Disrepair

I feel that those who struggled to see the vision may be those in society who expect perfection at every turn, and nothing less. Those who are never satisfied. Which is in a way ironic, because for me, that is part of the polarization of the reality in this short series: that the picture perfect outcome isn't easily attainable. If at all, ever.

We watch the main character's inability to recover fully, with a hope that he finally "gets it" and begins to turn a corner. Frustratingly, he fails - miserably, and his effort is (respectfully) pathetic to a degree. He sees the house burn down around him, and takes comfort in the flame rather than flee for safety, attempt to put it out, save the others in the house...anything! Isn't that exactly what so many go through as they face their version of their addiction or bad habit? Is it not relatable that those around him have their own struggles that are at times magnified or diminished by their main character who often steals the 'spotlight'?

That the story comes to an end, without resolution, and leaves an ambiguous open ending is, to me, very much reminiscent to what real life is: messy, uncertain, and noncommittal. That was the takeway and what made the story of this family's struggle to simply exist peacefully very much relatable.

As far as constructive criticism for the production itself- could there have been some improvement of the visual direction of some scenes? Sure. Could the dialogue also tighten up in some areas? Yes. I found it out of touch for the negative reviews to be as markedly stern as they were. The story wasn't difficult to follow along to, and there was a qualitative value in the frustration felt as a viewer, towards the characters. Which, again, I felt was intentional. Some not-so-perfect people are having to pull up for an even moreso not-so-great person in order to make all of their lives bearable. THAT'S real life. And it's what I came to appreciate after having watched. I wanted to see what became of these brothers. But we don't get that. Which again, is very much how life is: appreciate what you have while you have it, even if it's incomplete.

Congratulations to the cast, crew, and creators.

Sad but humorous at times, the story is a realistic depiction of the fallout following yet another relapse and yet another attempt at repairing oneself!

(Copy/pasting to hit the minimum!)

Sad but humorous at times, the story is a realistic depiction of the fallout following yet another relapse and yet another attempt at repairing oneself!

Sad but humorous at times, the story is a realistic depiction of the fallout following yet another relapse and yet another attempt at repairing oneself!

Sad but humorous at times, the story is a realistic depiction of the fallout following yet another relapse and yet another attempt at repairing oneself!

Fails to deliver on its premise. It feels disjointed and poorly executed, with writing that is often predictable and dialogue that comes across as forced and unnatural. It's hard to connect with the characters when some performances feel more awkward than authentic.

The pacing is a major issue for me. The show drags in many places, with long, drawn-out scenes that add little to the overall story. This slow progression makes it difficult to stay engaged, and by the time something remotely interesting happens, it feels almost too late to care.

The acting is another weak point. The performances are inconsistent, with some characters feeling one-note and emotionally flat.

Visually, the show doesn't stand out. The cinematography is flat, and the settings lack character. The soundtrack tries hard to make you feel something but does little to elevate things.

Ultimately, Disrepair struggles to find its footing. While there are glimpses of potential, it feels like a missed opportunity. Weak writing, lackluster performances, and poor execution make it hard to recommend.

What I really loved about this series is how it doesn't pretend. It doesn't dress itself up to make you feel good or deliver some neat, perfect ending where everyone magically gets better. Instead, it leans into the uncomfortable truth that not everyone changes. Not every situation gets resolved. Sometimes people just stay stuck - and you're left watching, hoping, getting frustrated... and realizing how familiar that feels.

The main character isn't some heroic comeback story waiting to happen. He's messy, lost, and at times, completely hopeless. You want him to figure it out. You want him to finally fight back against the chaos closing in on him. But instead, he almost embraces the collapse. There's something brutally honest about watching someone sit in the wreckage of their own life because the fire feels safer than the unknown. Isn't that something we've all either seen or felt in our own way?

What really stood out to me is how this show captured not just his struggle, but how his downfall ripples through the people around him. His family isn't perfect either - they've got their own battles, and sometimes it feels like they're just surviving, holding on by a thread. The dynamic felt painfully true to life. Some people are forced to be strong for others who can't carry themselves. It's exhausting. It's messy. It's real.

And then there's the ending - or really, the lack of one. No big breakthrough. No redemption arc. Just the uncomfortable silence of life continuing, unresolved. I didn't mind that. I actually respected it. Because that's reality. Things don't always get better. Sometimes all we get is the chance to keep moving forward, even when it's unclear where we're headed.

Sure, there were flaws - a few scenes could've looked sharper, and some dialogue didn't land perfectly. But honestly? That just added to the rough, unpolished vibe of the whole story. Not everything needs to be pretty to be powerful.

I'm surprised by how harsh some of the criticism has been. For me, this wasn't about flawless execution. It was about telling a story that reflects how hard, ugly, and unfinished real life can be. Watching this reminded me that it's okay to sit with the discomfort, to not have all the answers, and to appreciate what we have even when it's far from perfect.

Huge respect to the cast, the crew, and everyone behind this project. You captured something raw and real - and that's what stayed with me.

Disrepair is a raw, emotional triumph that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. Matthew Sauvé crafts a deeply moving story that feels both intimate and universally resonant. From the very first frame, the film immerses you in a world of vulnerability, isolation, and the quiet strength of the human spirit.

The cinematography is stunning - every shot feels purposeful, echoing the main character's emotional state with breathtaking precision. The use of light and shadow adds a poetic layer to the already gripping narrative. Sauvé's direction is both delicate and daring, handling complex themes with a maturity and grace rarely seen in modern cinema.

The performances are extraordinary. The lead delivers a quiet intensity that speaks volumes even in silence. It's a performance rooted in truth, and it stays with you long after the credits roll.

What truly sets Disrepair apart is its honesty. It doesn't shy away from pain, but it never exploits it either. It's a reminder of how film can be art - not just entertainment, but a mirror to our souls.

This isn't just a film - it's an experience. One that lingers, one that matters.

Bravo, Matthew Sauvé. Disrepair is a must-watch.