The Undoing officially aired on HBO and streamed on HBO Max in 2020. It received positive reviews from cringes and viewers alike. The Undoing became an eligible nominee at the upcoming Golden Globes & Screen Actors Guild (SAG for short) Awards.
Before The Golden Globes & SAG Awards will air on February 28th & April 4th, I want to share the pros and cons of this mini-series of 2020 contender if it’s worth watching six episodes.
Today’s review does not contain any crucial SPOILERS whatsoever. Is The Undoing worth a watch? Let’s find out shall we?
The Entire Mini-Series
Pros: Nicole Kidman & Hugh Grant both did a great job for their respective performances. Nicole also served as an executive producer courtesy of her production company Blossom Films.
Other Cast Members such as Édgar Ramírez, Noah Jupe, (one of the kids from A Quiet Place) Lily Rabe (American Horror Story) & Donald Sutherland all did a great job for their respective performances.
David E. Kelley wrote all six episodes. He also served as an executive producer. He & Nicole worked together in “Big Little Lies.”
Pivotal plot points reveal specific contents of the murder. I refuse to give away confidential information. All I can say is, “Uh oh SpaghettiO’s!”
This isn’t the first time Nicole played a character named, Grace. Does “The Others” ring any bells?
Grace’s son Henry, has a habit of startling her. She often utters out “You scared me.”
Primary Themes are, Infidelity, Deception, Marriage & Betrayal. All themes are handled maturely.
Nicole did her own singing providing a cover version of “Dream A Little Dream” during the opening credits.
Cons: Cinematography suffers from Shaky Cam at various points. Who’s in charge of filming? Speedy Gonzales on a Red Bull binge?
Product Placement featuring brands such as Apple, Corona, Facebook, Twitter and Coca-Cola. I’ll let this con slide, because I couldn’t find any other brand to shove down my throat.
Episode 1 – The Undoing
Positive: First episode rewinds the clock back two days before the murder fleshing out each character’s background.
Grace attends a school fundraiser.
Episode 1’s build up is a tad slow. I didn’t mind the pacing, because I want to know who’s who before we delve deeper into the mystery route.
Negative: No flaws found.
Episode 2 – Missing
Found: Grace searches for Jonathan’s whereabouts.
A shocking secret is revealed.
Another shocking secret is revealed. Bigger than the aforementioned one.
Lost: Camera is shaky at times.
Episode 3 – Do No Harm
Harmless: A possible suspect is arrested.
A deep secret is revealed.
Grace visits Jonathan face to face.
Grace receives bad news.
Harmful: No cons discovered.
Episode 4 – See No Evil
Good: Grace is given a glimpse of a portrait.
Somebody collapses on the ground.
Jonathan is given an interview.
Franklin has a big confession.
Evil: Camera cannot hold still.
Episode 5 – Trial By Fury
Open: A pivotal clue is shown. Can’t tell you what the contents are, you’re gonna have to see for yourself.
A trial commences.
A deep secret is revealed via flashback.
Jonathan has a big confession.
Grace receives a message.
Closed: Camera is occasionally shaky.
Episode 6 – The Bloody Truth
True: The Trial continues.
Without giving anything away, The Suspect meets his outcome.
Final episode concludes the mini-series.
More insight about one important clue is given more crucial details. All I can say is, “Uh oh SpaghettiO’s!”
Another clue is also given more insight.
I gotta love Donald Sutherland’s delivery exclaiming “Are you kidding?!”
False: No cons spotted.
The Final Verdict: A-
The Undoing is a decent six part mini-series worth a watch. If you want to prepare for The Golden Globes & Screen Actors Guild Awards, give this one a try. The Undoing is another favorite mini-series of mine from last year alongside another HBO mini-series “I Know This Much Is True.” Don’t forget to check Mark Ruffalo’s Emmy Award winning performance.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 