The Doll Factory

Most of the reviewers here haven't watched the series beyond two episodes. It's a shame they didn't see it through to the end really. Having read the book, I was keen to see how the show compared.

I don't claim to know if it was an accurate depiction of the times it was set in, but it portrayed an earie, darker side of life that I found convincing. The detail in the sets was impressive. I love that feeling of going back in time and I think the series acheived it well.

Its a tale of jealousy, passion and obsession, with interesting side character stories as well. I thought the story of Silus' character was told in a clever way; anybody who hasn't read the book will be surprised by the twist in his character in later episodes.

With references to The Great Exhibition was interesting to me, imagining an exciting time in London.

I binge-watched the Doll Factory in an evening. Although, it wasn't quite what I was expecting, I did quite enjoy it.

The first couple of episodes may feel slow with the introduction of random characters and what appears to be pointless tangents. However, the following episodes allow it come together and then the twists happen and it really was worth it.

Strengths for me: End character development, storyline, twists and setting.

Weaknesses for me: It is slow in places; some characters aren't needed.

One of the first things I have watched in a long time where I haven't been able to guess the twist.

Visually interesting at points, very inaccurate casting and set dressing. Agree with other reviews that the accents are all over the place, confusing also because it's taken two episodes to figure out exactly who is who, and considering the pacing it's rather odd that it's not become apparent earlier, as it's clearly taking it's time.

And again,

Visually interesting at points, very inaccurate casting and set dressing. Agree with other reviews that the accents are all over the place, confusing also because it's taken two episodes to figure out exactly who is who, and considering the pacing it's rather odd that it's not become apparent earlier, as it's clearly taking it's time.

I didn't think I was going to like this, but i found it captivating. It looks great visually. Bravo to the props department. The characters where interesting, with a complexed air of mystery to each of them. I liked the creepy feel that ran throughout the entire series, it was well acted.

Set in London during the Great Exhibition of 1851, it had a bleak Dickens doom and gloom vibe. Even Dickens himself appears, visiting the exhibition.

I'm surprised it's got a low IMDB score, but I guess this is not for everybody. It's slow, but in a refreshing way, which will put many viewers off, but not me.

Pros: Great costumes, acting, set design

Cons: Plot & characters. It's year 2023 and mental illness is still the major plot device. Blame everything on a bipolar woman and a schizophrenic man. Perfect! This is based on a book from 2019 that copies Jane Eyre and adds more mental-illness shaming. What an achievement!

I was hoping that by now we should be more open-minded. But it seems despite achievements in technology and costume/set design, the entertainment & publishing industries just keep recycling the same BS. Why bother making something good and fresh when you can just keep making the same stories over and over?!