Born to Kill

I felt obliged to write this review after just finishing the final episode. I'd missed the series when it was initially aired but so glad I discovered it.

It tells the story of a troubled teenager who dotes on his mother. As the series progresses I felt more attached to the character.. As Sam learns more about his dad, you see the similarities build. To devastating effects.

It might be a slow burner for some, but certainly worth sticking with it. I thought it was thoroughly entertaining. With a few twists and unexpected shocks, I thought it was a great four parter.

Jack Rowan delivers an astonishing performance and has commanding presence. He posses heartthrob looks and an intriguing ability to sell this character's treachery and quirks. What an amazing feat for a young talent.

Romola Garai is surprisingly convincing in this role that is 10 years older than she is. Her character compartmentalizes and as situations become overwhelming, Garai keeps the lid on the melodrama and cuts to the heart of her character.

The title is so very on-the-nose and unfortunate. The show itself is an incredible journey into troubled psychology masked by teenage angst and turmoil.

Reminded me of "Psycho", and even more so the recent series "Bates Motel" which was suppose to be a "Psycho" prequel. A comment by our 16 yr. old central figure connects the three movies/series, "I'm a man now. I'm all grown up. I can take care of you now.", in reference to his now dominating his "single" mom. A sub-theme, behind the tragedies, is whether a psychopath is primarily the result of genetics or environment (of course some of each, but just looking at primary sources).

Disturbingly well acted; you will never trust a smiling courteous person again after seeing this. Background sound effects, and music were spot on appropriate. Negatives are: Need a more creative title; ending could have used a bit more thought; research by the writers as to an unconscious person under water for some time is still using O2, and upon first consciousness will gulp in water which obviously is not good.

This is a very well done thriller. It really captures the workings of the psychopathic mind. The performances are all great. Jack Rowan deserves an award for the charming and sinister, Sam. Romola Garai is great as the mother, slowly realizing her son is a monster. Daniel Mays and Lara Peake also turn in quality performances.The direction and story are tight and keeps you wondering what will happen up to the last minutes of the series. 'Born to Kill' doesn't fall for any psycho-killer cliches, either. It's the story of a burgeoning serial killer and though the situations are tense they remain natural. This is not movie story writing. This is allowing the events to unfold as they would. If you like thrillers that have the feel of True Crime, you will really like this limited series. Highly recommended.

Only 4 episodes so it's an easy watch. It was pretty good, the description is that we delve into the mind of a psychopath but I don't feel like that was done enough.

The main actor does a great job, he even made me feel sorry for him at times!

There were a lot of predictable things but all in all not a bad show.