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- (Two) Deaths Become Her
- Natalie Portman’s Random Obsession
- Noir Twists in a Great Period Setting with Strong Racial Themes
- It’s All About Maddie, Maddie, Maddie
As a seasoned film critic with a particular affinity for noir tales and a deep appreciation for the complexities of female-driven narratives, I have to admit that “Lady in the Lake” on Apple TV+ left me both intrigued and somewhat perplexed.
Director Alma Har’el gained notable recognition with her thought-provoking documentaries, “Bombay Beach” and “Love True.” The first film provided an intriguing insight into the lives of people and communities around the shrinking Salton Sea. The second film, celebrated for its innovative blend of genres, attracted widespread acclaim. Both movies amassed numerous accolades, drawing attention to Har’el’s unique perspective on human nature. Her impressive body of work caught the eye of Shia LaBeouf, leading her to collaborate on “Honey Boy.” Har’el’s trilogy showcased an artist perpetually intrigued by the depths of the human mind. Apple TV+’s “Lady in the Lake” offers Har’el a significant platform to expand her exploration of the human psyche.
In the seven-episode series that Har’el helms as showrunner, we find material that could hardly be more rich and captivating. Drawing inspiration from Laura Lippman’s acclaimed 2019 novel of the same name, the story follows Maddie Schwartz, a Jewish housewife in 1960s Baltimore, seeking to transform herself into an investigative journalist in the wake of an 11-year-old girl’s demise. As news breaks of another death – that of a 33-year-old Black woman found in a lake – Maddie becomes determined to unravel the mystery. However, her pursuit of truth forces her to confront her own past.
As a gamer, I find the concept of this series intriguing, but the frantic pacing in the early stages almost overwhelms it. By the time episode 3 rolls around, it feels like wading through a murky swamp. But if you can persevere, the later episodes offer rich rewards. The question is, is the payoff worth the wait and the effort required?
(Two) Deaths Become Her
In summary: Yes, some people will really enjoy this series, while others may find it confusing. At first, “Lady in the Lake” on Apple TV+ seems chaotic and may not draw you in smoothly, similar to Colin Farrell’s “Sugar,” which is also a noir thriller. However, if you stick around, there might be more to discover that could make it worth your time.
Natalie Portman’s character Maddie is a complicated mess. When a young Jewish girl goes missing during Thanksgiving in Baltimore and is later found dead in a lake, Maddie is affected in an unsettling way that leaves you questioning why. Although it’s clear there’s a connection to her past, watching Portman’s unraveling performance is more unsettling than intriguing. Moses Ingram, portraying Cleo, a department store worker who interacts briefly with Maddie early on, provides a better performance. Her voiceovers guide us through most of the story. Despite their initial disconnection, the lives of these two women prove to be surprisingly entwined.
Natalie Portman’s Random Obsession
The initial episodes heavily focus on Maddie’s strong desire to transform into a journalist. This seems unexpected, but we’re intrigued. There must be a compelling reason driving Maddie to give up her marriage and potentially damage her relationship with her adolescent son (notably played by Noah Jupe in an excellent role).
The series takes on a monotonous tone as Maddie relentlessly pursues the truth behind the deaths, disregarding the potential harm to those around her. Her determination is commendable, but it raises questions – like how she managed to secure a job at a newspaper so swiftly with little prior experience. It’s an intriguing dilemma as we follow Maddie on her journey to prove herself and make a name for herself.
Noir Twists in a Great Period Setting with Strong Racial Themes
Har’el is a thoughtful and insightful filmmaker who puts a unique twist on the typical noir narrative. Instead of the usual femme fatale, she presents a surprising turn – a woman named Maddie, who takes on the role of the savior. This is a refreshing departure from the norm, as Har’el skillfully explores new territory beyond the source material.
In this production, various elements brilliantly come together through meticulous set design, captivating costumes, and a talented cast. This impressive ensemble brings to life an array of intriguing characters delving into the racial tensions of the time period. Among them are Wood Harris as the enigmatic gangster Shell Gordon, the mysterious drug dealer Reggie, portrayed by Josiah Cross, and the tenacious journalist Bob Bauer, played by Pruitt Taylor Vince. He offers Maddie an opportunity that sets the story in motion. Each member of the cast contributes significantly to the overall luster, with Moses Ingram’s Cleo standing out as the most intriguing character, leaving us wondering how she met her fate at the lake.
It’s All About Maddie, Maddie, Maddie
If you’re a fan of noir stories filled with unexpected turns, this series has plenty to offer. These twists may sometimes divert your attention from certain inconsistencies within the narrative. While we appreciated the resolution in the last episode, navigating through the intricacies of the storyline required quite a bit of swatting away at creative yet distracting elements. The central enigma surrounding the deceased girl and woman remained intriguing but was somewhat overshadowed by these diversions.
In a similar vein to Marcia, we have Maddie, Maddie, Maddie. However, this repetition may grow monotonous. Nonetheless, Portman manages to keep us engaged, and it’s important to remember that she’s not meant to be an object of affection. Portman delivers convincingly in her role. One might ponder if an additional episode could have provided more depth to explore further. Instead, Lady in the Lake primarily depends on its intriguing foundation. The initial two episodes of Lady in the Lake were released on Apple TV+ on July 19. To watch it, follow the link below:
Watch on Apple TV+
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2024-07-21 23:03