by Jane Campion, on Sundance and Netflix
I am usually hesitant to recommend a show after seeing one episode, but I was so taken with Top of the Lake, I have to share. I’ve long been an advocate for Jane Campion’s other mystery, the unloved and much more explicit In the Cut. Here the master of mood takes us to another world that is at once exotic and strange but is never trite or unbelievable
The series begins with an angry young girl walking into a freezing lake. We soon learn that she is pregnant and visiting Detective Robin Griffin (Elizabeth Moss) becomes involved in the case. The young girl’s father is a dangerous and compelling man that lives in the woods surrounded by equally dangerous family and guard dogs. Near his compound a caravan of damaged women seeking the guidance of enigmatic GJ (a silver haired androgynous Holly Hunter) have come to escape their demons.
It’s easy to compare to shows with similar premises – I’ve read that it’s The Killing meets Twin Peaks, but that denies the unique ambiance of the show which is incomparable and feels like you’re watching a complex novel.
Here I truly hope the series is as engaging, fascinating, and haunting as the first episode. All are available to watch on Netflix. I kind of can’t wait for tonight when the kids are asleep and I can watch more.
But what do you think?
6 Comments
..if it got Holly Hunter in it, can’t wait till it comes to the UK 🙂
Just seen episode one on the BBC today , Peter Mullan is super in this, tx for the link .
It’s only fair to warn you that it gets pretty intense and depressing. I had to take a short break a few episodes in. But everyone is amazing in it
Watched Episode 2 on BBC ..as you said ,darker but compelling, finally twigged where I seen this guy before http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0920992/
can’t wait till next week !
4th episode on BBC, not as dark as you predicted (imho).Holly Hunter rarely in it 🙁 , but my kindred Scot , Mr Mullan acting his socks off !
Watched the last episode, where did the pedophile ring come from?..Holly Hunter storming off in a huff with suitcase?.methinks final part was a dud :(…(but ty for link) 🙂