Long (and somewhat premature) post about a new Netflix mini-series that I've watched half of and yet feel confident that it rises sufficiently to the level of Cinema and "Good Movies" to post about it here instead of over in the TV board. NO plot spoilers whatsoever below - I will just discuss its qualities in generic cinematic terms for those who need more info. TLDR for fans of TWIN PEAKS, "Yellowjackets", Mike Flanagan's Netflix oeuvre, and serious horror films generally: definitely commit to the first two episodes and then proceed appropriately.
.......This is 8 episodes/roughly 8 hours that looks and feels (generally and halfway through) like extremely high-quality theatrical/arthouse horror that doesn't skimp on the gruesomeness. The "showrunner" is Haley Z. Boston, who wrote Ana Lily Amirpour's very interesting THE OUTSIDE and nothing else to my knowledge. Boston writes the first two episodes (at least) which are directed by Weronika Tofilska, one of the directors of BABY REINDEER. These first two episodes are two non-stop hours of intense anxiety, suspense, dread, and horror - carefully written and beautifully, thoughtfully, truly brilliantly directed by Tofilska... who only on the basis of this work is a damn virtuoso talent. If these two episodes were a theatrical feature, it would be one of the most nerve-wracking films of this century. Things sincerely don't let up for a second until the final moments of Episode 2.
Then Episode 3 starts. New director - Axelle Carolyn, who co-directed HAUNTING OF BLYE MANOR, the weakest Flanagan mini-series - and new writer. Automatically this episode feels different and inferior - not terrible, but a weak 3.5/5 next to the strong 5/5 of the first two installments. For the first time SVBIGTH feels like a TV show instead of a (Great) movie.
Episode 4 bounces back in terms of horror tension and quality. Same director - Carolyn does a good job here - and new (third) writer. Here is the biggest (unresolved) potential issue w/ part 4: the first three parts introduce many questions and mysteries, and part 4 seems to answer/resolve all of them. This is surprising though hopefully not catastrophic - #4 clarifies SVBIGTH's central conflict, which I presume will get played out/resolved in the show's second half. I hope Tofilska & Boston return to personally handle the final parts.
Netflix is promoting SVBIGTH as "from the creators of STRANGER THINGS", the Duffer Bros. They're the executive producers and I give them credit for giving a bunch of women the reins to create some exceptionally strong horror content, though if they also compelled Boston to bring on other writers for Episodes 3+4 - shame on you/pull it together, Duffers. Fwiw this show is almost nothing like STRANGER THINGS and (imho) it's off to a much stronger start. As of the end of "Yellowjackets" S3, it's pretty clear that show has pooped the bed on its early and real prospects to match TWIN PEAKS w/ a distaff approach to surreal analog horror. SOMETHING VERY BAD IS GOING TO HAPPEN is still in contention. I guess we'll see how the second half pans out, but those first two episodes, woof! :hot: :cheers: