memefactory

This French thriller takes a fairly standard trope and does a fairly decent job with it. The acting is good, the relationships male sense. The writing is sometimes pretty good, especially some of the dialogue, yet ultimately the show has some moments that are just mediocre writing, plotwise. And there is one blatant case of audience manipulation to get us thinking in a certain direction that is just sloppy. And the ending, well, it works but is a bit meh. So, the show is uneven. It could certainly be worth watching if you find yourself hankering for some Eurothriller action, but don't rush out and start watching it immediately. There's better out there, but there's also quite a bit worse.

This is an excellent adaptation of a pretty mediocre book, made by a true fan of horror. Flanigan is one of the best in the field right now. This film feels like a sequel to Kubrick's "The Shining" and yet also feels like it's own thing. Ewan McGregor's Danny is fantastic, so much better than the trashy mess in King's novel. And Rebecca Ferguson turns Rose the Hat into a compelling character instead of the hot mess in the book. Zahn McClarnon turns Crow Daddy into a character that has real screen weight. The effects are minimal and used only when necessary. In fact, the whole film shows am admirable restraint that benefits the material and the mood. And yes, it's long, but just long enough. Just an excellent film.

A compelling and pretty original show that's kind of a Happy Valley with a weirdness angle. The dialogue is great, the pacing moves things well, nothing is spoon fed to the audience and the performances are all first rate. Every episode is tantalizing and interesting. The ending leaves things rather open, with several unanswered questions hanging about, suggesting a possible follow up, though I think it works just fine as is. A very pleasant surprise. Having said that, some folks won't like it - people who need to have everything wrapped up and explained, or who use TV shows as second screen content while they browse on their phones. This requires attention and, not patience exactly, but a willingness to let go and let the story take you where it takes you.