Candy (2022) User Reviews

A great start, Jessica Biel nails it.

[bosporan · 7/10 · 9 May 2022]

There is an epidemic of streaming crime docudramas, they are inexpensive to make - a prewritten relatable narrative, a preexisting cadre of voyeurs and prebaked external tension. Often these preordained advantages breed laziness and produce sloppy television.

This, though, is a strong setup, introducing the key characters and quietly building Hitchcockian suspense towards the revelation of this heinous murder. The cast is strong and Jessica Biel is fabulous, leading the line as the eponymous character. Candy is superficially a suburban supermom, but also a passive-aggressive charred-martyr who courts adulation.

After one outing, Candy is entertaining and enjoyable, raising anticipation for the second instalment. The consecutive-day episode-delivery compromise is good, minimising the wait without the daunting one-day dump.

Very well done

[lp-27434 · 8/10 · 20 May 2022]

I was pleasantly surprised with this limited run series. The story was told purposely slow, which actually pulled you in. The acting by all accounts was excellent and the direction was very good.

Jessica Bill seems to have found her niche in playing "off-balanced" characters. She did a great job in the Sinner and even better in Candy. The rest of the cast were also a little off but the director was very good at not turning this into a comedy. The ending was a bit of a shocker.

As the opening credits state, this show is based on actual events. Usually I research the story while watching shows like this. Fortunately I did not make that same mistake this time and I believe I enjoyed the show a lot more as a result.

It's a quick binge watch. Enjoy.

Jessica Biel steals the show

[gina_gemini · 7/10 · 10 May 2022]

Two episodes in and Jessica's performance is reason enough for me to watch the rest of this show.

Not every show has to be the next breaking bad. The 80s atmosphere is done well and acting is great all around. Over-all very entertaining considering the story. Not a waste of time at all, if it is to your taste.

Compare

[OGmacadamia39 · 6/10 · 6 May 2023]

It's hard not to compare and contrast 'Candy' with 'Love and Death', they are about the same crime and were released within (essentially) the same year.

From what I have read, I believe Candy was focused more on the actual facts of the case and recreating history. In Love and Death, I believe it was more based on the emotional side of it.

Many will disagree, but I ate with Elizabeth Olsen, I found her strange portrayal of Candy amazing. The perfect amount of church lady and devil. Plastic and very real.

Jessica did a wonderful job, and this might be awful to say - who am I to judge anyone - the IRL Candy or Jessica freaking one of the prettiest women in the world Biel? But I found Jessica's intense life like portrayal made it almost hard to watch.

Both did a great job. Wish I could switch out some characters for others!

Very good but off factually

[kathrynturner-05790 · 9/10 · 15 September 2022]

I live in Wylie, I see the house all the time. It does have a sadness to it. The acting was amazing and the story is very sad. The creators of this show inaccurately described Betty, and for that, I do not understand. They painted Betty to be an unlikeable character in her community, when that was a lie. Everyone in Wylie loved Betty! Her church friends, community and students. She was never fired from Dodd Elementary. It doesn't makes any sense why they showed her to be a nuisance to her community. Everyone in town didn't like her husband, he was known to of had a lot of affairs. Candy murdered her because she wanted her husband, pure and simple. Great acting and suspense though. I just wish they would have accurately portrayed Betty and shown her side of it.

Intriguing slowburner opening episode of 5 part true crime mini-series

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 10 May 2022]

As Episode 1 of "Candy" (2022 release; 5 episodes of about 55 min each) opens, we are reminded this is "based on true facts" and we are introduced to Candy, a housewife in suburban Dallas era 1980, and her family (husband Pat and 2 kids). Meanwhile, Candy's friend Betty is down as her husband Allan is about to go on a business trip and Betty is left alone to take care of their new baby. Then one day, while Candy is involved with her kids at church, she takes off to stop by Betty's house, Next we know, Candy leaves the house with blood all over her face... What happened? And why? At this point we are less than 15 min into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this mini-series is the brainchild of Robin Veith ("Mad Men"). Here she revisits what happened in Wylie, TX in 1980. It becomes clear very quickly what exactly happened, but we don't know how or why it happened, and that is in fact what this true crime mini-series is all about. The series benefits from strong performances all around, starting with Jessica Biel (as Candy, and also as executive producer), Melanie Lynskey (as Betty), Timothy Simons (as Candy's husband), and last but certainly not least, Pablo Schreiber (as Betty's husband). Check out Schreiber's performance as he becomes ever more frantic in trying to get in touch with Betty from his hotel. The series also reflects the era (1980) perfectly, equally in style, tone and structure (as in: Episode 1 is a slowburner, in the best possible way)..

The opening episode of "Candy" premiered last night on Hulu, and the remaining 4 episodes will be rolled out on consecutive nights the remainder of this week. I know what I'll be watching this week! If you are in the mood for a good true crime story, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

*UPDATE* I've now seen all 5 episodes and I really enjoyed this all along, and even more so if you were around in 1980 (when I was 20). Regardless, well worth checking out.

Biel? Biel!!!

[ledward2 · 8/10 · 15 May 2022]

I thoroughly enjoyed the limited series. If you need long action sequences a la Marvel, you might get bored. But the story is compelling and even engrossing nonetheless. The late 70s and early 80s setting was masterful. Clothes, cars, decor, fads (eg jogging). My high rating of an 8, however, is largely due to the acting and cinematography. There are several iconic scenes that I watched more than once. The two male leads were great. Co-star Lynskey (Betty Gore) was even better. Then there was Biel. Wow. What a performance. I never considered her to be a bad actor before, I just never considered her. At all. No more. Can't wait to see what she does next. Lastly kudos to the producers for making this a 5 part series. A movie wouldn't do it justice. But more episodes and definitely more seasons would've been overkill. Just right.

After watching love and death this is sub par

[33muir · 6/10 · 31 May 2023]

I watched this last year and thought it was good but after watching love and death which did a great job of really showing the human side and had a lot more emotion this doesn't seem like a good representation. In this version Candy seemed cold and calculating, in love and death you could see how the murder could be more impulsive and emotional, maybe it's to do with the writing and maybe it's to do with the actresses playing Candy, Elizabeth Olsen seemed much more well rounded and showed a human side that I think is more relatable and Jessica Beal's Candy seemed cold and narcissistic. It's pretty weird they did two versions of this story so close together, both are good but love and death was the winner for me.

Magnificent mini series

[UniqueParticle · 9/10 · 18 May 2022]

Jessica Biel has really transformed and in an impressive way since her earlier roles over the years she should be nominated for playing Candy Montgomery! A wonderful story about a mother thriving in the suburbs but when a friend has something occur things go awry in the neighborhood. This series is very well filmed, even with 2 hours sleep the show is worth watching!

I love Jessica Biel in this

[julieshotmail · 7/10 · 17 May 2022]

Jessica Biel should have had more acting accolades over the years. She is a really good, charismatic actress, and it boggles my mind how an actor blessed with such good looks and talent remains to be on the B-list. Jessica excels in this one; she is totally convincing with all of the subtleties required of the character. Melanie Lynskey is great as always, and it's very satisfying to see her currently on several projects, coming out of her past supporting stint in "Two and a Half Men." She has definitely held better than the famous but troubled Charlie Sheen. I have never been a fan of Justin Timberlake, but this is the first time I see him as a capable actor. The scenes with him and Jason Ritter (corresponding real-life husbands of the leading actresses) are a hoot. The art direction in this show is also outstanding, right down to the details of what you would encounter in the late 70s and early 80s suburbia. One complaint is about the final episode in which the show begins to lose its luster with a boring depiction of a courtroom drama. Overall, it's a mixed bag, but I would recommend this short 5-episode series for Jessica Biel's endearing portrayal of a psycho killer.

Holy cow. With friends like Candy ...........

[thejdrage · 8/10 · 13 May 2022]

How sad that a lonely woman wound up with a friend like Candy.

How fun that actress Melanie Lynskey and her husband Jason Ritter was in the same project with her!

This is a true story about life and how different people react to situations. We will never ever know what really happened in that house.

Having 5 episodes over 5 days was kind of fun (might be a bad choice of words). Kept us wanting more, but not having to wait too long.

Once again, some reviewers are commenting on some of the actors physical appearances. Not acceptable. The good news is, karma will bit them in their ugly mugs soon enough.

wow

[ricewithaspoon · 7/10 · 10 May 2022]

First episode: wow very well made.

Biel is good, I like her here more than in 'Sinner' I must say, Melanie Lynskey had my heart since "Heavenly Creatures' and Pablo Schreiber surprised & convinced me in 'Lorelei'. Super cast so far.

I'd binge if they were all out.

(The 90s movie "Killing in a small town' is also recommendable btw!)

7 stars for now - could turn into 8 after Friday.

What I find confusing is a second mini series with Olsen as Candy coming out this year. Aren't there any good scripts anymore?

Disappointed

[JNBecks007 · 2/10 · 12 May 2022]

Maybe it's because this happened not far from my grandparents house, and my mom has known all of the details since it happened, but...as much as I love Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynskey, I think this is the most scattered and incoherent retelling of such a horrific event.

My biggest frustration is how terrible Betty comes across. I don't feel like anxiety and depression comes off as it should. Instead, she comes across as whiny, nagging, pain to live with, and that's just sad.

I don't think Allan was henpecked, but that's how he comes across, and Pat Montgomery seems like he's oblivious to everything around him. The man worked for TI.

Great cast, weak and scattered portrayal of Betty Gore's murder. I feel bad for her family that this is out in the world now.

Biel

[KaleidoscopeJac · 7/10 · 15 May 2022]

First time I've really enjoyed Jessica Biel! I've certainly never thought of her as a bad actress but I felt like this role allowed her to really show her skill and I'd love to see more!

Great Cast - I expected to be hooked

[Critic_For_Life · 10/10 · 11 May 2022]

Wow- just engrossed in the story and the acting is so good. Want not really a Jessica Biel fan until now. Love Melanie Lynskey, Pablo Schreiber and Tim Simons. Love the music score and the 80s theme spot on. Suspenseful and so glad Hulu airs a new episode daily.

Highly recommend.

Engaging but a little slow

[arod_85 · 6/10 · 13 May 2022]

The acting is solid. Jessica Biel has turned out to be the real deal taking on more daring characters since her days on 7th Heaven and Chuck and Larry. As for the show, the story is interesting and engrossing, but what lacked for me was the execution. I felt the show was a little slow in some parts and the show could have used some of these slower scenes to give some more perspective and clarity to the viewer. For instance, I couldn't tell if I liked Betty or not because I didn't know where she was coming from with the need to foster and calling her husband all day. I also couldn't tell if Alan Gore genuinely cared for his wife or not. I also could not tell tell if Candy was a victim or a villain. Perhaps that was what the show intended because only Candy knows what really happened. I mean no disrespect to the actual victims, I'm solely speaking from an entertainment perspective. On the show, the only sympathetic character was Candy's husband. It was worth a watch but not the strongest portrayal of a true crime story.

GREAT ALL THE WAY

[stan_c · 9/10 · 15 May 2022]

Normally, I'm not interested in true crime, but something caught me about this one and I took a look. It grabbed me from the opening credits (which are worth watching in themselves). The storyline is intriguing, and the acting, photography, direction and 1980's look are all amazing. The young children are a delight, mixed in with the unsavory doings of Candy. Give it a try, even if you normally wouldn't.

Here's the reason they chose this story:

[raptorshark · 7/10 · 20 May 2022]

Because it's not a well known case nowadays and the murderer was (mind-blowingly) equitted. She's been out there waiting for things to blow over so she can live a normal life. It started to blow over so it was time for a reminder.

That being said, it was a solid slow burner. Acting was great, I started watching it for Melanie Lynskey cuz she's wonderful, and was surprised that Jessica Biel was the lead I didn't recognize her in the ads!

I was like omg I haven't seen her since 7th heaven and Blade lol she outdid herself here, can't wait to see more of her!

My main complement is to the property and set designers, and wardrobe stood out for me they did an amazing job!! Outstanding capture of the time period I hope they get recognized for it. My grandma has the exact same wavy looking drinking glasses from the 70s!! (I think it was shown at the beginning of ep4)

Since I didn't know the case, I looked it up right away, and have the Texasmonthly article queued up ready to read. I'm left with wanting to know how on earth she wasn't convicted, old forensic incapabilities? Horrible prosecution? Just a perfect storm of events that couldn't prove without a shadow of doubt in court? It's infuriating.

Amazing series!

[Sandra-durand80 · 10/10 · 14 June 2022]

I binged-watched this entire series in one day. Outstanding acting by all the actors. They were all phenomenal. Beautifully written. If I could give it 20 stars, I would.

Kinda boring

[gallagherkellie · 6/10 · 16 January 2023]

The reviews are amazing which surprises me. Usually I like a slow burn, I'm totally fine with something slow as long as it's interesting and gripping. But for me this one fell short. It was just slow and boring. I kept waiting for it to pick up but the middle and end were even slower than the beginning.

Either way, the acting was well done. Jessica biel did an amazing job. The actors playing the Gore's were great. I honestly had no idea Justin Timberlake was in this until I read it afterwards!

I'm glad the writers didn't really try to say Candy was super innocent and in the right, but I'm annoyed that they showed Betty as a not very nice person. Everything I've read says Betty was a lovely person and well liked in the community.

If you're looking for a female housewife killer based on a true story I'd watch The Thing About Pam, it was slightly better.

Never thought I would be hooked

[rkeilitz-19-537915 · 10/10 · 13 May 2022]

I was intrigued by the poster for this mini-series and was pleasantly suprised by Jessica Biel's totally convincing performance as Candy. The daily release of it's 5 episodes was refresing rather than most other series where you need to wait a week or more between episodes. She was so good that I saw Candy and not an actress playing Candy. The rest of the cast are equally convincing as devout religious proper Southerners who may just dip into the dark side at times.

Great acting lights up this drama about everyday life

[camerong-73357 · 6/10 · 15 May 2022]

I took interest in this portrayal of the Betty Gore murder as a true crime enthusiast and knowing that this incident happened in my home state of Texas. The hotel where Candy and Allen had their hookups is along my old commute to work. The story is intriguing and actually not well known even in Texas apart from a 1990 made-for-tv movie.

This series is well-acted by a well-chosen cast that, along with the accuracy of cerca 1980 fashion and tech, makes you feel like you're in that time. It is definitely a"slow burn" and doesn't leave you with a lot of excitement. However, you have to remember that you're looking at the events of everyday Texas suburbanites when a tragedy happens. If you are intrigued with true crime, especially a story as bizarre as this one, take time out to see Candy.

Great '80s atmosphere; questionable accuracy

[xbmnddmsp · 4/10 · 16 May 2022]

As a true crime junkie, I anxiously awaited the arrival of this show. The set decorators and wardrobe didn't disappoint - from the depiction of a "lavish" '70s-'80s home and a little David Soul mood music to Jessica Biel's poodle perm and giant glasses, it all looked spot-on to this early '80s child. (my only complaint: A proper churchgoing woman of this era would have worn a "slip" under her dress so you couldn't see through it and be deemed a harlot! ;) I voraciously watched the first couple of episodes, but then decided to do some side research on the real case. It was disconcerting to realize how much the filmmakers and producers (including a irk herself) played with facts - brazenly playing up Candy as some sort of perfect - if sexually frustrated - homemaker, while the woman she brutally killed (played by. Melanie Lynskey - again stuck in a quirky, "not-hot-enough" role) is portrayed as a frustrated, potentially child-abusing whiner. (There are some glimmers of Candy's duplicity and controlling nature - but she still seems built to rouse sympathy among viewers.) Truth is that Candy's victim was a well-liked, attractive woman who now - thanks to this show - is depicted almost as if she deserves to be murdered.

So let me get this straight: The family of this poor woman must not only blithely look the other way while watching their deceased mom demonized, we all should cheer for Candy after she not only cheats on her "friend" by sleeping with her husband, but then violently offs her besides? Not cool, Hulu. Not cool, Jessica.

A bit "Twin Peakish"

[trudy-kain · 7/10 · 13 May 2022]

This was a good series. An authentic visual depiction of the late 70s/early 80s. An authentic description of domestic routine and boredom experienced by these women. Jessica Biel is fabulous. Reminded me of the 90s series, Twin Peaks.

Argument of quoted Goof

[tmccheyne · 8/10 · 2 July 2022]

People were totally allowed to smoke in public in the 70 s and 80s ..things started changing in the 90s but laws prohibiting smoking came through in the 2000s. Get the facts right if you are going to state a "Goof"