In 1998, author Wally Lamb published a novel titled, “I Know This Much Is True.” Two Decades Later, HBO adapted the book as a six part mini-series starring Mark Ruffalo.
I Know This Much Is True officially aired in 2020 around the same year “The Alienist: The Angel Of Darkness” streamed on HBO Max. It received positive reviews from television critics. Mark Ruffalo ultimately won an Emmy for “Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or TV Movie.”
“The Golden Globes” & “Screen Actors Guild” (SAG for short) will both air in separate months. I want to share my thoughts on this mini-series. One more thing, Mark Ruffalo will reprise his role as Bruce Banner/Hulk in “She-Hulk” streaming soon on Disney Plus. For those of you who don’t know She-Hulk, she’s Bruce’s cousin.
Today’s review doesn’t contain no crucial SPOILERS listed. I’m giving y’all a chance to view all six episodes. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article. Is this particular mini-series worth a six hour viewing? Let’s find out, shall we?
The Entire Mini-Series
Positive: Mark Ruffalo did an excellent job for his dual performance as identical twins. He also served as an executive producer. This ain’t Mark’s first rodeo portraying two characters. Does Bruce Banner & Hulk ring any bells?
In addition to playing twins. After finishing his scenes as Dominick, Mark slightly gained weight to play Thomas. Now that’s some serious dedication. He must’ve taken advice from Christian Bale gaining weight for a specific role.
Chemistry between Dominick & Thomas served as one of the main highlights. Their interactions with each other felt natural.
Fun Fact: Wally Lamb personally selected Mark to portray Dominick & Thomas, because he’s a huge fan of his work.
Other Cast Members such as Melissa Leo, Rosie O’Donnell, Bruce Greenwood, Imogen Poots (I know her last name sounds like something coming out of the rear) & Kathryn Hayn all did a great job for their respective performances. Although I find her obnoxious on “The View,” didn’t expect Rosie’s acting chops in a dramatic role. She was also good in “Tarzan.”
Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond The Pines) did a decent job writing and directing all six episodes. He made sure all episodes were accurate to the book.
The Mini-Series takes place in The Early 90’s.
Dominick provides narration.
Primary Themes are Family, Brotherhood, Betrayal, Tragedy & Sacrifice. Every single theme is handled maturely.
Tape Recordings serve as a plot element.
As the mini-series progresses, we learn more context about Dominick & Thomas’ pasts along with their family background.
Arc Words are: “We’re cursed.”
The Tone is somber matching the story.
A Plot Twist is revealed. I refuse to tell you.
If you’re curious to learn more about the mini-series, The Cast & Crew reflect back on the characters, story, directing, acting, themes etc.
Negative: Camera occasionally suffers from shakiness.
I didn’t cry at the end. Last time a show made me cry was The Mandalorian’s second season.
Product Placement featuring brands such as McDonald’s, Rolling Rock, Domino’s, Sony & Ford. I’m letting this con slide, because I couldn’t find any other brand to shove down my throat.
Episode 1
True: Episode 1 turns the clock back before Thomas’ incident.
Dominick hires a translator to uncover his grandfather’s writings.
A chase scene ensues.
A tragic loss happened.
False: Camera can be shaky at times.
Episode 2
Healthy: Flashbacks reveal Dominick & Thomas’ trouble pasts.
Dominick visits Thomas’ therapist.
A tragic event affects Dominick’s life.
Unhealthy: I had to witness Mark’s “family jewels” when a doctor had to take a photo of his injury. First Hulk’s green ass in “Thor Ragnarok,” now a glimpse of his nuts? What I just witnessed will forever be inside my head. Like a permanent tattoo not going away.
Episode 3
Unlocked: Dominick & Dr. Sheffer formulate a plan before Thomas’ hearing commences.
More flashbacks flesh out Dominick & Thomas’ backstories.
Dominick visits Thomas.
Locked: Camera has some shaky issues.
Episode 4
Clear: A shocking moment made me gasp. I can’t tell you what it is, you’ll have to see for yourself. All I can say is in fact, I did not see that coming.
Flashbacks further show a crucial setback.
I’m not making this up, a gassy scene made me laugh so hard.
Thomas’ hearing begins.
Clogged: I couldn’t find nothing wrong with this episode.
Episode 5
Legal: We learn about Dominick & Thomas’ Italian grandfather from his writings. It’s pretty f***ed up.
I learned a new word in Italian. “Cagna.” If you’re fluent in Italian, here’s what I have to say in a sentence. “Gina Carano is a dumb cagna for committing career suicide posting a controversial topic on social media.”
Thomas’ “results” are confirmed.
Illegal: Camera is occasionally shaky.
Episode 6
Open: The Final Episode closes the mini-series’ book.
I refuse to give away crucial plot points. See for yourself. I’ll let Episode 6 speak for itself.
Closed: Camera is often shaky.
Hate to break it to you, but I didn’t cry.
The Final Verdict: A-
From my point of view. I Know This Much Is True is worth a six hour watch. Some of the stuff listed on the positive section, indicates why this mini-series is a Golden Globe & Screen Actors Guild contender. If it weren’t for the shaky cam, I would’ve given it my highest grade an A, FOR APEX. If you’re curious to watch I Know This Much Is True, I highly recommend it. If you have an HBO Max accountant, there’s your source.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 