Tom Holland in “The Crowded Room,” premiering Jon Apple TV+. They do touch lightly on topics of abuse and sexual assault and how trauma has influenced some of Ariana’s behaviors, but the show has yet to really take a meaningful stance on the topics of trauma and mental health. ![]() While Holland’s performance is phenomenal and the mysterious premise alluring, there’s little else that stands out across the three episodes. It’s a mind-bending premise that promises there will be a reward if the viewers wait patiently through the slow build-up and misdirection from Danny’s flashbacks. You may even be left questioning if characters like Ariana even actually exist. However, it is a bit disorienting trying to understand the timeline and being constantly suspicious of what’s real and what’s not. The Crowded Room - Photo Courtesy of Apple TV+ This will be exciting for many viewers, as it widens the mystery and raises the feeling of there being big chunks of the story missing. Related Conversations with Friends Review: Masterful Acting Over Messy Relationships (Season 1 Episodes 1-6) Additionally, while the show makes it seem as if he is arrested immediately after the shooting, suddenly, he claims at the end of the third episode that he managed to fly out to find his father after the incident. While most viewers will catch on that Danny is an unreliable narrator, it may still be confusing.įor example, three years of his life are told in flashbacks that seem to skip years at a time. It’s unclear if he even knows that he’s being dishonest, but viewers can’t help but feel that something is off, and Rya gives hints that she detects it, too. At times, viewers can catch a darkening of his expression before he catches himself. There are inconsistencies in his stories and things he refuses to discuss. However, what’s so brilliant about his performance is that he convinces viewers of his innocence while also subtly hinting to them that he’s lying. When he’s hanging out with his friends, Johnny and Mike, it’s almost impossible to tell he’s a “misfit” because there is so much ease and lightness to him. In his version of events, he’s a sweetheart who loves his mom and would truly do anything for Ariana and the girl he loves, Annabelle. It’s almost easy to forgive his involvement, given how utterly sweet he is. ![]() ![]() He’s a misfit, who comes from a dysfunctional home and is seemingly manipulated by Ariana into committing a crime. Holland is mesmerizing as Danny, not because he’s transformed into an unhinged criminal, but because he is so believable as an innocent victim.Īs Danny tells his story, one cannot help sympathizing with him. Related Mayor of Kingstown Season 2 Episode 8 Review: Santa Jesus Perhaps, the reason why there is so little shock factor is because Holland’s Danny doesn’t give the impression of someone who could commit a violent crime. There’s not much suspense or melodrama, it’s just two strangers having a quiet conversation as Rya allows Danny to tell his side of the story. The scenes of Rya Goodwin interrogating Danny play out with this hint of realism. The good thing about it playing out like a drama is that there’s a bit of realism to it. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s simply a bit unexpected considering how the show promoted itself beforehand. Yes, there is the beginning crime scene, but it mellows out pretty quickly. ![]() However, the show begins to play out more like a drama than a thriller. It is labeled a psychological thriller, though, so some viewers may go into it looking for the kind of suspense that keeps them on the edge of their seats. What these episodes make clear is that The Crowded Room is going to be a slow buildup. Then, through flashbacks, it slowly unveils the series of events that led to that moment. This is the kind of show that works backward, starting with Danny’s and his friend Ariana’s seemingly inexplicable decision to open fire on a man in public. The Crowded Room Episodes 1-3, “Exodus,” “Sanctuary,” and “Murder,” are largely concerned with introducing viewers to Holland’s Danny Sullivan and giving a brief rundown of his recent history. The Crowded Room Season 1 starts a bit slow and shaky, but Tom Holland’s performance, the mysterious premise, and unreliable narration hold quite a bit of intrigue.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |