The Sounds

Episode 1 started off a little slow and disjointed, but things start to get very interesting from episode 2 onward. Right from the outset you get the feeling Maggie's possibly not being honest with those around her regarding the "disappearance" of her husband Tom (?). Something is up, and I'm intrigued to see where the deception will lead to. Things take a darker turn in Episode 3 which has left me hanging on for more weekly episodes. The locations are stunning, beautifully shot, and the haunting score had me in tears during a particular scene in episode 3. Fantastic cast made up of both New Zealand and Canadian talent. Newcomer Anna-Maree Thomas who plays Zoe is brilliant. Recommended.

After episode 8 we are left hanging. This show get very good around episode 6.

My wife and I are hooked on this show, which is story-telling at its finest. The characters are deep, varied, and believable. The unique plot just keeps getting thicker and thicker and thicker and thicker (4 "thickers" for the 4 episodes we've watched so far). The suspense is gripping, and I am constantly squirming in my seat; you won't know what's going to happen next. Most of the acting is excellent - especially the Maori. The directing and cinematography are great and never distracting. Many characters you will care about, and all kinds of interesting things happen to them. Lastly, this series gets double-extra credit for what it doesn't have: no political agendas, no car chases, no explosions, no sirens, no torture, no shakey-camera, no over-cutting-of-scenes, no all-star cast, no formula characters nor formula plot. And yet, your heart will be pounding more than any movie that has all these tropes.

I enjoyed this series of 8 episodes a great deal. Maybe it's because I am a New Zealander and appreciate the storyline better than others. I thought the acting, particularly the lead characters, was very realistic and it held my attention until the end of Season 1. I hope the ending, which left unanswered questions means another season at least to wrap up the storyline. I don't like shows that leave you hanging, with lots of loose ends. Well worth watching in my opinion and the series was beautifully shot in one of the most majestic locations in the country of New Zealand's South Island.

Really enjoyed the whole series with the different twists and turns in the different characters stories. And loved seeing more of New Zealand. The ending leaves you a bit flat like there were plans for a second series but even as a one off show it's good.