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Intense Acting, Hollow Story: Black Bird Review

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Is Black Bird on Apple TV really worth watching? Is it as good as the critics say?

-Robin Bhuyan

Premiering on July 8, 2022, on Apple TV+, Black Bird is a six-episode limited series based on the true-crime memoir In with the Devil by James Keene and Hillel Levin. Developed by Dennis Lehane, the series stars Taron Egerton as Jimmy Keene, a convicted drug dealer who is given a chance at freedom by the FBI. To secure his release from prison, Keene must befriend suspected serial killer Larry Hall, portrayed by Paul Walter Hauser, and extract a confession about the whereabouts of his victims.

The series had gained significant attention for its intense premise and strong performances, particularly Hauser’s portrayal of Hall. Critics largely praised the show, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 98% approval rating and Metacritic assigning it a score of 80 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Here, we shall discuss if the show is actually worth watching.

Strong Performances by actors 

Probably the only thing praiseworthy of Black Bird is its cast. Paul Walter Hauser’s portrayal of Larry Hall is both chilling and compelling, earning him accolades such as a Critics Choice Award and a Golden Globe. His performance brings depth to a character that could easily have been one-dimensional. Taron Egerton also delivers a solid performance as well in the role of Jimmy Keene, capturing the internal conflict and desperation of a man caught between his past and the possibility of redemption. However, while the lead performances are commendable, most supporting characters are either unlikable or lack depth and fail to evoke a strong emotional connection with the audience.

A Promising Premise That Falls Short

TV show Black Bird

The central conceit of Black Bird i.e. a convicted felon tasked with eliciting a confession from a suspected serial killer has potential for exploring themes of morality, manipulation, and the human psyche. Early episodes, despite the slow pacing, set the stage for a tense psychological drama, By the end of episode 4, things get intense for us and it seems Keene might be swayed by Hall’s seemingly innocent manipulation.

You also feel Hall’s guilt might be in question. You ask yourself- Is this meek and childlike man truly a killer? However, as the series progresses towards the end, it becomes increasingly linear and predictable. The anticipated moral dilemmas and twists fail to materialize, and the story ends in a more conventional true-crime format. Well, it is based on a biopic, so what could we expect anyway? Maybe making a fictional story would have been more compelling. 

Visuals and Cinematography

In terms of visuals, Black Bird does have some noteworthy moments. The cinematography effectively conveys the claustrophobic and tense atmosphere of the prison environment. Certain sequences, particularly the interrogation and solitary confinement scenes, are shot in ways that make the audience feel the protagonist’s pain isolation and anxiety. While the visual style contributes to the mood, we can’t say that they compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

Missed Opportunities in Storytelling

One of the most significant shortcomings of Black Bird is its handling of character development and plot progression. The first two episodes can be quite slow and boring, and most people might not even make it to the end. The series starts hinting at complex psychological dynamics between Keene and Hall but does not fully explore these relationships either.

The potential for Hall to manipulate Keene or for Keene to question his own morals is touched upon but we don’t really see a twist- or any twist. Additionally, the resolution of the central mystery feels rushed and lacks the emotional payoff that the buildup promises. In addition, we could say it was a poor decision to not show certain key moments on the screen. To be honest, it diminishes the impact of the story and leaves key questions unanswered.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Black Bird presents a compelling premise and features strong performances, particularly from Paul Walter Hauser. However, the series ultimately disappoints with a weak storyline. The missed opportunities in character development and storytelling prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it may appeal to fans of true-crime dramas, Black Bird is not your cup of tea if you are looking for an intense psychological thriller or mystery drama. 

Rating: 4/10

The acting, especially Hauser’s creepy brilliance as Larry Hall, is about the only thing worth watching. Everything else- predictable twists, snail-paced storytelling, and characters with all the depth of a puddle makes Black Bird feel like a suspense thriller that forgot how to thrill. So better not trust the critics all the time. 

If you love psychologically intense thrillers, check out these five anime shows like Death Note. 

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