The Third Day

Starts off pretty good. Great to see a UK show without the usual BBC box ticking and overly PC'd. However I felt it didn't quite go far enough in weirdness. It's almost split into 2 three episode sections. I'd suggest just watch the first 3 and call it quits. The fourth episode is ok but from there it gets annoying, the new lead actress does some really dumb things a mother just wouldn't do and from there it leads up to a really stupid ending. A decent ending might have seen it get a 7.5 or even 8 from me.

I've only seen the first episode, but it is the first series I have seen in a while that left me wanting to see the next episode immediately. Beautifully shot and generally unnerving; like a good book, anxious to turn the page to see what happens next.

I understand the mixed reviews as this show is extremely unconventional, but it's a shame because of the sheer technical brilliance at work. The cinematography is wonderfully unique, the score is beautiful, and the actors delivered top-notch performances across the board.

The story isn't for everyone. It's probably too freaky for a lot of folks, but if you can manage it, I found it to be incredibly rewarding. There's mystery, horror, weird Celtic rituals, and a gang of characters who are completely gaslighting the viewer about what's really going on. After a series of twists and turns, it all makes sense and, in my opinion, reaches a satisfying conclusion. Ultimately, it's a story about grief, responsibility, and alienation on a small island off the coast of England, where nothing is as it seems.

If I could compare it to anything, I would say it's sort of like an A24 movie (think Ari Aster or Robert Eggers) except it's on a significantly higher dosage. You'll either love it or you'll hate it, but I hope you'll at least give it a try.

It's a pity most of these reviews were written by people who didn't finish the series. I don't expect everyone to love confusing, unnerving, slow burns as much as I do. But I am disappointed to see how many people missed the unreliable narrator twist that was done in a way I haven't seen before.

No, the main character's decisions don't seem to make any sense. I wonder if that was done with intention? I wonder if it hints at a reveal?

I guess, if you don't like sticking through a weird story to get a weird ending, that's fair. I do, and I found this series did it very well.

The cast is phenomenal and take the audience through the twisty journey excellently.

I have watched the first 4 episodes so far. I agree with every single review here. So why are they so polarized?

Yes the cinematography is stunning. Yes the scenery is breathtaking. Yes the acting is wonderful and yes the plot is edge of your seat twisty...

But it is also over the top, makes me want to gag, long drawn out scenes that verge on, "where is the fast forward button" and outright confusion at times.

I think it has potential and may just need time to find its sweet spot. As a mini series it may not ever find it.

The bottom line is that it clearly is not for everyone. If you like artsy, mysterious, movies, you will probably love this. And if you prefer a more direct, fast paced, drama you probably won't.

Hope this helps.