What Is the Story About?
When the brave act of Laura Oliver (Toni Collette) saving her daughter goes viral it invites unexpected trouble in her life. The media attention makes her get noticed by people from her past life.
Who is Laura Oliver really? What is she hiding from her daughter Andy (Bella Heathcote)? Why is there a threat to their lives is the overall premise of the series Pieces Of Her.
Performances?
Toni Collette and Bella Heathcote are the main leads of the series playing the mother and daughter respectively. It is not the usual mother-loves-daughter-loves-mother relationship. There are differences and personality clashes between the two. At times their actions irritate one another. Both the actors, therefore, do well in their parts.
Toni Collette has the upper hand emotionally. The character is such and her experience shows. However, Bella Heathcote too does well whenever the opportunity arises.
Analysis
Minkie Spiro directs Pieces Of Her series created by Charlotte Stoudt. It is based on the novel of the same name written by Karin Slaughter.
The series spans decades concerning the storyline and its background gives an epic thriller feel. However, it all starts in a simple manner. The daughter (Andy) wants to know about her mother. Andy’s search opens up the whole world not only for her but also for us, the audience.
Pieces Of Her starts on an intriguing note. We are curious to know about the past and who is after the mother and daughter. It stays that way till the first few episodes. And then somewhere down the line, a shift in tone happens.
Pieces Of Her ceases to be a thriller and turns into a family drama. The soap opera sentiments take over the small thriller parts. It drowns the latter with its predictable melodrama turns irritating.
The conflict becomes weak once the larger picture is revealed. The muddled narrative and slow have further tests patience.
Again, all through the drama, the only thing holding the interest is the suspense involving the core plot. What happened in Olso? It is what keeps us moving forward even when the emotional drama moves in circles.
The core suspense element is good. It makes one wish if Pieces Of Her was a taut thriller instead of the drama heavy mismatch we have here.
The ending is fine, but one has to be extremely patient to reach there in the first place. A lot of routine drama could have been cut, frankly. The emotions, trying to show something more, deeper than necessary, burden the narrative needlessly.
Overall, Pieces Of Her has an intriguing and suspenseful premise. However, the long-drawn drama tests patience. Watch it if you don’t mind using the fast-forward options judiciously.
Other Artists?
Jessica Barden playing the younger Laura is good. Her acts bring a compelling quality to the character. She does well and it enhances the emotions of the older self knowing where it comes from. Gil Birmingham and Omari Hardwick play roles that look thin initially, but get better as the narrative progresses.
Joe Dempsie and Aaron Jeffrey play the younger and older versions of Nick. The former has more screentime and is impactful. The same is the case with the latter even though he has less time. The rest of the cast is adequate in their roles doing what’s required clinically.
Music and Other Departments?
Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans provide the music. It is alright and mostly stays muted barring the big moments. It gets a little loud then, otherwise, it’s fine. Ole Birkeland’s cinematography is good. Consistency is seen throughout concerning the visuals. Multiple editors work on series. It could be a reason for the bloatedness. The writing is okay. It adds to the puffed-up narrative.
Highlights?
Core Suspense
Finale
Thriller Elements
Drawbacks?
Sagging Drama
Muddled Narrative
Length
Editing
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Pieces of Her Series Review by Binged Bureau
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