Burn the House Down

"Burn the House Down" is a solid slow-burn thriller that combines mystery and family drama. While the pacing can drag at times, the story still manages to keep you engaged. Mei Nagano's performance as Anzu is a standout, bringing emotional depth and intensity to the role. The tension builds gradually, with a sense of unease lingering throughout, although the twists didn't hit as strongly as anticipated. The family dynamics and dark atmosphere enhance the experience, but the film doesn't quite deliver a mind-blowing payoff. Still, it's a decent watch for thriller fans who enjoy a more deliberate pace.

I typically enjoy these types of dramas. I liked the storyline, but it felt like the creators for this specific series, didn't quite know how to really make this genre. I felt it was mediocre compared to really good revenge dramas, like The Glory for example. Still watchable and I had no regrets for spending my time on it. It was worth the time and I enjoyed it. But lower your hopes and expectations. Will this be a favorite, no. Will this be a perfectly watchable good Netflix drama, yes. I felt like the actors were alright to good. But their expressions and reactions didn't really meet with what the scene demanded.

Anzu Murata (Mei Nagano) applies as housekeeper for the wealthy Miratai family that owns a hospital. Unknown to the mistress of the house, celebrity homemaker Makiko Mitarai (Ren Hanami), Anzu is her estranged stepdaughter who is trying to find out who burned her family's house down 13 years ago.

Back then, Anzu lived with her father Osamu Mitarai (Mitsuhiro Oikawa), mother Satsuki (Elyse Dinh) and younger sister Yuzu (Yuri Tsunematsu) happily and luxuriously in a mansion.

While their house was mysteriously engulfed in flames, Anzu saw Makiko, her mother's friend, among the bystanders, smiling triumphantly as she watched the house burning. Anzu therefore harbored suspicions about the tragic event.

Satsuki became depressed with guilt about being the culprit, thinking she left a stove on and caused the fire. At the same time, Makiko became close to Osamu, comforting him as needed. Eventually, Osamu and Satsuki divorced. Osamu married Makiko and abandoned his children. Satsuki developed amnesia and has been bedridden in a hospital. Anzu believes that her mother's guilt caused her health problems and that an apology from the real culprit would heal her.

This is an interesting watch. There is twist after twist towards the end that leaves one feeling breathless at the ride the writer takes viewers on. The romantic angles are not bad, either.

It was so good, i loved it, the actors were good, the aesthetic could have been better, the actor who played the step-mother was phenomenal, she gave the vibes that were needed, personally i think some of the actors overplayed there roles and turned into a bit of an " ick " moment, but besides that it was really fun.

I personally would say that's definitely a binge-worthy show, there's a lot of plot development and it'd be better to watch it all in one go. To be honest, the plot wasn't necessarily the best, it was a little lacking but it's still good, however i feel like some parts of the plot were under-developed and could've been expanded upon, and i feel like there should've been more to the plot but for what it is, it's a genuinely favourable and fun show to watch.

This show feels very soap opera with a hefty dose of melodrama and sentimentality. Is it cliché? Very much so. Is it filled with unimaginable plot holes? Definitely. Does it come with a plot twist out of nowhere? Check. Is it entertaining? Hell, yeah! I was really taken by surprised by the antagonist. Amazing actress! The leading actress was also very compelling. The rest of the cast is... mediocre and unintentionally hilarious at times! Anyway, if you love a revenge tale and just want something simple to relax at the end of the day give this a go! But be aware this may give you a 13 year old stress amnesia.