lota-de-macedo Reviews

Save Me (2018–2022)

Simply excellent.

[9/10 · 5 September 2021]

I don't understand how anyone can rate this series anything below 8/10. It's gripping, tense, often disturbing and hard to watch, but in general well written and brilliantly acted.

If you like perfect characters who always react as you expect them to, predictable storyline and an easy-to-watch entertainment with a happy ending, this series is not for you.

From my point of view it's underrated by many. What I praise this great show for, is that it doesn't shy away from one of the most disturbing problems in today's society. It also did an excellent job with its complex characters, it dares to make people seen as outcasts and losers the central characters of the story. They are often troubled, conflicted, they make stupid decisions, they make mistakes, they are tense and unpredictable - but that's life and I'm grateful that the show pictured the characters in such a realistic way. The value of this series is exceptional, it left me thinking, questioning the moral standards of this society, and I can't recommend it enough.

The only thing I can't wrap my head around is the relationship of Nelly and Claire, I honestly can't imagine these two used to be together and had a daughter, they seem to come from a totally different social background and their lifes and lifestyles in general are so contrasting that it just doesn't work for me. But I understand the intention of the creators and get the importance for the plot, so I just rolled with it.

Happy Valley (2014–2023)

One of the best TV series ever!

[10/10 · 5 September 2021]

Definitely one of the best TV I've ever watched. Sally Wainwright is a genius, this is an extraordinary script and saying it blew me away feels like an underestimation. Directing, editing, sound, location - it's just superb. Sarah Lancashire's acting really doesn't need any further comments, it's simply 10 out of 10. Siobhan Finneran excellent as well, I'm at loss for words. The whole cast is amazing, I love the complexity of the characters. Every second made me glued to the screen.

I love how the plot lines develop and merge at the end. I also love that the story feels so real - it's different, it portrays the police work with all its pain, disappointment, everyday hard work, trauma, trying to cope and do the best you can, even though you feel you're going to shatter into pieces. Sometimes it's even hard to watch, but it's incredibly touching. Happy Valley is the reason I fell in love with British TV shows. I keep getting back to this show, I've watched it several times over the last few years and it never gets old, never gets boring, I always enjoy watching. Btw I highly recommend reading the scripts, they bring a whole new layer to watching the show. They can be found online on the BBC Writer's Room.

The Accident (2019)

It's not mainstream and it's not flawless. But it's definitely worth watching.

[7/10 · 5 September 2021]

I was really surprised that there are so many terrible reviews of this show, it almost discouraged me from watching it. I decided to give it a go anyway and I'm glad I did!

What you should NOT expect is a mainstream TV that blows you away with it's special effects, filmography, explicit acting or a breathtaking script. It has its few flaws here and there and it's not the type of TV you would watch over and over again.

BUT, it's a valid story definitely worth watching. I would agree for 100 % with another reviewer here who wrote that there's "something intrinsically British about it's approach". It's a story of ordinary folk who just live day by day, struggling to make decent living. Lack of money, lack of jobs, dysfunctional relationships including domestic violence. On the other hand authorities failing to do the justice right after the community is devastated after the project that was supposed to bring them jobs and brighter future causes an unexpected tragedy. The overall impression you might get is that it's "plain", but it's not. Look under the surface and you will find a story that's relevant and touching. Story of people who are brave to carry on. And behind the subtle acting, you sense the inner conflicts and struggling to cope, facing the consequences each of them in their own way. And, to disagree with many of the reviewers, as a huge Sarah Lancashire fan, I must say she is as great as ever.