A Verdade Sobre o Caso Harry Quebert

A few years ago I read the book, on the one hand I thought it a real page-turner, but also a bit shallow and rather poorly written. I had the same feelings about this series. You keep watching because there are so many twists and turns and every episode ends with yet another unexpected cliffhanger. But as to the core of the story, i.e. the fatal love between young and (not so) innocent Nola and much older, handsome Harry Quebert, it impressed me as if that part of the screenplay was written by a teenage girl with some overwrought romantic fantasies: the way these two rather improbable lovers act and talk when they're together is so cloyingly sweet it makes your teeth ache. In fact, the whole story is made up of improbabilities, coincidences, and almost gothic circumstances, like mysterious disfigured men, multiple personality disorders, corrupt and murderous policemen, arson, etcetera, it's frankly a bit too much of everything.

Most of the acting is fine, with Patrick Dempsey as the main character, although in my opinion he didn't get enough room to really shine. Kristine Froseth made Nola more annoying than sweet. My favorite actor was Ben Schnetzer, I didn't know him before, he's very natural and convincing (and looks really awesome!).

All in all: involving but also a bit disappointing.

I can't be the only one who is disgusted by this grown man lusting after a 15 year old?! I'm trying to keep an open mind, but it's episode 3 and all I can focus on is how the author/filmmakers are trying to justify the relationship between Harry and Nola. This is making it very uncomfortable to watch. It's disturbing in this day and age to find a drama that's main focus is Pedophilia.

The story is interesting, that's why I've kept watching it. I think of the whole cast, the only one able to pull a decent enough peformance is Patrick Dempsey, everyone else's acting is uncomfortable to watch. Seriously, you have to actively concentrate on the plot or else the over-the-top acting will distract you. It's strange because I've seen most of the cast in other things here and there and they were fine so I'm guessing the strange over-acting is something that was asked of them? I don't know, it's just weird. The make up is also terrible, so that is quite distracting as well. That being said, if you hang in there, the plot will pull you along. It's a fun little thriller show to watch on a lazy Sunday, just don't expect Oscar worthy performances.

This is actually a very good who dunnit rather than a story about an affair. A lot of negative reviews were based on the first 2 or 3 episodes. Let me tell you, it gets better and better as it goes on. Not to spoil anything, but there are a lot of twists and turns and you do not know what really happens until the end. Like I said, watch it all and you will enjoy it. It is a ride.

Granted, Dempseys make up isnt great, but the show had me sucked in from the get go. The acting is good and Dempsey and his 'prodigy' are believable as their characters. No complaints here!