Long Bright River

My rating is 5 stars for two reasons. First, it is so dark...what is the fascination with filming scenes in lighting so dark the viewer sees nothing? This technique is not something to be applauded. It is not "artistic" nor creative. Stop already! Make a podcast if all the audience can do is listen and not see! Second, the story could have been effectively told in half the episodes. It felt as if the studio slotting 8 episodes drove the content rather than the story line. A final aside - the casting for younger versions of characters was awful. By no stretch of the imagination would these actors grow up into the adult versions. I always find poor casting distracting.

I haven't read the novel, so I went into the show with no knowledge of the story, and I won't be able to compare the two. I am currently on episode seven, and though the storyline is decent, I think if the casting choices had been weaker, it would have lost my interest. Luckily, that wasn't the case. Amanda Seyfried's beautiful performance elevates what I otherwise might have deemed Mare of Easttown's less impressive sibling. Her attention to nuances and line deliveries makes what could easily be an unremarkable scene intriguing, and I've found myself very drawn to her character. The young actor who plays Thomas is also great. I look forward to finishing it, and though I fear the threat of predictability, I'm certain I'll still recommend this to people, especially fans of Seyfried. It's a slow-burn, but I haven't felt like I've wasted my time. If you like murder mysteries with layers and appreciate the good-but-flawed heroine cliché, I'm sure you'll like Long Bright River.

This show follows a Philadelphia Police Officer who struggles with her co workers believing that the deaths of multiple homeless females are not murders disguised as drug overdoses. The acting is superb and the story line is tense. Along the way there are many twists and turns that I personally did not see coming. This show is gritty and nothing is sugar coated and well worth the time to watch it. The show highlights probably the worst areas of Philadelphia where drugs are rampant but it is a thoroughly riveting and enjoyable journey to watch this show. I would recommend it to those that enjoy genuine hard core police dramas that also highlight personal journeys of individuals.

I never really considered her that serious an actor, but she is jaw-droppingly good in this. Like Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown level-or better. I would be shocked if Seyfried doesn't take home best actress at the Emmy's. Her performance is so fluid, so natural, so understated yet full of depth. I'm like floored how good she is. (Other actors/casting also great. Maybe that means the directing is great too? I do like the choices of how scenes and episodes end-a little unconventional but with a poignant beauty. So let's give it up for the director & maybe editor too!). Bravo all around. See it!

Amanda Seyfried is one of the most underrated actresses ever This is a compelling mini series with a plot twist every ten minutes. Being from the Philly area I really enjoyed all the local references, and the producers ( Seyfried among them) really nailed the " it's a Philly thing " vibe!

The plot is basically a story of a Philly cops desperate search for her missing sister. But the real story, is a look into the hardscrapple world of lower middle class America, and their daily struggles to just get through to the next day. And it's wonderful My big knock on this series is this, however Will somebody please pay the electric bill !!!

It's sometimes appeared as though every scene- even the outdoor scenes were filmed in obnoxiously dim lighting Director took this " film noire" thing wayyyyy Too far.