I Know This Much Is True

Exquisite film drama in series form. Engaging, with depth that doesn't ever stall the forward motion. We enjoy supporting actors like Huebel, Hahn, O'Donnell and Lewis perfectly cast in roles that seem written for them. The dialogue is masterful, swallowing up actors we know so well from so many other appearances, as if they've only ever been just these characters. Careful, attentive direction and photography make each scene an essential moment. And then Ruffalo's all-in performance. Another example of the enormous quality-raising effect of streaming services on the series form.

Don't fold clothes. Don't play with your phone. Just watch this series like you're in a movie theater. This show is a beautiful, slow meditation on family trauma. Mark Ruffalo is brilliant in the dual roles of twins. Rosie O'Donnell gives one of the best performances of her career. The cinematography is captivating.

Mark Ruffalo's A-list acting has been recognized through his 3 Oscar nominations over the years, but they were all for best supporting roles, and he has not won any of them. Until "I Know This Much is True," I've dismissed him as an actor just playing roles that disappear into the sidelines, with his soft-spoken unassuming demeanor. That subdued demeanor works well in this outstanding show. You can feel the character Dominick's pain oozing out of his raw emotions, similar to Joaquin Phoenix's Joker, except here, it doesn't seem like acting. Sometimes I wonder, is Mark Ruffalo himself really this sad? Give him a Golden Globe or Emmy for this role already!

Yes, the story is harsh and cold. No, there are hardly any positive notes in the show. Yes, the acting is beyond top shelf. Yes, the music and score is amplifying the depressing story. No, there almost is no redeeming quality.

But, such is life! Life isn't always perfect and happy and rainbows and puppies. Here we see the results of multiple generations dealing with trauma upon trauma, real people trying to move one step forward in life only to find they'll have to take two steps back. This is life, bitter and hard, but also unrelenting and strong.

This is TV at its very best. Sure, it isn't for everybody, but you can't make reality go away by pretending it doesn't exist.

Mark Ruffalo, Rob Huebel, Rosie O'Donnell, Kathryn Hahn are phenomenal. The writing and directing by Derek Cianfrance is outstanding.

Top notch great A entertainment! Superb acting, writing, cinematography, and soundtrack! I know This Much Is True deserves praise it's so well done and I knew it would be after seeing previews for awhile. Crazy how there's already other reviews bashing the series especially since the premier been has had a chance to be out; the series is phenomenal and hopefully others feel that way. Mark Ruffalo along with the rest of the cast is incredible, I'm sure it'll receive awards in due time.