Sea Oak

I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed this movie. I would consider it a character study/studies of sorts with elements of both comedy and horror in the mix. After all, that's life isn't it...taking the good with the bad?

Each time it started to get really creepy, the author (it's my understanding this is based on a book) throws in something to make you laugh, even if it's a wry one. But before it could approach being too hokey, the scene would shift and something on the darker side would be thrown in.

I was also think a lot of people will be able to relate to this film... No, you likely don't have a dead great Aunt returning to your life but within the cast, you will almost assuredly find yourself nodding or maybe rolling your eyes and thinking "Oi, I know someone just like that!".

So yeah, this is a good option if you want to take a break from whatever it is you've been binge-watching but don't want to end up sickened by too much gore or triple checking your locks before bed. The only reason I did not award 10 stars is because, since it's a bit open-ended, I was disappointed to find it was not a series.

As a film and TV buff with far too many options to choose from, it can be a strain to decide on what new series to start. But, it helps when the story is interesting, the cast is perfect, and the soundtrack and score carries it along as though no time has passed at all. Yes, this show has all that and more.

I don't tend to review things, because it takes too long- just like watching certain shows takes too long. And that's time I will never get back! My time is valuable, and I won't waste it on something I don't enjoy. Like the character of Bernie in this series, we can all relate to having regrets and feeling like we don't have enough time to live the life we want and that life is just too short, period. So, if I'm taking the time here to post this, I liked it for sure, and I hope it gets picked up to series!

On a related note, one of the charms of this show is the simplemindedness of some of the people, the small town, low-income setting has a coziness all it's own, and as suggested above, the cast is just so likable! Glenn Close is her usual great self, and of note is Meg Ryan's son, Jack, who plays her nephew- hot as can be!!

In short, get on board with Sea Oak! I know there are so many shows to choose from, but this one is both light and dark, a nice departure from the usual extremes of one or the other, a cozy kind of black comedy that really does deserve to succeed!

The writing and performances in Sea Oak are awesome. The premise is unique and evocative. Glen Close gives a tour de force performance and the supporting cast delivers quirky but fully realized cathartic characters. The relationship between Quaid and Sarah Hay's character as Angela already percolates with future possibilities. And, of course, can't wait to see what Glen Close cooks up for her character's future escapades. Hoping to see many more episodes.

A bit out-of-the-box in terms of narrative, storytelling pace, mood and genre (is it bleak drama, is it surrealist comedy, is it postmodern horror?), but Glenn Close triumphs! As the pusillanimous Bernie, she evokes the universe from an acting performance that is quiet, understated, and later on, justifiably explosive yet also touching. I would want this developed into a series with all of its quirks, eccentricities and artistic vision intact.

Not sure why they're airing this sub-par pilot if they're not going to pick it up and continue the series. Or are they? I hope not! The pilot was all that I could take. Incoherent and a bit embarrassing, particularly for someone as skilled as Glenn Close. What was she thinking??