Sharp Objects

Rollergirls: constantly annoying since 1997

not so good

I'm a bit divided about this one; I hated the first 5 episodes; its artsy-fartsiness, empty experimental scenes, annoying characters, it was awful. Then, the second half picks up quite nicely and the ending is picture-perfect. I see it as a wasted opportunity, the source material seems to be excellent which was lost a bit in pretensions, but it is so good that it shines in the end. Adora (whose name should be Despicablina actually) as a domestic villain was excellent from the acting point of vie

Meandering series has some interesting directorial choices to its credit (at its best showing vividly how we navigate fragmented memories, with different elements tripping over each other); the competing murder subplot which is dealt with far more literally is at loggerheads with the fragmented style; the constant push-pull is disorienting. It also doesn't help that the seedy, overwrought world it evokes is not a pleasant place to spend 8 hours. Adams' reliably solid anchor is another highlight.

Develops as more of a character study on generational trauma and classic American bigotry told through a very refreshing feminist lense. The groundwork is a classic whodunnit which plays out fantastically as well. The performances are incredible throughout, especially Amy Adams in the lead. The editing is also done masterfully, and plays into the story in unique and considerable ways. Another banger from HBO.

The "confront the demons of the past" trope has been with us for twenty years and is mucho sucko because it is lazy writing. Instead of character, everyone has a sad backstory. This series instead is about the confused role of women in society, whether they become tyrants or doormats, and how this affects everyone else. I didn't like the anti-rural and anti-southern bigotry, but thought Patricia Clarkson has invented the most terrifying narcissistic mother character ever. Adams is good too.

Brilliant. Every single chapter turns upside down everything you have seen. The ending tops the story for all. Sick.

Way too slow of a burn to start, even compared to the "slow burn detective" TV genre

Almost frustratingly slow build-up, but very worth it in the end. The soundtrack was very downer druggie rock which fit the tone of the show but was hard to enjoy. Every single time I saw the "roller pals" I thought of Chet Faker's Gold music video.

Wonderful acting. Great psychological drama !

Dark, intriguing, melodramatic

The editing is absolutely phenomenal, and for a few episodes I was engrossed in the mystery. That came to a very sudden halt, however, when it started to dawn on me what a super duper lame conclusion everything was pretty clearly leading up to.

A beautiful, perfect limited series. The best thing to come out of 2018 in any medium.

What a ride - easily in the highest tier of cinematic level TV I've ever seen. Tons of bold direction and editing, also great music and a throughly addictive mystery. I don't know how exactly to feel about the post-credits reveal but I will say it feels batshit crazy to have structured it that way with approval from HBO and so... Kudos.

Dark psychological drama with unexpected ending and great Amy Adams. Mental health issues shown in a realistic way.

An incredible mini-series that, if it were any longer, would have been too much - perfectly cynical without being cringy, bold, and just dark enough to scratch the itch without sending me in an existential crisis.

Some aspects are brilliant: showcase psychological abuse, then manignify it in an elaborate metaphor. Plus such a rich symbology everywhere you look and some real fine acting from everyone involved. It's a drugderous, claustrophobic world with familiar faces and compelling depth. A masterful Southern Gothic until the last episode where the screenplay opts to go for well-trod tropes in lieu of the innovative, tension-building realness it portrayed so well up to that point.

Amy!

So moody that I bought Maker's Mark myself. Incredible direction that builds quite the immersive atmosphere. I couldn't bear to finish knowing its a short series. The production and sound were some of the most pleasing cinematic material I've enjoyed to date.

Great performances, but the real star is the direction and the editing. The moody atmosphere Jean Marc Vallèe manages to evoke and sustain throughout is remarkable. Coupled with dark and twisty writing, this was a real trip. Ends perfectly.

Powerful acting by Amy Adams here in a story that keeps getting darker. The overuse of flashbacks can be confusing while trying to serve as a clue about the misery and bleak state of affairs in town, but by the middle they start to become more meaningful and revealing about the protagonist’s troubled past. This series is almost asking for a sequel.