One thing is clear, HBO always delivers great content. Yesterday I saw the miniseries Sharp Objects and it was a good watch no doubt about that. Amy Adams made a great performance as the main actress but other characters were also played beautifully.
This story is about a troubled journalist that goes back to her hometown to do some research and write an article about 2 crimes that have been committed in that place. The series makes a lot of use of flashbacks that are always related to something that is happening in the present time. These flashbacks will give us glimpses of information that explain why Camille (Amy Adams character) is the way she is. Each flashback peels a new layer leaving her more exposed to the viewer and gaining our sympathy and understanding.
It is thanks to these flashbacks we will understand the events that shaped not only her personality but also even the identity of this town. Ugly things happened in the past, and sadly they are happening in the present as well.
In the first episode, we can start to see the transitions between the current time and the flashbacks and the way they are shot and edited is simply beautiful. There was also a good piano soundtrack that reminded me of Ludovico Einaudi and to my surprise when I checked the author of the song it was him!
Once Camille arrives and begins her research she needs to not only face the damaged atmosphere that results from the recent crimes, but also some ghosts and deep dark traumas from her past. A lot of the dialogue between her and her mom is very subtle, and soon enough we will realize there are often double meanings and intentions when her mom speaks with her.
There is also her little sister that is already a teenager but they have never met each other, she was born after Camille left town. This little sister appears to be innocent and a good girl, but in this town things aren't always what they seem to be.
These 2 characters, the mom and the little sister, will be key in how things unfold in the series. The dad is also present but his character always seems to be conveniently in the background, without taking part in the major events or decisions.
In the first episodes, the series wasn't as intriguing as I was expecting, but it eventually increases its pace and it ends up being an awesome drama-driven murder mystery series. If you have the time to watch this 8-hour miniseries, and if you enjoyed a great drama filled with mystery, then Sharp Objects should be one of your first choices for binge-watching. By the way, this is not a funny murder mystery like Knives Out, this is mostly a drama series with the underlying plot of the murder mystery.
I love how Amy Adams is able to express such a deep pain with just her face, the image above is a good example taken from the most shocking scene in the entire show.
The best
- Awesome editing work introducing the flashbacks as if they were memories popping in Camille's head related to her experience in the present.
- Great performances, especially from the 3 main female characters.
- Shocking ending with 2 crude extra scenes in the final credits.
- The show keeps the viewer entertained in 2 ways: first, there is everything related to the crimes, and second, it is also interesting to see the interactions between Camille and her family. Especially with her mom, but also with her sister. Top-notch drama.
- The show hints in one direction and then in another different direction. It keeps us guessing until the end.
The worst
- A slow beginning, despite havings its good moments, could bore some viewers preventing them from enjoying this great story.
More information: https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/70453-sharp-objects Review: AAA In numbers: 8/10
