Tales from the Loop

Not many times in my life I've felt compelled to binge watch a series but this got me. . . A combination of beautiful cinematography, great character study and clever story lines make for a truly wonderful and complete series. The fact that it's about the human interactions and relationships and not all about the weird and wonderful tech laying about just adds to it for me. So many series are in your face with the CGI and effects they forget about telling us anything. The subtleness only ads to the whole feel of this superb show. Take time to slow down a bit and enjoy something that makes you think.

A rare example of what science fiction can achieve, with a subtlety in its thoughtful pacing that is rarer still. Almost certainly this was what failed to appeal to the mass market, since its languorous tempo will drive the mainstream attention-deficit audience out of their tiny minds.

Some well-worn and yet timeless themes are refreshed by gentle treatment.

Unspoken secrets (episode 1) Jealousy (episode 2) Conformity, Fear of responsibility / not wanting to grow up / peter pan syndrome? (episode 3) Existentialism (episode 4) Desire for control / overprotectiveness (episode 5) Forbidden love / possessiveness and the pleasure of its unattainability (episode 6) Guilt and Alienation (episode 7) Grief, nostalgia and the death of innocence (episode 8)

Understated, powerful performances and sympathetic acting.

Inevitably a product of its times, and so occasionally lacking in subtlety plus somewhat heavy handed in its treatment of gender politics. And there are a couple of sex scenes that are unnecessary and were better left to the imagination, not least of all because the majority of the story is suggestive instead of explicit. Perhaps it is a matter of taste.

Supposedly the series was inspired by a painting, which under normal circumstance would not be a recommendation in its favour however for those that are able to work their way through it all, you may be able to appreciate the metaphor in terms of a backdrop for powerful yet restrained drama - as in a theatre where a small number of actors demand your concentration.

Superb.

The story-writers and production team deserve great praise, and whoever it was at Amazon that made the case to purchase the series or - it is almost unimaginable to contemplate - commissioned it rather than relying on The Market to spew it out: we can all hope you get more opportunities to exercise your talents.

A really thought provoking show. I didn't know what to think, by the end of episode three I was thinking is this show a bit sad but continued to watch and I'm glad I did.

Yes, it was a bit sad but also thought provoking. It made me consider how I'd feel if I could see my life, my daughters, my mom's at different stages and what I'd/we'd do differently. I think we all like to consider what we'd do differently if we could live our lives again. Every episode made me realise that there'd always be a negative consequence if I / we, did do things differently which I suppose brings peace to the things we consider mistakes.

I didn't expect Cole to become the lead role in the show nor did I expect how fond I became of his character. This show isn't really edge of your seat action but it's very good for your sole. There's some really beautiful music throughout the show too.

Happened across this today and ended up binging the entire series! As some reviewers have stated, the episodes run slowly, however, each episode looks at the story of indivudal characters in the ensemble cast. The twists are based on quirky SciFi elements and helps the viewer examine how the episode character comes to this point or to an unexpected situation, which may not have a typical resolution. The production, cinematography and acting are top notch and worth viewing from a visual and stylistic perspective. The stories leave you with a feeling of melancholy, that is strangely satisfying. Arthouse work in a TV series format. Worth a watch in my book. If you're looking for lasers and whiz-bang effects, this may not be the series for you.

This, I'm sure, is the stuff of dreams to the "serious" sci-fi buff. The kind of thing they've been waiting their whole lives for. But be warned. The art house approach, the ponderous wringing of every drop of darkness from the tales, the dolorous minimalist soundtrack courtesy of Philip Glass, and the doom laden plots all contribute to weighty, even burdensome viewing at times. This is not the sort of thing you put on at the end of a riotous evening. Nor to be binge watched - it will spill your marbles and spark depressive spirals. And don't gift it to your significant other for a birthday or the like if you don't want weeks of angst as they try to work out what exactly you're trying to say. It's intelligent, meaningful and dark - maybe a little too so - well worth watching but make sure you're in the right mood, at the right time, and preferably in easy reach of your support structure!