Long Bright River

I haven't read the novel, so I went into the show with no knowledge of the story, and I won't be able to compare the two. I am currently on episode seven, and though the storyline is decent, I think if the casting choices had been weaker, it would have lost my interest. Luckily, that wasn't the case. Amanda Seyfried's beautiful performance elevates what I otherwise might have deemed Mare of Easttown's less impressive sibling. Her attention to nuances and line deliveries makes what could easily be an unremarkable scene intriguing, and I've found myself very drawn to her character. The young actor who plays Thomas is also great. I look forward to finishing it, and though I fear the threat of predictability, I'm certain I'll still recommend this to people, especially fans of Seyfried. It's a slow-burn, but I haven't felt like I've wasted my time. If you like murder mysteries with layers and appreciate the good-but-flawed heroine cliché, I'm sure you'll like Long Bright River.

My rating is 5 stars for two reasons. First, it is so dark...what is the fascination with filming scenes in lighting so dark the viewer sees nothing? This technique is not something to be applauded. It is not "artistic" nor creative. Stop already! Make a podcast if all the audience can do is listen and not see! Second, the story could have been effectively told in half the episodes. It felt as if the studio slotting 8 episodes drove the content rather than the story line. A final aside - the casting for younger versions of characters was awful. By no stretch of the imagination would these actors grow up into the adult versions. I always find poor casting distracting.

For a Peacock endeavor that mirrors NBC mainstream template, this show stays within those lines and is good, critically good. Some predictable items. But I could not stop watching. Well done. Amanda is an awesome actress btw. Realistic characters.

Edgy, great plot, dark but realistic. Reminded me *at times* maybe a bit True Detective, Shades of Blue, the Philly outside stuff made me homesick for Boston.

I know this is in a past date-frame, but hate how this reflects certain aspects of law enforcement and actual life.

I tried to give accolades but intentionally wrote so I did not give spoilers.

Impressed.

Solid show highlighting the many devastations and complexities of addiction. Good cast with better than average acting - Amanda Seyfried was a real bright spot lead. It could have been a great show if it was tightened up to only 5 or 6 (max) episodes. What began as a tight, engrossing story that adeptly wove multiple storylines devolved into a superficial whodunnit melodrama that was, IMO, wholly unnecessary (and detracted from the depth of the first episodes). It feels like they changed editors after episode 3. It's a bummer as it had real potential to be great.

I don't understand why Hollywood believes there needs to be 8 episodes for every show. How about make as many episodes as the story requires- case in point is Adolescence, they made the number of episodes needed to tell that story and it is more powerful because of the restraint.

I never really considered her that serious an actor, but she is jaw-droppingly good in this. Like Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown level-or better. I would be shocked if Seyfried doesn't take home best actress at the Emmy's. Her performance is so fluid, so natural, so understated yet full of depth. I'm like floored how good she is. (Other actors/casting also great. Maybe that means the directing is great too? I do like the choices of how scenes and episodes end-a little unconventional but with a poignant beauty. So let's give it up for the director & maybe editor too!). Bravo all around. See it!