Long Bright River Series Review: Amanda Seyfried Shines
“Long Bright River” Review: Amanda Seyfried Shines in Peacock Series
The new Peacock original series, based on the best-selling novel by Liz Moore, takes viewers to the suburbs of Philadelphia, where the opioid crisis is hitting hard. In one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods, police officer Mickey Fitzpatrick (played by Amanda Seyfried) is dealing with personal struggles while also investigating mysterious deaths that don’t seem like mere overdoses. When her estranged sister Kacey (Ashleigh Cummings), who is battling addiction, goes missing once again, Mickey must confront her own past traumas to save her.
The pilot episode of “Long Bright River” is a standout in recent television. The setting, while shot in Brooklyn, effectively captures the bleak reality of those affected by opioid addiction. The series doesn’t hold back in depicting the harsh lives of its characters, allowing viewers to truly experience the social, economic, and human struggles they face.
Amanda Seyfried’s performance as Mickey is a standout, with her ability to convey the character’s inner turmoil through nuanced body language. As viewers, we are drawn into Mickey’s world and eager to uncover more about her past and the pain she carries.
As the series unfolds, the focus shifts to Mickey’s backstory through flashbacks, which, while informative, may reveal more than necessary, slowing down the pacing and potentially diminishing Seyfried’s impactful portrayal. However, as the detective plot intensifies, the series remains engaging and intriguing overall. “Long Bright River” is a compelling watch that may leave viewers wanting to explore the original novel for further depth.
Amanda Seyfried’s performance in “Long Bright River” is commendable, showcasing her growth as an actor in complex roles. From her work in “Mank” to “The Dropout,” Seyfried continues to impress, with Mickey Fitzpatrick possibly standing as her most compelling character yet.
Overall, “Long Bright River” is a solid series with Seyfried’s standout performance at its core. The show may have its pacing issues, but it remains worth watching for its engaging blend of psychological drama and detective intrigue.
Rating: B-
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