The Crowded Room

Was initially excited to watch this then so put off by the absolutely awful reviews. Which upon reflection were unfair also I sensed some pettiness with the critics reviews as they didn't like being asked not to mention what we later learn in the show. I've just finished episode 6 and felt compelled to write this review after the fantastic performances I've just watched. I agree the first few episodes setting the scene are a little slow and disjointed to begin with but it is all leading up to more! Give it a chance there really are some fantastic performances especially Holland who really gives it his all.

I've been looking forward to The Crowded Room ever since I first heard about it. Then my excitement grew after seeing the trailers for this. Now that I started watching it I can say that's it definitely worth watching. While it may not be quite what I was expecting it's still pretty good. There are plenty of wrists and turns to keep you interested and the talent on screen is as good as it gets for a tv show. I mean Tom Holland, Emmy Rossum and Amanda Seyfried are all A-list actors who all give terrific performances here, especially Holland. Tom Holland has really become a great actor. He's juggled between huge blockbusters and smaller more serious roles like this and he's been excellent in all of them, even if the show or movie itself isn't that good you can always count on him giving a great performance.

Ok I have to admit that Holland was just spiderman in my head. Another cute young, charming actor playing easy roles for their personality. But wow! Nope, he did such and incredible job in this movie! The second it flashed back to high school and you see his demeanor change to this innocent shy kid, I was impressed. That was just the beginning of his performance! It transforms into such an impressive compilation of versions of himself as the film jumps around with flashbacks. He was great! Now I led with that only because I was floored and had no idea of his talent. However, ALL the actors were brilliant and Seyfried was incredible but she always is! All around great series! I am only half way through but can't wait for more!!

The first few episodes slowly hooked me. Cleverly constructed with many time warps, relying on the audience to work things out.

Of course the "based on" credit is something of a spoiler, but I tried to ignore it. Then in episodes 5 and 6 it became great.

Seeing one of America's greatest screen actresses performing in the background (on a TV), really woke me up. Then I knew why Holland wanted the role. It was a similar part that gave Joanne Woodward her Oscar, and this one could be an Emmy for Holland.

Now he showed his acting chops. Not in-your-face, but subtly. And at last I was genuinley moved, as opposed to fascinated, coming close to tears.

So glad I gave it a chance, and stayed with it.

This show is so captivating. It has the perfect amount of suspense, mystery, and drama. The acting is absolutely stellar and Tom really delivers. The setting is a little slow at first but it starts getting darker, and more disturbing with the further unraveling of Danny's childhood. I also like the message behind how childhood trauma will psychologically impact people through their adulthood. We do not have enough media representing the horrors of what some children have to endure-and how negatively it affects them. Things like this will help spread more awareness- but in a manner which tells a story. Again, Tom's acting is so good, he is definitely one of the most talented actors we have ever had.