Looking at the other reviews, I can definitely say that this is not for the average viewer who is always in a hurry and wants fast-paced entertainment, even if it's at the expense of the quality of the production and the deepness of the characters. One of the other reviewers mentioned that it's something of an acquired taste and, man, did I acquire it. It's also true that the Innocents resembles Sense8 quite a lot. But in the end of the day, it does make you care about the characters, there are a few delightful suprises and it makes you want to watch more. On top of that, the performances and the cinematography are fantastic. Definitely recommend this to viewers who want something different and deeper than the average mainstreem productions.
163 Reviews
Hope for Season Two!
laceyjune26 August 2018
I'm genuinely surprised by all of the negative reviews. No, this series isn't a straight 10/10; it has some flaws, but it certainly doesn't deserve the lowly, pathetic ratings between 1-5 stars. Admittedly, yes, the series does move at a slower pace while the protagonist and her boyfriend are figuring out her abilities, but the underlying storyline is so much bigger and more intriguing. While the sole focus appears to be on June and Harry, we have other characters (all with their own motives and backgrounds) searching for June, both with positive and negative intentions. Character and plot development often take time in stories like this because smooth pacing is so much more important than non-stop action. No one enjoys a series that appears to move too quickly without any explanation or proper development, so the fact that this series managed to deliver so much potential in only eight episodes speaks volumes.
I wound up binging the entire first season over the span of two days (damn my need for sleep and other obligations), and I'm not the type to binge something unless I'm genuinely intrigued by or enjoying it. The idea behind "shape-shifting" is originally developed in this story, as the ability to shift is directly linked to experiencing strong emotions, ranging from fear, love, pain, etc. The series even includes interesting mythology regarding Berserker warriors, though it is not discussed as much as I would have enjoyed (one of the few flaws) as I would have preferred to gain more knowledge on how shapeshifters came to exist in their world, and how we only know of a handful. However, it's possible they hope to delve more into the history in season two.
I promise that if you stick with this series, it is very rewarding! There was only one episode I found myself a bit bored with, which involves our teen lovers going to what appears to be a rave, but even that encounter is significant. The boyfriend, Harry, is completely devoted to June. He isn't your typical teen character who makes bad decisions; he tries to steer June in the right direction. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for our protagonist, June. She makes minimal dumb decisions, but it's like in horror films when the main characters do something silly to further the plot. In June's defense, she's only 15 going on 16, and Harry makes up for all of the silly situations she puts them in; although her stupidity and naivety is why I can only rate this 8/10. Yes, she is young, but given what she endures over the span of an eight episode season, she should know better!
I realize this series isn't for everyone, especially since so many bashed the show before giving it a full chance, but if you're a fan of the sci-fi genre, English and/or Norwegian scenery, and great plot development, this is the show for you. However, if you are not a fan of cliffhanger series finales, then you might want to wait for season two to be released, or avoid it completely.
I wound up binging the entire first season over the span of two days (damn my need for sleep and other obligations), and I'm not the type to binge something unless I'm genuinely intrigued by or enjoying it. The idea behind "shape-shifting" is originally developed in this story, as the ability to shift is directly linked to experiencing strong emotions, ranging from fear, love, pain, etc. The series even includes interesting mythology regarding Berserker warriors, though it is not discussed as much as I would have enjoyed (one of the few flaws) as I would have preferred to gain more knowledge on how shapeshifters came to exist in their world, and how we only know of a handful. However, it's possible they hope to delve more into the history in season two.
I promise that if you stick with this series, it is very rewarding! There was only one episode I found myself a bit bored with, which involves our teen lovers going to what appears to be a rave, but even that encounter is significant. The boyfriend, Harry, is completely devoted to June. He isn't your typical teen character who makes bad decisions; he tries to steer June in the right direction. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for our protagonist, June. She makes minimal dumb decisions, but it's like in horror films when the main characters do something silly to further the plot. In June's defense, she's only 15 going on 16, and Harry makes up for all of the silly situations she puts them in; although her stupidity and naivety is why I can only rate this 8/10. Yes, she is young, but given what she endures over the span of an eight episode season, she should know better!
I realize this series isn't for everyone, especially since so many bashed the show before giving it a full chance, but if you're a fan of the sci-fi genre, English and/or Norwegian scenery, and great plot development, this is the show for you. However, if you are not a fan of cliffhanger series finales, then you might want to wait for season two to be released, or avoid it completely.
Better than the reviews!
rchlryder25 August 2018
I think people who watch a mainly American diet of television will not get this show. Yes it's very young adult but it has such a European pace and subtlety that most won't have the patience for it. I thought it was great and you do have to go beyond three episodes! After that you can't wait to see where it's going. I can even see where a second season would go. In the end if you like a slow burn mixed with a little touch of sci-Fi to give it flavour, give it a watch.
This is much better than many of the hateful reviews.
lesleyswc26 August 2018
First let me say I'm looking forward to season two. And let me Say that reading these IMDb reviews is like reading the writings of hateful fifth graders. I do not understand it. So I don't often leave a review but will this time because I'm tired of seeing a pattern of creative work being so shallowly and savagely reviewed.
It is not perfect. The two main characters are teenagers. It is beautifully filmed. It is a creative and intriguing premise. Young actors are quite good. Yes it is romantic but not in a cloyingly sweet way. Yes it has a more European feel and pace to it , But that isn't a bad thing. I found it enjoyable and not the same as everything else. So worth a view if you like a little sci-fi, supernatural mystery with some twists and turns.
Breathtaking work, predictably reviewbombed by people with no attention span.
inservioletum26 August 2018
I am so VERY glad I did not look this one up before watching it. The reviews I see on here are nothing short of pathetic. The Innocents is a breathtaking love story, an engrossing psychological journey of selfdiscovery, and best of all, acted to impeccable standard.
Granted, it does not reward the impatient. If all you want is quick and obvious plots, predictable cookiecutter characters, or other spoonfeeding, then perhaps this is not for you. If you liked things like Utopia, Black Mirror, and Electric Dreams, then this is your next binge. I cannot WAIT to see what season two brings!!
Granted, it does not reward the impatient. If all you want is quick and obvious plots, predictable cookiecutter characters, or other spoonfeeding, then perhaps this is not for you. If you liked things like Utopia, Black Mirror, and Electric Dreams, then this is your next binge. I cannot WAIT to see what season two brings!!
I'm being fair. It's slow and it's slow because of self-indulgence.
generic230-129 September 2018
I hate this new trend to make the mystery in a show SO mysteriuous that you have to watch all 10 episodes to figure it out, where, IN ALL THE episodes leading up to the revelation, you could take out 5 and compress into 1 epsiode. I felt Maniac was like that, and this is like that. There is NO REASON they couldn't reveal MORE EARLIER, except, they needed 8 episodes. I started out LOVING this show, but by episode 6, I was just so frustrated. I don't like being left in the dark for an entire season, it's not rewarding. It's lazy, and ruins any ability to sustain tension. It's self-indulgence in an atmosphere that never delivers a compelling story.
Just doesn't have a point
andrew_clure30 August 2018
No doubt I'll get a lot of abuse from the people who love this. They'll no doubt say people who don't like this simply don't understand it or just want explosions and non-stop action. Well they'd be right about one of those, I definitely do not understand it.
Not because it's a complex story (it really isn't), I just don't get where the interest is. So two teens, love each other and run away. One shape shifts and is chased by some beefy Norwegian blokes. Trouble is the chasing isn't particularly interesting and the beefy Norwegian blokes aren't scary enough to make you worried what would happen if they did get the shifter.
Much of the story, particularly in London, is cliched beyond belief (montage of driving around famous London land marks like Piccadilly Circus, indie music, short cuts of pointing and laughing etc... you get the idea).
If you were a fan of the Twilight films then you'd probably love this (takes it self far too seriously). Ultimately though it's just a story about 2 teenagers, one happens to be a shapeshifter and not much else happens.
In short.... Meh!
Not because it's a complex story (it really isn't), I just don't get where the interest is. So two teens, love each other and run away. One shape shifts and is chased by some beefy Norwegian blokes. Trouble is the chasing isn't particularly interesting and the beefy Norwegian blokes aren't scary enough to make you worried what would happen if they did get the shifter.
Much of the story, particularly in London, is cliched beyond belief (montage of driving around famous London land marks like Piccadilly Circus, indie music, short cuts of pointing and laughing etc... you get the idea).
If you were a fan of the Twilight films then you'd probably love this (takes it self far too seriously). Ultimately though it's just a story about 2 teenagers, one happens to be a shapeshifter and not much else happens.
In short.... Meh!
A refreshing original show
tealgalaxy26 August 2018
I almost gave up on this show half way through the first episode due to boredom and lack of interest, but by the end of the episode, I knew I had made the right decision to carry on with it. The people giving it a 1-4 star rating barely even watched it. Yes, it is slow to start with, but it gets better with every episode and by the end I found myself wishing there was a second season.
I really liked that it wasn't your typical supernatural-teen-romance show, which allows for an older audience as well. The British and Norwegian settings made it seem more natural compared to if it were an American show. One of my favourite things about The Innocents is how, at first, it leaves a lot of gaps in the audiences knowledge about the characters and plot, but as the story unfolds, more and more is revealed as the viewer is able to piece together how and why everything that is happening. This in turn makes it a show where anything can happen. Personally, I enjoyed all of the unexpected revelations throughout the episodes and all of the twists and turns in the plot, but I understand this is not a show for everyone.
If you're thinking about watching this show, give it a chance and try to watch past the first 3 or 4 episodes, because it does get better and more intriguing as time goes on.
Why are the stars so low on this amazing story??
itsatanda28 August 2018
I barely watch tv or Netflix. I was bored last night and decided to open Netflix and this show popped up. I literally watched the entire season in 1 day. I was even shocked when it ended because all the episodes blended so well. I didn't even notice the time. The cast and director did an amazing job!
Outstanding offering from Netflix
bookangelz26 August 2018
It could be a good one but it loose coherence
mostysenn6 November 2018
An honest review.
gevans2094 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Ok so I have only just in the last hour watched the finale (through to ep8).
Hype: There was a lot of hype around this and I myself was looking forward to seeing it. I'm a fan of Guy Pearce and the fact that it wasn't another incarnation of some superhero franchise gave me hope for something special.
First episode: I'm not an avid watcher of TV shows but I have seen my fair share - enough to know that the first ten minutes is vital to success and the ending even more so. The first ten minutes were very intriguing and gave me something to follow, but I was left a bit underwhelmed by the end of the first episode.
Overall: Yes it was a slow burn but I liked that and enjoyed the time to think about the characters and plot. The plot was sound and although I found it frustrating not knowing each characters hidden agenda I accepted that as a part of the mystery. There was a constant feel of unease for all characters and twists and revelations were delivered in perfect timing.
So why the lackluster rating?: You know when you watch a cheesy horror and there are those moments when you are screaming at the TV "no don't open the door" ? Well I was getting increasingly frustrated with really stupid choices. and not in a "this is what someone would do in real life" way, but in an "are you stupid? way. Dealing drugs, driving while not looking at the road and crashing (TWICE), trusting total strangers, trusting total strangers who you say you don't trust and "I've dumped my 16 year old girlfriend in the middle of London to go home and have a go at her Dad after I've had a few pints' moments to name a few. I found I didn't care about any of the characters - they were either too suspicious or too stupid and this left my experience a little cold, sadly. It was a very intelligent script but the characters not so much.
Standout: Steinar by far. The only person I wanted to know more about and felt for. Kam a close second.
Hype: There was a lot of hype around this and I myself was looking forward to seeing it. I'm a fan of Guy Pearce and the fact that it wasn't another incarnation of some superhero franchise gave me hope for something special.
First episode: I'm not an avid watcher of TV shows but I have seen my fair share - enough to know that the first ten minutes is vital to success and the ending even more so. The first ten minutes were very intriguing and gave me something to follow, but I was left a bit underwhelmed by the end of the first episode.
Overall: Yes it was a slow burn but I liked that and enjoyed the time to think about the characters and plot. The plot was sound and although I found it frustrating not knowing each characters hidden agenda I accepted that as a part of the mystery. There was a constant feel of unease for all characters and twists and revelations were delivered in perfect timing.
So why the lackluster rating?: You know when you watch a cheesy horror and there are those moments when you are screaming at the TV "no don't open the door" ? Well I was getting increasingly frustrated with really stupid choices. and not in a "this is what someone would do in real life" way, but in an "are you stupid? way. Dealing drugs, driving while not looking at the road and crashing (TWICE), trusting total strangers, trusting total strangers who you say you don't trust and "I've dumped my 16 year old girlfriend in the middle of London to go home and have a go at her Dad after I've had a few pints' moments to name a few. I found I didn't care about any of the characters - they were either too suspicious or too stupid and this left my experience a little cold, sadly. It was a very intelligent script but the characters not so much.
Standout: Steinar by far. The only person I wanted to know more about and felt for. Kam a close second.
Far Better And More Realistic Than Any American Version
chas-4586725 August 2018
Yes it does have some plot holes but it was a surprise that this was a British/Norwegian production. The characters are far more realistic and more believable than if this was an American show. There are clichéd characters but it has enough intrigue and twists that it makes this far superior than other reviews will have you believe. It is not an action show. It is not a glossy supernatural show. It is far more grounded and, if you stick with it, it has enough going on to make you want to watch to the end.
Misery begets misery...
soundhound-6105129 August 2018
I watched the entire first season. The pace didn't bother me and I really felt like it had promise; there were even a lot of things I liked. I didn't find it boring, but it's just so depressing and the characters make a series of increasingly unbelievable decisions to force themselves into harms way. I really hoped it would be good, but I'm left with nothing but disappointment.
To the people who say this is a show for intellectuals, get off your high horse. This one's just not that good.
To the people who say this is a show for intellectuals, get off your high horse. This one's just not that good.
Character in Search of Bad Guy
dwankan29 August 2018
I like the premise of this series. As a fan of XMen and the numerous variations on that concept, the basis of the show's concept appeals to me. And, the many theories from the high rated reviews are all wrong: it wasn't too slow paced, and yes I got it (if you don't get this, you're pretty dense). What bothered me was the common plot device of characters accepting danger and deceit when they're smart enough to know better. I lasted several episodes, and I wanted to keep enjoying it but after watching someone repeatedly running toward people who clearly seek to harm her, I can't keep watching. I don't mind characters facing up to difficult odds or challenges: that's exciting. Nor do I mind characters facing their own weaknesses or trying to fix their own mistakes. Neither is true in this series. The main character actively seeks out known dangerous people and actively fights against the help and advice of the people who have clearly demonstrated that they intend to keep her safe. That certainly builds tension, but it's lazy writing, and it makes the characters hard to sympathize with.
Netflix has worked very hard
mannansyed27 August 2018
Excellent show
fyrce1-916-53829026 August 2018
The series is quite good. The characters were well developed. This show is about true love and finding one's true identity by not being defined by family or circumstances. The story is a YA story involving a supernatural twist. I find it interesting that other people's reviews have tried to make the story as being slow, but the show is not that. The show is like a good book, you have to read the first few chapters to know what is happening for the rest of the show. The details are important.
Wonderfully done cinematically, terrible plot holes
xjewelzbabiixx14 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this show as I was first watching it the whole way through. The music is great, the acting is good and the premise is very interesting. HOWEVER, shortly after finishing it I noticed a massive plot hole that I don't know why hasn't been addressed.
This entire show, literally the entire basis of this show, is dependent on the pennines five. It's why June's Dad is so worried about her isolation, it's why June's mom went away, it's why Henry's Dad is stuck, it's why Henry's Mom is so preocupied, it's all about the Pennines five from the very beginning. The whole incident was because Elaine touched other people while in her shifted form. This is the biggest impact shifting can have on a person, they get stuck because the shifter doesn't shift back before touching someone else. So WHY is June able to hold Henry's hand when fleeing from the hospital as the nurse? Why is June able to KISS Henry in the night club after shifting into her friend? Why did June never shift into Henry in either of those cases, but the moment she's shifted into Henry and his mom touches her, she becomes Henry's Mom? Cam holds June's bare arms down while shifted into Henry and that didn't hurt him, why not ?? And also, why would Elaine have gone running through the streets as Henry's Dad anyway? She knew she had shifted, she knew she wasn't herself, and she goes immediately to a pub to get a drink, abandoning the man she supposedly loved so much she couldn't control herself?
I'm ultimately really disappointed in the sloppy climax developed by the writers of this show while everyone else is putting on a phenomenal performance.
Sci-fi teen drama with great casting but too many plot holes
skyeporcupine25 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I really wanted to like this series. And while I didn't outright hate it or think it's garbage like some reviews, I did find it a bit unstable at times in its writing and character motivation. There is good chemistry among the cast, and the leads were very good. There is beautiful cinematography, and the story is compelling. However somewhere around the 3rd episode things begin to feel overly-complicated, and the story meanders. It never felt like it went where it should have gone. There were lots of plot holes; in particular the skin-to-skin contact aspect of shifting being mitigated by wearing gloves. If that's all it took to prevent shifting, why all the other complications? It makes no sense. The ending was a disaster as well, and quite disappointing. Perhaps they meant it to be a cliff-hanger for a second season. I don't know if I will be back for season 2.
Give it a shot yourself
Claudizzz26 August 2018
Written by a 14yo
richard-c-mayston18 September 2018
Really enjoyed it watched definitely recommend
boucherbouch126 August 2018
A slow burner , idiots should stick to watching something dumb
paul-0029027 August 2018
Only two shows in and yes it's a little slow to get going .but it's a thinker for once lets just enjoy some good quality acting in without the guns and explosions our dear friends in America put in every show ,with this kind of story.
This been British/Europe production puts a sense of realism in a fantasy story .
More quality less quantity Netflix has it right here
Sense8 Lite. Bleak and slightly depressing, but with some promise.
kitellis-9812124 August 2018
I can't help comparing this with Sense8, even though the comparison is perhaps a little unfair.
Sense8 was a massively ambitious and expensive globe-trotting extravaganza, that transcended all genres and invented a completely new grammar of screen storytelling. It was brave, bombastic and brilliant, and polarised its viewers. Many people didn't "get" it at all. Those that did "get" it almost unanimously agreed that it was an acquired taste; one that required patience and commitment from its audience. After an initial false start, I eventually "gave-in" to the Sense8 way of storytelling, and was rewarded with the absolute best viewing experience of my life.
So when I saw the trailer for The Innocents, and it immediately reminded me of Sense8, I decided to watch it in the same way; allowing it to wash over me and (hopefully) worm its way into my consciousness in a similar fashion. I wanted to love it. I was ready for a new addiction. It took most people three episodes to get properly into Sense8, so I decided to give The Innocents at least that much of a chance.
So far I've made it almost to the end of episode 4, and I'm still waiting for it to hook me. No joy yet.
I'm finding it to be bleak and depressing. Also slow and insipid. The shape-shifting idea has been done a lot in the past - as has telepathy, of course - but unlike Sense8, which brought total originality and inspiration to the idea of telepathy, The Innocents seems to be (so far) utterly unimaginative and rather limp in its treatment of shape-shifters. The best device they could come up with to visually demonstrate someone having taken the shape of someone else is to have their "true" image conveniently reflected in mirrors - visible to themselves and also to non-shapeshifters. This is a lazy and uninspired shortcut to tell the audience who is who, and also allow them to "prove" to other people who they are. But so far I'm not buying it. It just feels like they couldn't be bothered.
Also, the bleak mood of the piece is failing to grab me. I'm not a big fan of Nordic Noir - which is what I assume they're aiming for. This feels like a rather forced cross-breed. It's shot in England and Norway, with a cast and crew that seems to be Anglo-Scandinavian, and the two flavours don't mix very well, in my opinion. They're too similar, like two notes next to each other on a piano being played simultaneously. It makes a discord.
And the presence of Guy Pierce in the cast is also strangely unappealing. He looks somewhat similar to Terrence Mann in Sense8, and seems to be (so far) filling a similar sort of role. But it really feels like stunt casting. Every time he pops up in a scene you remember every other Guy Pierce film you've seen (plus Mike in Neighbours if you're of a certain age) and it becomes a distraction from, rather than a benefit to, the overall experience.
The two lead actors are not bad, although Sorcha Groundsell is oddly similar in appearance to a young Fairuza Balk (albeit without the monster gnashers), but her weirdly demonic eyes and variable accent are, again, more than a little distracting.
The plot is, so far, nothing to write home about. It has certainly failed to hook me. And the overall production is similar in quality to any standard low-budget BBC or ITV mid-range television drama. Nothing about it suggests that its creators had much in the way of ambition or inspiration, and the whole product is noticeably lacking in passion and energy. It feels, in fact, like someone at Netflix suggested that they try to do something similar to Sense8, but without spending all that damn money, and without being so damn cerebral, gosh darn it!
Well, speaking purely for myself, I'd have preferred it if they'd used the budget from The Innocents to add an extra couple more hours to the Sense8 finale. But maybe I'm just spoiled now.
Sense8 was a massively ambitious and expensive globe-trotting extravaganza, that transcended all genres and invented a completely new grammar of screen storytelling. It was brave, bombastic and brilliant, and polarised its viewers. Many people didn't "get" it at all. Those that did "get" it almost unanimously agreed that it was an acquired taste; one that required patience and commitment from its audience. After an initial false start, I eventually "gave-in" to the Sense8 way of storytelling, and was rewarded with the absolute best viewing experience of my life.
So when I saw the trailer for The Innocents, and it immediately reminded me of Sense8, I decided to watch it in the same way; allowing it to wash over me and (hopefully) worm its way into my consciousness in a similar fashion. I wanted to love it. I was ready for a new addiction. It took most people three episodes to get properly into Sense8, so I decided to give The Innocents at least that much of a chance.
So far I've made it almost to the end of episode 4, and I'm still waiting for it to hook me. No joy yet.
I'm finding it to be bleak and depressing. Also slow and insipid. The shape-shifting idea has been done a lot in the past - as has telepathy, of course - but unlike Sense8, which brought total originality and inspiration to the idea of telepathy, The Innocents seems to be (so far) utterly unimaginative and rather limp in its treatment of shape-shifters. The best device they could come up with to visually demonstrate someone having taken the shape of someone else is to have their "true" image conveniently reflected in mirrors - visible to themselves and also to non-shapeshifters. This is a lazy and uninspired shortcut to tell the audience who is who, and also allow them to "prove" to other people who they are. But so far I'm not buying it. It just feels like they couldn't be bothered.
Also, the bleak mood of the piece is failing to grab me. I'm not a big fan of Nordic Noir - which is what I assume they're aiming for. This feels like a rather forced cross-breed. It's shot in England and Norway, with a cast and crew that seems to be Anglo-Scandinavian, and the two flavours don't mix very well, in my opinion. They're too similar, like two notes next to each other on a piano being played simultaneously. It makes a discord.
And the presence of Guy Pierce in the cast is also strangely unappealing. He looks somewhat similar to Terrence Mann in Sense8, and seems to be (so far) filling a similar sort of role. But it really feels like stunt casting. Every time he pops up in a scene you remember every other Guy Pierce film you've seen (plus Mike in Neighbours if you're of a certain age) and it becomes a distraction from, rather than a benefit to, the overall experience.
The two lead actors are not bad, although Sorcha Groundsell is oddly similar in appearance to a young Fairuza Balk (albeit without the monster gnashers), but her weirdly demonic eyes and variable accent are, again, more than a little distracting.
The plot is, so far, nothing to write home about. It has certainly failed to hook me. And the overall production is similar in quality to any standard low-budget BBC or ITV mid-range television drama. Nothing about it suggests that its creators had much in the way of ambition or inspiration, and the whole product is noticeably lacking in passion and energy. It feels, in fact, like someone at Netflix suggested that they try to do something similar to Sense8, but without spending all that damn money, and without being so damn cerebral, gosh darn it!
Well, speaking purely for myself, I'd have preferred it if they'd used the budget from The Innocents to add an extra couple more hours to the Sense8 finale. But maybe I'm just spoiled now.
See also
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