Something Undone

Watched the series over 2 days and really enjoyed the plot development, emotional twists and acting.

It kept me watching because it is clever and unpredictable. The two lead actors have written and produced it, therefore invested in it. It is not too scary just surprising in parts. Hope there is another series but it is complete as it is.

The locations add to a feeling of being trapped and remote. The series is not dumbed down as some TV is but left me thinking about it afterwards, especially the ending. I really recommend that you see it for yourself if you like something intelligent and unpredictable.

There's some very negative reviews around but I don't get it. I thought this well well-paced, well-acted, holding its atmosphere throughout segueing between is it horror, is it creepy serial killer or possible mental illness? Podcast culture was the pitch and style. I do think the idea that the Foley artist was the podcast star was a bit daft although personally I do always keep a fresh stick of celery to hand just is case I need a quick sound effect. I thought the story line bringing in a skewed new age wellness community boss was a wrong turn but I thought it was otherwise excellent. Gets 8/10 on my creepy killer / horror / mental health / atmospheric Canadian wilds rating scale.

Something Undone is unusual, and I am not referring to its subject matter. It is Canadian, it is relatively low-budget, its creators are also its stars, it takes place in obscure locales, and its metamorphosis into a series was not 100% organic. That said, it is pretty amazing. The direction is a standout. The creators have somehow managed to turn ordinary scenes where nothing much is happening into into images and sounds that hold the attention, keep you watching. In Hollywood, that trick can win you awards. In Canada, not so much. The idea of creators casting themselves as leads only enhances this oddball effect, and for the most part works well. Billy Campbell, one of the most unappreciated talents in the biz, steals every scene he is in. Film students could learn from this. Something Undone arguably refers not only to the story, but to the way it was brought to the big screen. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

This dropped on itvX -- a free streaming service in the UK -- yesterday (14 Dec 2023) -- and I binged it. It was highlighted in the TV listings magazine I read so I was hopeful it would be at least half decent. Unfortunately, it's worth just about what I paid to see it. There's so much filler and so little thriller that I recommend you give it a miss.

The real problem here is the weak screenplay (and the weak underlying story). But also, more competent actors in the two lead roles could perhaps have brought more of a sense of realism to things. I couldn't buy Michael Musi as the supposed stellar podcaster, nor Madison Walsh as this supposed groundbreaking Foley artist (her "outstanding" sound effects for the podcast were supposed to be its USP).

Farid (played by Michael Musi) is supposed to be in some serious degree of peril, and yet he ambles around as if he's conducting his interviews in a pretty benign environment. And the whole Jo (played by Madison Walsh) "subplot" as she clears her dead mother's house is so confusing that I really struggled to know what was supposed to be actually happening and what she was imagining.

Such a mess. Please give it a miss.

Loved every moment of this show! Makes me proud to be Canadian. Finally some quality Canadian content that makes you think. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the season. The sound design is incredible and I really enjoyed the score throughout. I highly recommend enjoying the show with headphones. The cbc gem app is a little annoying to navigate but there are some great shows on the platform and it's free which feels rare these days. Was so great seeing Billy Campbell- huge fan of his work on Cardinal. The cinematography was beautiful!! Looking forward to seeing more from these creators.