Mare Of Easttown is currently streaming on HBO Max. It received critical acclaim from critics and streamers alike.
There are two reasons why I watched Mare Of Easttown. One, Kate Winslet will co-star in James Cameron’s upcoming “Avatar” sequel. Second, Evan Peters has a role in American Horror Story’s tenth season. One more thing, a video game titled, “Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora” will be released in 2022 alongside the upcoming sequel.
Today’s review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to watch it. Minor SPOILERS are listed. Tread carefully.
The Whole Thing
Pros: Kate Winslet did a decent job for her performance. In addition to headlining the mini-series, she also served as an executive producer.
Other Cast Members such as Guy Pearce, Evan Peters, Angourie Rice, Sosie Bacon (Kevin Bacon’s real life daughter) & Jean Smart all did a great job for their respective performances.
Brad Ingelsby (The Way Back, Out Of The Furnace) mapped out all seven episodes. He made sure each one is linked into a cohesive narrative.
Cinematography was shot perfectly lacking technical flaws.
The mini-series is influenced by “True Detective,” “Boogie Nights” (one of my favorite movies) & “Broadchurch.”
Character Development involving Mare. As the mini-series progresses, she acts sympathetic towards her friends and family.
Mare’s snarky deadpan personality made me laugh. I gotta love the way she eats hoogies on the job or at home. She’s like Brad Pitt’s character Rusty Ryan from “Ocean’s 11” eating anything onscreen. Brad has a habit eating in his movies, which is his trademark. Every actor/actress has a specific trademark. Tom Hanks uses the bathroom, Johnny Depp plays flamboyant eccentric characters. Natalie Portman often cries in her movies. Leonardo DiCaprio yells at the top of his lungs. Sarah Paulson scared of anything she sees on American Horror Story.
Chemistry between Mare and her friends/family members serve as the main highlight. Mare’s interactions with her loved ones and close friends moves the story forward.
Erin plays a pivotal role affecting plot points.
If you know what happens at the end, it’s worth a rewatch.
Mare has a troubled backstory. A certain episode gives us a glimpse of her past. Once you get to know her background, you’ll understand.
A selective episode is filled with twists and turns.
The story focuses on Mare as a mother and detective. She’s conflicted over her past and her family members. Besides family issues, she’s assigned to investigate a murdered teenage girl.
Primary Themes are Motherhood, Family, Loss, Deception, Betrayal, Mental Illness & Addiction. Each one is handled maturely.
To prepare for her role as Mare, Kate spent time with police officers in Pennsylvania and invited most of the cast inside her big trailer in order to make her chemistry with her co-stars realistic.
I never felt miserably bored. I got hooked watching the first episode.
Cons: No disrespect to Guy, but his role as Richard didn’t seem to make a significant impact on the story.
Product Placement featuring brands such as Rolling Rock, Jif, Pepsi, Marlboro, Pringles & Coca-Cola. I’ll let this con slide, because I couldn’t find any other brand to shove down my throat.
Episode 1 –Miss Lady Hawk Herself
Found: Mare is assigned to investigate a case reopened about the disappearance of a girl.
We’re introduce to several characters and what they do for a living.
A chase scene ensues.
Episode 1’s ending sets a chain of events.
Missing: No flaws found.
Episode 2 – Fathers
Happy: Mare discovers a clue.
Mare teams up with another detective Zabel.
Somebody is questioned by the cops.
Sad: No boo boos discovered.
Episode 3 – Enter Number Two
First: Mare’s daughter Siobhan, has a gig.
Mare finds another clue.
Mare & Zabel have a conversation with each other.
Mare receives bad news.
Last: Nothing bad happened.
Episode 4 -Poor Sisyphus
Strong: One character wears a “Spyro The Dragon” t-shirt.
Dawn is contacted by an anonymous caller.
Episode 4’s ending is making more sense now.
Weak: No flaws spotted.
Episode 5 – Illusions
Clear: One scene caught me off guard.
A photograph serves as an important plot element.
Episode 5’s climatic scene is so intense.
Blind: Couldn’t find a boo boo.
Episode 6 – Sore Must Be The Storm
Healthy: The Plot thickens.
A book reveals more crucial information.
A big reveal moves the story forward.
Sick: Not a single flaw spotted.
Episode 7 – Sacrament
Solved: After six episodes gathering clues, the perpetrator’s identity is revealed.
A Plot Twist is revealed. I refuse to tell you.
If you’ve already finished every single episode, a rewatch can help you understand subtle foreshadowing.
A flashback is shown.
Unsolved: No con found.
The Final Verdict: A-
From my perspective, Mare Of Easttown is a very good HBO mini-series. I know it is a little early, but I see this as an Emmy nominated contender alongside “The Falcon And The Winter Soldier.” If it weren’t for one issue, I could’ve given Mare Of Easttown my highest grade an A, FOR APEX. An A- is fine by me. If you have nothing to do over the week, I highly recommend this mini-series.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 