The Third Day

TIFF 2020 05

The Third Day

Having watched only two episodes of this 6 episode miniseries as part of the festival, I'd say this series is interesting to say the least. It has a top quality cast from some of the best British actors/actresses involved, it's greatly atmospheric and gothic which I really liked and the story seems engaging enough for 6 hours. Also this series is kind of special because a theatrical live episode is going to drop and broadcasted in about a month so I'm really excited to see how this project will shape out.

It's a pity most of these reviews were written by people who didn't finish the series. I don't expect everyone to love confusing, unnerving, slow burns as much as I do. But I am disappointed to see how many people missed the unreliable narrator twist that was done in a way I haven't seen before.

No, the main character's decisions don't seem to make any sense. I wonder if that was done with intention? I wonder if it hints at a reveal?

I guess, if you don't like sticking through a weird story to get a weird ending, that's fair. I do, and I found this series did it very well.

The cast is phenomenal and take the audience through the twisty journey excellently.

I have watched the first 4 episodes so far. I agree with every single review here. So why are they so polarized?

Yes the cinematography is stunning. Yes the scenery is breathtaking. Yes the acting is wonderful and yes the plot is edge of your seat twisty...

But it is also over the top, makes me want to gag, long drawn out scenes that verge on, "where is the fast forward button" and outright confusion at times.

I think it has potential and may just need time to find its sweet spot. As a mini series it may not ever find it.

The bottom line is that it clearly is not for everyone. If you like artsy, mysterious, movies, you will probably love this. And if you prefer a more direct, fast paced, drama you probably won't.

Hope this helps.

Absolutely loving this twisting, gripping, theatrical drama with a strong Midsommar/Wickerman vibe. Some terrific performances, notably from Jude Law, Paddy Considine and Nico Parker. This atmospheric series gripped me from the get go and never failed to intrigue. As ever with Dennis Kelly's incredible writing, the audience have to do some thinking for themselves so this will never appeal to those who like their drama basic. Ignore the bad reviews and give it a go.

I've now watched the first three episodes and want to react before watching the next three. I must say it was very, very strange but very, very alluring viewing. Jude Law was absolutely magnificent, as in fact he always is but here he was just so good. Peculiar camera shots, reality lapses and all sorts of funny things but for Jude Law's performance alone I really enjoyed it. Still not sure about the "meaning" but am not worried about that too much! The next day! So now I've watched the next three episodes and my judgement remains. I can really understand why some people don't appreciate this. We all have really different tastes. But i found it compelling to use a word I don't normally use! In parts so exciting that I had to pause and do something else for a few minutes before continuing. The ending was a little disappointing but I don't know how else it could have ended really. The reality that was created was very gripping and as usual I managed to work in an allegory to some things in our real world! Don't watch if all you want is a straight forward horror movie though!