, therefore I cannot compare the two projects. The only thing that I could save about this show is the acting by Rachel Weisz that played the two twins, giving them a different personality, and this is why my final mark for this show is 3.5 stars out of 10.
I did not watch the original Cronenberg film, therefore I cannot compare the two projects. The only thing that I could save about this show is the acting by Rachel Weisz that played the two twins, giving them a different personality, and this is why my final mark for this show is 3.5 stars out of 10.
Wow! Disturbing, Abusive, Inappropriate, Sharp, Orginal
Anything I could do to describe this series would not do it justice, or convey the experience of the tone. It is deeply disturbing, shocking, inappropriate, sharp, and witty. What I can say is that Rachel Weisz is astonishing. If she does not get the Golden Globe for this performance, it would be an injustice.
Rachel Weisz plays two completely different characters with brilliance. Both twins are doctors in a hospital birthing center who are trying to get funding to open a birthing center of their own. That is just a very basic plot. Elliot is wild, and a thrill seeker who seems to think that no rules apply to her and she can do whatever she wants. Beverly, her twin cares more for humanity and playing by the rules. They are in their way, utterly codependent, but when Beverly Finds love and starts to have a life of her own Elliot becomes completely unhinged.
Rachel Weisz plays two completely different characters with brilliance. Both twins are doctors in a hospital birthing center who are trying to get funding to open a birthing center of their own. That is just a very basic plot. Elliot is wild, and a thrill seeker who seems to think that no rules apply to her and she can do whatever she wants. Beverly, her twin cares more for humanity and playing by the rules. They are in their way, utterly codependent, but when Beverly Finds love and starts to have a life of her own Elliot becomes completely unhinged.
- jeanvieve7
- Apr 21, 2023
- Permalink
Typical modern reworking of previous work.
This is typical of todays reimagining of previous output. Change male leads to female and take it from there. I can't think of a single instance where this device has worked. Not one. Why not simply create something totally new. Oh, I know why, because todays writers are just lazy and totally lack any imagination. Rachel Weisz gives what can only be described as a master class in over acting. I'm vegetarian so the reek of ham from her performance made me feel rather nauseous. I'm totally baffled by the people who rate this 10 out of 10! I suspect they are written by bots or members of the Rachel Weisz fan club.
- cgrc-254-535005
- Apr 21, 2023
- Permalink
Clever, Well Written, Well Directed, Fantastic Acting
A great companion piece to the original item, looking into it from a different lens.
If you're wimpy about how humans are actually born - move on and get a reality check.
Gender-flipping here does nothing but open up new avenues. This isn't the misandry we see throughout a lot of other programs at the moment but well written, well thought out, and fantastic.
DOP has a real Hannibal feel about it - so that's always a winner.
Parental trauma in all it's many forms.
This is like Monster (2004) - there's a lot of Monsters if you're paying attention, and confusion if you're not versed in human psychology.
This is very well written and captures psychopaths use mimicry and chameleon behaviours to a point where you are not given a definitive answer: now here's your choice you either revel in this and go away to theorise and have conversations or you're beige and want it given you on a plate. Move on if you're former - this will infuriate you.
You get flash backs and fall out - abandonment theory all over the shop.
There's a lot of confusion around the point of Greta's character: She's the one character who embraces and externalises her trauma to move forward, unlike everyone else who are stuck in the cycles.
If you're wimpy about how humans are actually born - move on and get a reality check.
Gender-flipping here does nothing but open up new avenues. This isn't the misandry we see throughout a lot of other programs at the moment but well written, well thought out, and fantastic.
DOP has a real Hannibal feel about it - so that's always a winner.
Parental trauma in all it's many forms.
This is like Monster (2004) - there's a lot of Monsters if you're paying attention, and confusion if you're not versed in human psychology.
This is very well written and captures psychopaths use mimicry and chameleon behaviours to a point where you are not given a definitive answer: now here's your choice you either revel in this and go away to theorise and have conversations or you're beige and want it given you on a plate. Move on if you're former - this will infuriate you.
You get flash backs and fall out - abandonment theory all over the shop.
There's a lot of confusion around the point of Greta's character: She's the one character who embraces and externalises her trauma to move forward, unlike everyone else who are stuck in the cycles.
- marshalsea-547-992254
- May 23, 2024
- Permalink