The Third Day

I've now watched the first three episodes and want to react before watching the next three. I must say it was very, very strange but very, very alluring viewing. Jude Law was absolutely magnificent, as in fact he always is but here he was just so good. Peculiar camera shots, reality lapses and all sorts of funny things but for Jude Law's performance alone I really enjoyed it. Still not sure about the "meaning" but am not worried about that too much! The next day! So now I've watched the next three episodes and my judgement remains. I can really understand why some people don't appreciate this. We all have really different tastes. But i found it compelling to use a word I don't normally use! In parts so exciting that I had to pause and do something else for a few minutes before continuing. The ending was a little disappointing but I don't know how else it could have ended really. The reality that was created was very gripping and as usual I managed to work in an allegory to some things in our real world! Don't watch if all you want is a straight forward horror movie though!

The overall rating (currently 6.4) doesn't reflect this. Fact is, you will either love this or hate it, which means the average rating will be mediocre. Personally I loved this show. Atmospheric and suspenseful, incredible acting and nice and dark. So many unanswered questions, enabling you to ponder long after the credits have rolled.

I've only seen the first episode, but it is the first series I have seen in a while that left me wanting to see the next episode immediately. Beautifully shot and generally unnerving; like a good book, anxious to turn the page to see what happens next.

It's so hard to rate this, because it's one of the most intense and creative shows I've ever seen. There are some aspects that are really well done, and the cinematic effects (filters/lighting) carry a lot of the weight and accentuate Sam's experiences. Sometimes, though, it's a little overdone, much like my 14 year old self on Instagram with all the effects. And then there's the plot. Again, incredibly creative and intense, but any sort of character motivation is sacrificed to serve plot twist upon plot twist upon plot twist. It makes little sense at the end. The only character whose motivation I can follow somewhat clearly is Sam's, and there are many things in the first episode that should have been answered or referenced in the following parts of the series. Maybe they will be in the coming 'second half'. I really hope the 'Winter' segment is easier to follow, because every single character changing allegiances approximately 4 times per episode is making ME feel like I took LSD at a Celtic festival.

I have watched the first 4 episodes so far. I agree with every single review here. So why are they so polarized?

Yes the cinematography is stunning. Yes the scenery is breathtaking. Yes the acting is wonderful and yes the plot is edge of your seat twisty...

But it is also over the top, makes me want to gag, long drawn out scenes that verge on, "where is the fast forward button" and outright confusion at times.

I think it has potential and may just need time to find its sweet spot. As a mini series it may not ever find it.

The bottom line is that it clearly is not for everyone. If you like artsy, mysterious, movies, you will probably love this. And if you prefer a more direct, fast paced, drama you probably won't.

Hope this helps.