Devil in Ohio

After checking the rating, I was I initially turned off by it (anything under 6 on IMDB is questionable) and just skipped over the show. After a night of not being sure what to watch, I thought I would give it a go. Again, with the low rating, my expectations were rather low as well. It surprisingly entertained me and kept me interested. I personally like that they showed less of the actual cult, as those scenes were the worst in my own opinion, but I could see how going into the show based on the synopsis alone would set your hopes high. Go in with an expectation that matches the rating, and you'll be pleasantly surprised and have you a decent show to get through.

1. Girl running and falls on nothing and can't get up..check

2. Problems solved if one person says one sentence but does not...check

3. Teenage girls acting like the MOST stereotypical selfish teen on every decisioncheck.

4. Bends down in bathroom mirror and stands up with someone behind them...check

5. Runs off alone to investigate things even after danger has been identified and it is VERY easy to get someone to go with you, but don't....check

6. Cops being the dumbest people ever...check

7. While people are dead having discussions about who dated who or bring up the stupidest things to talk about while life in danger...check

This series is advertised as a thriller/horror, but a majority of the run-time is based upon soap opera/drama without a true payoff in the end. Do not invest your time.

It's hard to say exactly where this series goes wrong. Either durable to direction, acting or production. The premise should be one to grab your attention but it never seems to do that. The series fails to create any real sense of suspense or tension. Episodes just mosey along at their own pace. It relies heavily on the sound track to build tension but eventually it has the opposite effect of simply being annoying. Despite having some excellent actors the characters seem wooden and stiff. Half the time they seem to be whispering orspeaking in softer tones than the scenes demand. The sets often seem too bright and cheery for the dramatic tension they're trying to build. Overall the entire series feels as if someone described what an occult thriller is to hallmark movies.

The girl playing Mae plays her role well. You are never sure if she is good or bad. Suzanne is a good character too. Man playing cop is also okay. But the rest of them are plain boring. The show could have benefited from a fast pace and more twists and turns. Its watchable but not exceptional. Definitely not binge worthy. Took me a while to get through all episodes.

And why they had to insert a lesbian character and an asian character and a gay best friend? Seemed force and an unnecessary effort for showing diversity which adds no value to the actual story.

The cult and its story is also kinda meh.

The show is just good enough for a one time watch when there's nothin else.

I think Netflix marketing messed this up; the book it's based on is a very melodramatic YA novel about a self-obsessed "misunderstood" 15-year-old girl. The material is a very silly idiot plot. Netflix, by centering Emily Deschanel, has framed this as an adult horror story, and it just isn't. So people are furious at all the teen drama. But, well, it is a teen drama.

The script aligns with that context; people exclusively make stupid decisions. In the book, Mom and Dad's dysfunction was understandable through the lens of their teen girl child. When the adults are the main characters, it doesn't work. Dad refuses to consider an offer on his debt-hole property because his wife suggests the person? Psychiatrist Mom can't possibly at all be qualified, the way she acts.

The book is mediocre teen drama, fairly faithfully adapted. The perspective is off, and the marketing matches.

Not bad viewing for a silly light horror mystery. As a teen series, it's pretty good! Very few scary or gory bits (like, one jump scare? A photograph or two of a cut on the cult girl's back?).