Homecoming

A formally brilliantly filmed investigation of a strange wellness facility in Tampa, Florida for war veterans. It confronts the unfair practices of pharmaceutical companies with thought-provoking ideas. If it works, what's wrong with it? Who's the hypocrite here? Bobby Cannavale is great, his smarmy executive is engaging even over the phone. Julia Roberts, though she is a first rate star and does a very good job doesn't really fit here for me. I think the first draft of the script should have gone for a younger girl out of school and with no experience rather than an older lady, but this one, as Geist would say, sells it better. The spark between her and a medicated 20 year old soldier would have been more believable. Still, Sam Esmail is a master of the form and his projects always make sense. Hopefully we will see more projects from him soon. (2023.12.13)

How much did Heidi know? Not that I don't understand why a derogatory label “emptied stylistic exercise" was used, but it simply doesn't fit for one simple reason. As it turns out in the second half, the subliminal über-form that is deliberately slowly being built and which cherish conspiracy thrillers (Esmail and Campbell shall have the credit) is not a reason, but a tool. On top of that this tool does the job, because despite the seeming being cold and reserved, it is surprisingly emotional in the final episodes. Which works thanks to the fact that we gradually get to like the characters that keep making mistakes. | S1: 4/5 | (2020.02.08)