I almost prefer average season openers; interesting enough to make you give it another chance, not so interesting that the following won't live up to an explosive start. Hemlock Grove begins its season with characters wielding their personalities like sledgehammers and scenery given the 'creep factor' with spooky post-processing and unique camera usage. It did feel like they were trying too hard, but the premise is still interesting. It often takes time for actors to settle into their roles, so don't let the wobbly acting put you off - it's especially hard when trying to emulate characters already consolidated in the book from which Hemlock Grove is adapted. On a personal note, I am once again amazed at what fake accents productions will inflict on us. I cringe every time Olivia speaks in one of the worst fake English accents I have ever heard. Sadly, she seems a central figure so I will have to try to block it out, perhaps concentrating on her endless supply of white outfits. Unconvincing English toffs aside and despite my negative comments, I am still intrigued enough to continue watching. After all, who doesn't love a spooky mystery?
2 Reviews
Below average pilot.
Norse_Ninja23 May 2015
This is a pilot which is very uncompelling, the story doesn't grab you, neither does any of the technical elements or the acting. Shows like Six Feet Under, Daredevil, Deadwood, American Horror Story and Twin Peaks to mention some, have some of those elements, if not all of them going for them. I went in with an open mind and was constantly let down by almost all of the elements in any given scene. Execution seems sloppy, lighting and camera work is inconsistent and creates a world that is contradicting and just amateurish. As much as I would like to want to love the show, I can't and probably will not be watching any further episodes.
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