Bad Sisters

A fantastic drama set against the beautiful Irish landscape, featuring perfectly cast sisters whose appearances mirror their psychological states. Everything works seamlessly here. The two main insurance agents driving around in a Škoda add a quirky charm, though the story could have been tighter. Instead of ten episodes, eight would have been ideal, and six might have earned it a five-star rating. The middle drags a bit, even as it deepens our connection to the characters — especially the dead husband, who was a real pain. The scene with the kitten was particularly tough to watch, overshadowing even the hell he put everyone through. However, the last two episodes are pure genius, showcasing top-tier writing. I found out afterwards that this is a remake of a Belgian original, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment at all. It reminded me of the excellence of shows like Big Little Lies. (2024-02-22)

Apple has hit the ground running and serves up a series you can't tear yourself away from and hit the jackpot! The story focuses on five sisters, one of whom has an abusive husband who is perhaps the reincarnation of the demon himself. One day, however, the husband dies and a bunch of insurance agents on the verge of bankruptcy begin to investigate his death more thoroughly, because something about it doesn't seem right and they're looking for a way to avoid paying the insurance. From the start, the show kicks off a great cast and gives us absolutely excellent main characters - the sisters are all able to steal a scene for themselves, the writing is excellent, and the biggest asset of the show is the sleazy bastard John Paul, because this guy is unpleasantly evil and I haven't seen a bigger motherfucker in movie form in a long time and I wish him a painful death. The narrative style is built on alternating present day with insurance investigations into the death of the husband, interspersed with a flashback narrative revealing John Paul's actions leading up to his death. The result then makes for a perfect story in which suspense is not spared, one episode succeeds the next and it flows by without a single dead spot. The case unravels, the killer is gradually revealed and until the last episode you are left in the dark as to what actually happened and how. The finale is then shocking enough to draw the whole series to a satisfying conclusion, and I must say that I am thrilled and have no reservations. Fantastic. (2023-02-08)