The Sinner

The first season turned out quite well. I had no idea which direction this detective series would take, and I was even more stunned in the first episode when the creators took bold risks and played a wild game. I was genuinely in awe. Jessica Biel delivered an incredible performance with her subdued approach, especially in the more intense scenes where she acted like her life depended on it. However, I was particularly drawn to the character of detective Harry, portrayed by Bill Pullman. He's an extremely interesting character, and I hope future seasons will reveal more about his dark past. The story itself is above average; the first two-thirds move at a slower pace, with no dramatic build-up to speak of. But the final two episodes brought several well-executed twists, which I commend the creators for. The series is saturated with an unpleasant atmosphere that sinks deep under your skin and doesn’t let go; it definitely doesn’t fall into the category of the most optimistic cinematic endeavors. But that’s exactly what I enjoyed about it. We'll see what the second season brings and how the new storyline develops. For me, Cora gets an 8/10. (01/22/2021)

The second season followed the tried-and-true approach of the first one. At the beginning of the first episode, you'll be anxiously glued to the screen, shaking your head in disbelief and telling yourself that a thorough explanation will be needed. The appeal of the case remains high, giving viewers a glimpse into a smaller sect, so it’s not a topic that will bore you to death. The young boy is immensely convincing in his role, not overacting, staying restrained, and always playing the situation with genuine emotion—it's easy to believe everything he portrays. I’m not very familiar with Carrie Coon (she only comes to mind from Fargo), but here she showcased the enormous acting talent she possesses. However, Bill Pullman as Detective Harry Ambrose steals the show, especially since this character has brought the series into broader recognition. Season 2 focused on revealing his dark past, which I welcomed with open arms; this meticulously written character definitely deserves it. The ending didn’t shock me as much as its predecessor; sure, there were twists, but the WOW effect somehow eluded me. Still, I recommend this crime series, just don’t expect an extraordinary viewing experience. 7/10 (02/11/2021)

The third season brought a slightly different concept; we know the killer from the start, but he isn’t immediately arrested, so Harry Ambrose has to dive deep into this complex case to uncover the truth. I have to admit that I was more engaged with the main storyline compared to the second season. The character of Jamie met the highest standards; he was mysterious, and you never knew what to expect from him next. The Pullman-Bomer duo was fantastic, with each trying to outshine the other in their scenes to claim the crown for best actor. I was a bit disappointed that the third season didn’t delve a little more into Harry’s background; in this regard, the 2018 season was definitely better. Theoretically, I was just defending this cinematic effort, so why am I giving it three stars like its predecessor? It’s mainly due to the rather lackluster ending, as it didn’t fit the established story at all, almost as if it came from a different film. That’s a letdown. However, it’s still above average for the genre. For me, it’s 7/10. (02/27/2021)

Harry Ambrose is back on the scene! I was pleased that the creators set the plot of the fourth installment in a remote island town. The gloomy and pessimistic atmosphere fits perfectly with the concept of The Sinner. Season 4 starts at a calm pace but gradually intensifies, reaching an incredible level by the end. As a viewer, I enjoyed connecting the pieces of the puzzle; it was really hard to guess what had actually happened. I must also highlight the excellent musical score, which only enhances the overall experience. Add to that the beautiful landscape, and you have a truly successful atmospheric piece! The acting is also of a high level, with special praise not only for the always precise Bill Pullman but also for Frances Fisher. Yeah, I'd definitely watch a fifth season. I hope Harry Ambrose will reconsider retiring. For me, it's an 8/10. (10/02/2023)