“The Beast in Me.” / “The Waterfront.” / “High Country.”

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“The Beast in Me” (Netflix) psychological thriller about a bereaved author who is obsessed with a new wealthy neighbor, who was a prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife.



       As the author Aggie Wiggs, Claire Danes has found ease in delivering unease (pun intended). Of course, in “Homeland,” her Carrie Mathison serves as template for super-stressed or depressed characters. In “The Beast…” Ms Danes’ paranoid look counterpoints Matthew Rhys’ sinister cool as the neighbor Nile Jarvis. That interplay is the synergy that makes this cat-and-mouse thriller effective. 

       Yet overall credit goes to director Antonio Campos’ masterful handling of the brilliantly twisted, juggled and pieced-together script by Gabe Rotter and Daniel Pearle. The turn of events are not implausible and the progression of the characters’ behavior tread credibility and common deduction. 

       Added high-fives to the performance of David Lyons as FBI agent Brian Abbott (tortured soul, determined spirit), Tim Guinee as Rick, Nile's uncle who is also Niles’ security detail (cadaverous calm), and Hettienne Park as FBI agent Erika Bretton (confused and cornered but restrained and nuanced). 🎥👍📽


“The Waterfront” (Netflix) crime drama about a powerful North Carolina family, the Buckleys, who own a commercial fishing empire and restaurants. 


       Creator Kevin Williamson's previous credits were as writer of the slasher film “Scream” (1996)—which launched a lucrative Scream franchise, and as creator of three successful series: the teen drama “Dawson's Creek” (1998–2003), the supernatural horror “The Vampire Diaries” (2009–2017), and the ultra-violent “The Following” (2013–2015).

       Clearly, Mr Williamson's work is pulpy but entertaining across genres. “The Waterfront” follows that track. 

       Engaging and magnetic in a soap operatic grimness, this series somehow covered its family-driven-to the bad side cliches by the stellar performance by Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Jake Weary, and Melissa Benoist as the Buckleys. 

       However, the end game is incredibly implausible regardless that the final sequence suggests a Season 2. But there is no follow up season coming. So Kevin Williamson lost in this one. 🎥💻📽


“High Country” (Hulu) Australian mystery drama series. Sergeant Andie Whitford investigates disappearances in the town of Brokenridge in the Victorian High Country.



       The subject of “High Country” about missing persons and the crimes that perpetrated them has been explored many times. I am currently watching 3 or 4 series about the same theme. I am not saying this series bored me, nope. 

       Leah Purcell's cop Andi Whitford is focused, sensitive, and determined. The characters kept this show alive although I'd prefer a shorter navigation, 4 episodes, instead of eight. Anyhow, a Season 2 is upcoming. 🎥💻📽


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