220 reviews
First off, whoever listed this as a comedy and wrote the description clearly didn't watch the show at all. It is most definitely NOT a comedy. It has some mildly amusing moments, but pinning down exactly what it is isn't so simple. It's a Twilight Zone-ish drama/mystery/thriller that doesn't easily fall into one category. Solid performances and an intriguing story make it an interesting watch.
Christoph Waltz alone is worth watching as always. By the way, if your review contains spoilers mark it. At least one other review on here is giving away major plot points with no warning whatsoever. I've met the minimum character limit now.
Christoph Waltz alone is worth watching as always. By the way, if your review contains spoilers mark it. At least one other review on here is giving away major plot points with no warning whatsoever. I've met the minimum character limit now.
- tscruton1028
- Feb 25, 2023
- Permalink
I recently binged this show over the course of a couple days. I rate it a 6, slightly above average. It is based on a book I believe--I haven't read it for the record. I want to begin by saying the plot just didn't really make sense to me both in terms of how it progresses and how it ends. I am not against leaving stories open-ended or ambiguous. Sometimes leaving it to the viewers to interpret or imagine in their heads is a powerful tool, but in this case it does not work well. There is not enough information provided to the viewer to make sense of the ending in a satisfying way in my opinion.
As I have seen some other reviews mention, Christopher Waltz does a great job and I found his character humorous and well-acted, but he alone cannot make a confusing story make sense. There is one interpretation that the show does seem to hint at, but I don't know how to describe it other than unsatisfying and very surface-level.
Some other slight issues I had were that like the premise that eventually gets explained of why the consultant is there didn't make much sense to me unless the show takes place in a universe full of overly naive people. People committing huge criminal acts and the authorities apparently don't really care. The show is about a video game company, but the game they make look like it's a game from 2010. I could easily look past issues like these if in service of receiving a good story, but the payoff just wasn't there for me. My review may seem harsh but overall, it is worth a watch because it is visually entertaining and it starts off strong.
As I have seen some other reviews mention, Christopher Waltz does a great job and I found his character humorous and well-acted, but he alone cannot make a confusing story make sense. There is one interpretation that the show does seem to hint at, but I don't know how to describe it other than unsatisfying and very surface-level.
Some other slight issues I had were that like the premise that eventually gets explained of why the consultant is there didn't make much sense to me unless the show takes place in a universe full of overly naive people. People committing huge criminal acts and the authorities apparently don't really care. The show is about a video game company, but the game they make look like it's a game from 2010. I could easily look past issues like these if in service of receiving a good story, but the payoff just wasn't there for me. My review may seem harsh but overall, it is worth a watch because it is visually entertaining and it starts off strong.
- twistedgiraff3
- Mar 7, 2023
- Permalink
I'm seeing a lot of negative reviews which is a bit weird because I usually side with the majority of reviews on here. Maybe people were thinking too deeply into this. I saw it as a comedic creepy thriller, with a few laugh out loud moments and a few shocking moments and a few silly moments.
I love Christoph Waltz, he can do no wrong in my eyes! He's a great actor.
The rest of the acting was well done too.
I had no idea what to expect in terms of the story, but I enjoyed it. The episodes are short and I binged it all in one day.
I'm not sure if there will be a season 2 but it should probably stay as a one-off, even though some things weren't answered it didn't bother me.
I love Christoph Waltz, he can do no wrong in my eyes! He's a great actor.
The rest of the acting was well done too.
I had no idea what to expect in terms of the story, but I enjoyed it. The episodes are short and I binged it all in one day.
I'm not sure if there will be a season 2 but it should probably stay as a one-off, even though some things weren't answered it didn't bother me.
- gallagherkellie
- Feb 24, 2023
- Permalink
- thinkMovies
- Feb 27, 2023
- Permalink
I don't understand the low reviews. I almost skipped watching it after seeing how many people complained about this series. I'm glad I gave it a chance because I found it entertaining.
It's definitely not a comedy. It has a few moments where you may chuckle, but it's more of a drama mixed with a thriller crossed with a sci-fi.
They did a great job letting the story build upon itself and giving the viewer background clues while still leaving things open to interpretation. I appreciate when a show doesn't over explain things to me and let's me figure it out on my own.
The story kept me engaged, the actors did a great job, and although I doubt there will be a second season, it would be cool if there was. I know I'd watch it.
It's definitely not a comedy. It has a few moments where you may chuckle, but it's more of a drama mixed with a thriller crossed with a sci-fi.
They did a great job letting the story build upon itself and giving the viewer background clues while still leaving things open to interpretation. I appreciate when a show doesn't over explain things to me and let's me figure it out on my own.
The story kept me engaged, the actors did a great job, and although I doubt there will be a second season, it would be cool if there was. I know I'd watch it.
Pretty good start. I like how they give us the feeling that we have a pretty good idea about what the base of the show is, yet it is completely uncertain. The show managed to only hint at the normal everyday life of the characters before introducing a complete turnaround of things at the very beginning, without making it feel rushed. I find myself in the chaotic atmosphere of not knowing what's about to happen. Because the beginning was so abrupt, someone could flip or be killed in an instant at any given moment - or nothing unusual could happen and we're left in suspense. I have some ideas of what might be in the cards, but none of them seem certain - or at times even likely. I really enjoy this uncertainty. It has a mystic touch to it. On another note, I was concerned about the "comedy" genre of this show but fortunately the humor is rather subtle - sometimes it works sometimes it falls flat, but it doesn't make or break the show. I Enjoy your night!
I've started watching The Consultant strictly because of Christoph Waltz and his genius of a performer. Since Hans Landa he gave some truly chilling performances over the years but this one has got me really frightened of the man and what he's capable of.
Waltz plays with his whole body and even when he's not speaking he says it all with his eyes, mimics and body language. His Regus Patoff may not be the most scariest of all the villains I've witnessed but the mystery surrounding him is much scarier than any back story on any villain in movie history.
It's especially sad to see such great talent be buried alongside mediocre actors whose characters either don't have enough stamina to face themselves against Waltz or that happens because of their own weak characters. The show plays well on your emotions and fears but it doesn't give you much in return and by the end of episode 8 you're left disappointed to see the characters grow on paper but not in your eyes therefore I rate this little show 7/10 mainly because of Christoph, some nice visuals and a fine choice of soundtrack.
Waltz plays with his whole body and even when he's not speaking he says it all with his eyes, mimics and body language. His Regus Patoff may not be the most scariest of all the villains I've witnessed but the mystery surrounding him is much scarier than any back story on any villain in movie history.
It's especially sad to see such great talent be buried alongside mediocre actors whose characters either don't have enough stamina to face themselves against Waltz or that happens because of their own weak characters. The show plays well on your emotions and fears but it doesn't give you much in return and by the end of episode 8 you're left disappointed to see the characters grow on paper but not in your eyes therefore I rate this little show 7/10 mainly because of Christoph, some nice visuals and a fine choice of soundtrack.
- jamesjustice-92
- Mar 3, 2023
- Permalink
- ThaNuggetMan
- Feb 23, 2023
- Permalink
One of those shows that throw all these random characters and plot twists at a viewer just to keep you intrigued enough and guessing what the heck is going on and at the end ....nothing, no climax no satisfaction. Some actors are decent, there is certain chemistry, some satire, could have been more. Main female lead, main female lead's ex though rather episodic and our golden boy did their part. I was not convinced by the main male protagonist, and some other secondary players like Mr Sang. Some movies leave you asking for more, some leave you bored, some make you think. This one is neither, leaves you pi...d a bit for the click and bait tactics.
The show is good. I binged it until like 2am. It is not a comedy I don't remember laughing at all. A few clever parts but it's a thriller/satire. If you are expecting The Office starring Christoph Waltz this isn't that. It's kinda dark and not in a funny ha ha way. The production value was high, the acting was good. The story wasn't necessarily revolutionary but it was entertaining and fresh.
The complaints are all saying it isn't a comedy or realistic. That doesn't make it bad lol 90% of entertainment is unrealistic. The story is cohesive and consistent the characters aren't "realistic" but they make sense in the world that the story takes place.
The complaints are all saying it isn't a comedy or realistic. That doesn't make it bad lol 90% of entertainment is unrealistic. The story is cohesive and consistent the characters aren't "realistic" but they make sense in the world that the story takes place.
- Showwatcher1986
- Feb 26, 2023
- Permalink
If you want to watch an 8 part series that:
1. Does whatever it wants with disregard to any cohesive plot 2. Makes no sense what-so-ever at any point 3. Explains nothing that's going on 4. Has no likeable characters 5. Throws weird scenes and events in at any time that are never fleshed out, concluded, or have mush or anything to do with anything.
5. Has a meaningless ending that explains none of the weirdness they injected along the way
Then this show is for you !
I guess this show might be explained by saying it's a parable of the greed of modern people (in the software industry). Thus the characters represent certain stereotypes they want to skewer. But I doubt that was the goal.
1. Does whatever it wants with disregard to any cohesive plot 2. Makes no sense what-so-ever at any point 3. Explains nothing that's going on 4. Has no likeable characters 5. Throws weird scenes and events in at any time that are never fleshed out, concluded, or have mush or anything to do with anything.
5. Has a meaningless ending that explains none of the weirdness they injected along the way
Then this show is for you !
I guess this show might be explained by saying it's a parable of the greed of modern people (in the software industry). Thus the characters represent certain stereotypes they want to skewer. But I doubt that was the goal.
- semmian-93345
- Mar 24, 2023
- Permalink
When amazon released information about "The Consultant" (the casting of Christoph Waltz) and later the trailer my hype was vary high, i was vary curious about the show . I did binge of one day on all the episodes and I must say I am vary disappointed, its been a while since I watch such a bad tv show.
I think there is 3 reason why it is so bad:
1) payoff- there is many thing in that show that not coming to solution, thing that are important to the story such as how the consulting Convinced people to do many thing, how did he know that the bad thing going to happen, why these companies? . If the point is that he is the devil or any supernatural power so the story didn't hinted at it. And if he is really the devil and the point is Deal with the Devil why this company why this people. There is many thing that didn't get to reward.
2) the consultant- Christoph Waltz did such an amazing villains in the past for example Inglorious Basterds and here where he had the chance to make an amazing performance he disappointing. A very incoherent performance he is jerk boss and there is moments where he is vary Cruel and "Boss from hell", but this moments are few. He is a mystery person and there is something strange about him but at some point it began to be gimmicky.
3) comedy and drama- The Consultant tagged as dramedy. For me there is a few moment of comedy. I think the drama happen sometimes due to Nat Wolff and Brittany O'Grady they are the emotional anchor and the point of view for the TV viewers. I must say the drama Not so noticeable for me and this is because i don't have emotional identification. They really did their best and there is moment of fanomenal acting but there is moment of that the bad performance.
I think there is 3 reason why it is so bad:
1) payoff- there is many thing in that show that not coming to solution, thing that are important to the story such as how the consulting Convinced people to do many thing, how did he know that the bad thing going to happen, why these companies? . If the point is that he is the devil or any supernatural power so the story didn't hinted at it. And if he is really the devil and the point is Deal with the Devil why this company why this people. There is many thing that didn't get to reward.
2) the consultant- Christoph Waltz did such an amazing villains in the past for example Inglorious Basterds and here where he had the chance to make an amazing performance he disappointing. A very incoherent performance he is jerk boss and there is moments where he is vary Cruel and "Boss from hell", but this moments are few. He is a mystery person and there is something strange about him but at some point it began to be gimmicky.
3) comedy and drama- The Consultant tagged as dramedy. For me there is a few moment of comedy. I think the drama happen sometimes due to Nat Wolff and Brittany O'Grady they are the emotional anchor and the point of view for the TV viewers. I must say the drama Not so noticeable for me and this is because i don't have emotional identification. They really did their best and there is moment of fanomenal acting but there is moment of that the bad performance.
- lior-rooze
- Feb 25, 2023
- Permalink
I'm not sure where and when it was decided that the viewers need everything handed to them but god it was a mistake. I loved this show because, while different from the book in many ways, it didn't give you everything on a silver platter. I read a lot of reviews before posting my own and it seems to me that most of the people who ranked this so low just genuinely expect the writers to throw everything in their face. This show works because it's mysterious! This show works because it's strange and curious! It holds its cards close and you're supposed to use your brain and ability as a consumer to read into stuff. There's tons of clues as to who and what Regus Patoff is about. There are cleaver examples where the writers DO tell you their secrets, such as his name reveal. But a lot of it is meant for us to care and wonder about. It's meant to keep us interested. When you don't get the answer revealed directly, you get to re-examine what you've seen. I think anyone who disliked it for the reason that is was "missing elements" or "has loose ends" needs to rewatch with a different expectation! We need to stop being spoon fed deeper thoughts.
Expect the unexpected, from the rather good opening scene to the line about 'transportation' (well it made me laugh, yep I'll burn in hell), then that menacing face while doing a certain act. I have no idea what this shows about or where it's heading, didn't even know it was a book, but with Waltz in the lead you know the character will be great regardless of what goes on around him. I think this show will get darker and darker, maybe maddening, maybe a lot worse but the opening is worth way more than one out of ten, and is a lot better than almost all games that you could be playing on your phone.
- specialbobby
- Feb 23, 2023
- Permalink
As Episode 1 of "The Consultant" (2023 release; 8 episodes ranging from 31 to 38 minutes each) opens, a group of young people gets a behind-the-scenes tour of a gaming company including its creator. One of the kids kills the creator. Then out of nowhere comes "the consultant" to take over as (temporary?) CEO, and he immediately shakes things up... At this point we are 10 minutes into episode 1.
Couple of comments: this mini-series is the brainchild of writer-creator Tony Basgallop ("servant"). In the beginning we don't understand what is going on. Why did the gaming company creator get murdered? Where does the consultant mysteriously come from? What is the end game here? The mini-series is super plot-heavy so the less said about the plot, the better. "The Consultant" makes for good viewing in the initial 2-3 episodes but then the script gets bogged down, and the story line suffers accordingly. Frankly, if it wasn't for the great performance from Christoph Waltz, it's doubtful that I would have watched all 8 episodes.
"The Consultant" premiered on Amazon Prime last week, and all 8 episodes are now available to stream. Given that the episodes are all quite short, this is easily binged in a couple of evenings (as I did). If you are in the mood for a mystery-black comedy-thriller featuring a top notch Christoph Waltz, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this mini-series is the brainchild of writer-creator Tony Basgallop ("servant"). In the beginning we don't understand what is going on. Why did the gaming company creator get murdered? Where does the consultant mysteriously come from? What is the end game here? The mini-series is super plot-heavy so the less said about the plot, the better. "The Consultant" makes for good viewing in the initial 2-3 episodes but then the script gets bogged down, and the story line suffers accordingly. Frankly, if it wasn't for the great performance from Christoph Waltz, it's doubtful that I would have watched all 8 episodes.
"The Consultant" premiered on Amazon Prime last week, and all 8 episodes are now available to stream. Given that the episodes are all quite short, this is easily binged in a couple of evenings (as I did). If you are in the mood for a mystery-black comedy-thriller featuring a top notch Christoph Waltz, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
- paul-allaer
- Feb 28, 2023
- Permalink
This is an odd show, to say the least. And first off, anything Christoph Waltz is in is probably going to be brilliant on one level or another.
You have to watch what's happening - carefully. If you don't, you're going to miss some MASSIVE in-your-face hints as to what's happening.
The rest of the cast is strong and backs up Waltz beautifully and flawlessly. No one misses a beat. The cinematography is sharp.
Several reviewers just didn't get what they saw. They said this isn't comedy - it is! They said there was no story - oh, boy, is there!
This is a weekend binge with a friend or family and discuss it. You'll all have fun! If someone doesn't - send them home.
And don't miss the last episode's ending ---- the song. Now THAT'S FUNNY!!
You have to watch what's happening - carefully. If you don't, you're going to miss some MASSIVE in-your-face hints as to what's happening.
The rest of the cast is strong and backs up Waltz beautifully and flawlessly. No one misses a beat. The cinematography is sharp.
Several reviewers just didn't get what they saw. They said this isn't comedy - it is! They said there was no story - oh, boy, is there!
This is a weekend binge with a friend or family and discuss it. You'll all have fun! If someone doesn't - send them home.
And don't miss the last episode's ending ---- the song. Now THAT'S FUNNY!!
To be honest, I was doubting whether to see it or not, I decided to see it and it has not disappointed me. Christof Waltz is absolutely fantastic!!. The other main actors are new to me and they reach a good level of acting, without a doubt.
The series seemed more exciting, tense and somewhat terrifying than a laughable comedy. It has moments of humor but in general more thrillish than I expected. The episodes are short of 30 minutes, which makes you watch it very quickly and it is also very entertaining and always leaves you wanting to know more.
What I liked least is the main role of the young boy, Craig in the series, he is the only one who sees what is happening, but he gives up very quickly in my opinion. Reaching the final chapters I would have chosen two whole chapters to build up more emotion, the end seemed to me done in quite a hurry.
I recommend it, it is different, unpredictable, original and creative. Just as tense and very interesting.
The series seemed more exciting, tense and somewhat terrifying than a laughable comedy. It has moments of humor but in general more thrillish than I expected. The episodes are short of 30 minutes, which makes you watch it very quickly and it is also very entertaining and always leaves you wanting to know more.
What I liked least is the main role of the young boy, Craig in the series, he is the only one who sees what is happening, but he gives up very quickly in my opinion. Reaching the final chapters I would have chosen two whole chapters to build up more emotion, the end seemed to me done in quite a hurry.
I recommend it, it is different, unpredictable, original and creative. Just as tense and very interesting.
I was watching Tik Tok one day where a woman - who claimed to be a "TV addict" and "watched just about everything" highly recommended this show on the basis that it was like "nothing she'd ever seen before," and "had her jaw on the floor multiple moments throughout the series."
I now sort of suspect she was a plant by Amazon, coincidentally drumming up hype the DAY this show was released in its entirety. I think this, because this show is kind of lame. Like, I genuinely don't think it'd have ANY hype at all without Christoph Waltz's involvement and probably wouldn't solicit such an endorsement from anyone.
I'll give the show this: the first episode is a banger. It's really good at hooking you in and making you interested in what's going on. While the momentum from the shocking first episode (which I will admit, had my jaw on the floor multiple times) keeps the train running for a bit, eventually a story has to pick itself up and deliver SOMETHING interesting.
There's so much just...underwhelming about The Consultant. I hated how the story was told, it was needlessly long, with too little material to justify its eight episode length. There are so many plot elements that are just dropped for no reason or introduced so late that they don't really have much of a point. Characters are introduced and nothing really happens with them and I genuinely have forgotten what happened the last episode and I saw it a couple days ago.
I think the problem here is that this was pitched as "Christoph Waltz plays Hans Landa except now he's a consultant for a tech company and probably Satan." That conceit doesn't go anywhere and the writers seem so scared of disappointing viewers that they bafflingly decide not to answer any of the juicy questions. The show keeps piling on mysteries and I suspect there are no satisfying answers.
I did like Natt Wolf and Britanny O' Grady's characters and performances, but even they seemed to lack the electric chemistry they should've. They're past lovers who don't seem like they've ever even held hands, if you get what I mean. And yes, Waltz is fine. He's doing his thing, but I frankly got tired of it half way through. There's only so much ambiguity a show can pile onto a character until it becomes tired.
You'd also think a show like this would have a colourful and interesting cast of side characters - it being an office and all - but unfortunately, it even falls flat there. We get glimpses of other people, but in reality its the Regus (Waltz), Elaine (O'Grady), and Craig (Wolff) show. Very disappointing, especially when the show hints at a broader exploration of how leadership transforms an organization and how access to power corrupts. (Anytime I can get a sociological story, I want it, and when I don't get it, it really hurts)
I did like the design of the office a lot and there are some cool locations and visual ideas presented in this show as well. I feel like it was a fun show to watch, for that reason.
I've heard this is supposed to be a multi-season project, I hope they can do it and it can be satisfying. As of now, "season 1" of The Consultant is an utter bore and a big missed opportunity.
I now sort of suspect she was a plant by Amazon, coincidentally drumming up hype the DAY this show was released in its entirety. I think this, because this show is kind of lame. Like, I genuinely don't think it'd have ANY hype at all without Christoph Waltz's involvement and probably wouldn't solicit such an endorsement from anyone.
I'll give the show this: the first episode is a banger. It's really good at hooking you in and making you interested in what's going on. While the momentum from the shocking first episode (which I will admit, had my jaw on the floor multiple times) keeps the train running for a bit, eventually a story has to pick itself up and deliver SOMETHING interesting.
There's so much just...underwhelming about The Consultant. I hated how the story was told, it was needlessly long, with too little material to justify its eight episode length. There are so many plot elements that are just dropped for no reason or introduced so late that they don't really have much of a point. Characters are introduced and nothing really happens with them and I genuinely have forgotten what happened the last episode and I saw it a couple days ago.
I think the problem here is that this was pitched as "Christoph Waltz plays Hans Landa except now he's a consultant for a tech company and probably Satan." That conceit doesn't go anywhere and the writers seem so scared of disappointing viewers that they bafflingly decide not to answer any of the juicy questions. The show keeps piling on mysteries and I suspect there are no satisfying answers.
I did like Natt Wolf and Britanny O' Grady's characters and performances, but even they seemed to lack the electric chemistry they should've. They're past lovers who don't seem like they've ever even held hands, if you get what I mean. And yes, Waltz is fine. He's doing his thing, but I frankly got tired of it half way through. There's only so much ambiguity a show can pile onto a character until it becomes tired.
You'd also think a show like this would have a colourful and interesting cast of side characters - it being an office and all - but unfortunately, it even falls flat there. We get glimpses of other people, but in reality its the Regus (Waltz), Elaine (O'Grady), and Craig (Wolff) show. Very disappointing, especially when the show hints at a broader exploration of how leadership transforms an organization and how access to power corrupts. (Anytime I can get a sociological story, I want it, and when I don't get it, it really hurts)
I did like the design of the office a lot and there are some cool locations and visual ideas presented in this show as well. I feel like it was a fun show to watch, for that reason.
I've heard this is supposed to be a multi-season project, I hope they can do it and it can be satisfying. As of now, "season 1" of The Consultant is an utter bore and a big missed opportunity.
- ryanpersaud-59415
- Mar 6, 2023
- Permalink
Fantastic Series, reminiscent of Severance. Christoph Waltz is incredible!"
I get the feeling of watching something as marvelous as Severance. I see many users protesting because they don't understand anything, while others protest because they think they're too clever to know things that the series clearly shows are quickly intuitive from the start.
All of this worries me because those who rate it a 1 only want series that are quickly assimilated, those who would consider Twin Peaks a series of poorly constructed scenes and bad dialogues with no sense.
Enjoy this series because it is wonderful and Christoph Waltz is incredible.
I get the feeling of watching something as marvelous as Severance. I see many users protesting because they don't understand anything, while others protest because they think they're too clever to know things that the series clearly shows are quickly intuitive from the start.
All of this worries me because those who rate it a 1 only want series that are quickly assimilated, those who would consider Twin Peaks a series of poorly constructed scenes and bad dialogues with no sense.
Enjoy this series because it is wonderful and Christoph Waltz is incredible.
- yen_galvez
- Feb 23, 2023
- Permalink
This is one of those titles that are only watched because of the one talented actor who everyone knows. In this case, Christopher Waltz, of course. The other actors aren't bad, but the writing makes their characters and acting fall flat and become incredibly unbelievable. The things that happen in this show would never make sense in real life, and I mean this in a bad way. Common sense things that anyone would do in the moment, when scared, threatened or plain untrusting, are NOT done in this show. The characters play along with what is happening in a way that nobody else would. It just makes no sense. The writers tried to play with your head and make you nervous, and that happens sometimes, but again, not in a good way. The "edgy" and/or crazy or disgusting things that happen are also random and don't make sense. I don't think there was any real plot. It feels like every episode is random things happening leading nowhere.
If you are SUPER bored and curious or you just love C. Waltz, then sure, give it a watch. But I'm telling you, it'll most likely a waste of your time. Two stars are only given because of Waltz's performance alone.
If you are SUPER bored and curious or you just love C. Waltz, then sure, give it a watch. But I'm telling you, it'll most likely a waste of your time. Two stars are only given because of Waltz's performance alone.
- abwetman-1-817328
- Mar 12, 2023
- Permalink