johnspringer-95440

The premise of the series is apparently that twitchy Claire Danes, reeling from the death of her son, gets drawn into the machinations of her new neighbor who's a charismatic psychopath played by Matthew Rhys. The problem is that Rhys's character isn't written as charismatic; he's immediately a pugnacious, boorish bully. Anyone with a modicum of social intelligence would avoid him assiduously, but Danes succumbs her own morbid curiosity, "bloodlust," and self-destructive tendencies. Despite the traumatic justification for Danes' irrational decision-making, her character is neither relatable nor sympathetic. So are we supposed to care what happens to her next? I didn't.

If you know the premise of the movie then you already know what's going to happen, and in broad terms the plot doesn't provide any surprises. This is nevertheless unexpectedly enjoyable thanks to the director's deft touch, which allows the story to explore weighty themes without becoming maudlin and to deliver a heartwarming message without becoming cloying. It's simultaneously a tale of the main character's self-discovery and an endorsement of the positive effect a well-meaning person can have on the cynics around him; and it's infused with humor and the charm of an affable cast. Overall it's very enjoyable.