What a gem! I've read Anais Nin's works which this show is loosely adapted from. She writes many short works of erotic fiction that mixes death, sex and taboo, and all of this together forms a heightened, visceral and sometimes chilling grip.
I think perhaps this work takes the spirit of the author's work, perhaps some hints, themes and anecdotes, and makes its own story that could last for this six hour, six part Starz miniseries. Personally, respond to some criticism here, I felt that there was a solid enough plot. Sure some parts are a bit rough hewn in detail but I got the gist.
If the plot is wanting anyway, the characters and acting are very strong, and I think that was more Anais Nin's strong suit anyway. Very good actors who I've never seen before (for the most part) but who I was impressed with. Some unusual and spectacular casting with lesser known star talent.
The cinematography is sometimes elegant, muted and suave, and at other times colorful to the tipping point of garish, and then during the drug induced scenes, so potent that the vivid colors turn violent. But all in all I enjoyed the balance of the two and the expressionistic look.
I thoroughly enjoyed the series, but yes the characters were sometimes quite strange and unlikable, though complex. Perhaps on balance, taking back what I said, there was a bit too much psychological and cinematographic violence. However it did very much all belong together. A hard series to rate, but probably more reason to watch it for that reason.
The ending I wasn't sure about it, and wish the finish was stronger, and that's probably what does it for my rating why I'm rating an 8 instead of 9.
For me, this series has style, substance talent and also originality, and i recommend it!
