Task

Easily my biggest surprise of the year. I only started this because I liked the idea of having a weekly short series to watch but after that amazing pilot I knew I was in for something more and something more this certainly was. I’ve grown so much appreciation for Mark Ruffalo recently, I say recently but really the past year or so, watching movies like Spotlight, Zodiac, and Dark Waters really opened my eyes to him as an actor beyond the MCU where I’d previously only known him from. Here he was amazing, the finale is obviously freshest on my mind and he had me choking up at a few points, he was fantastic in just about every scene of his across this series though. Even with Mark’s great performance he still wasn’t the most impressive here although I can’t say I’m too surprised Tom Pelphrey fit like a glove in this role after seeing Ozark. I could speak to lengths on his performance but I’ll just say he better get a higher status in Hollywood after this, if they can’t see how amazing of an actor he is now I’m concerned they never will. Emilia Jones was another huge reason why this was as great, I loved her in CODA so seeing her pop up in this was a delight and her performance was arguably better than Ruffalo’s, she’s another person who’s career should skyrocket based on what they achieved here. Beyond those three there were more highlights as well, the most glaring being Jamie McShane who I thought was perfect in his villain role, similar praise can be bestowed upon Sam Keeley as well. Visually it looked so good and was quite comforting to me, I’ve never been myself but I’ve heard and can imagine this was a great depiction of the Delco area with the way it really makes you feel like you’re there. Loved the themes of forgiveness and the twists and turns of this story, it’s safe to say I’ll be checking out Mare of Easttown with how great of an experience I had here. I went in with no real expectations and came out with one of the best releases of the year, a suspense filled, tearjerking ride that I’m so happy I gave a chance to.