Canine esque

What horrified me, and I think that was intentional on the part of filmmakers, was how eagerly others agreed with Gertrude's depiction of Sylvia as deserving prolonged and ultimately deadly torture. This agreement is very much like the age-old agreement that so-and-so is a witch and deserves to die because this or that horrible thing happened and it must be someone's fault. So, this film does not present humans in the story or maybe anywhere as independent thinkers. Okay, Gertrude had charisma that influenced young people to continue and exacerbate her torture of Sylvia. Why? Because Sylvia, a young person with no protector, was a handy scapegoat of whom Gertrude and her daughter were jealous. Someone had to pay for the daughter's humiliation. Gertrude and her daughter chose Sylvia as the scapegoat because she had no one of any power to stand up for her. So it was not just about Gertrude, though the real perpetrators of physical brutality against Sylvia were youngsters. Should they all be forgiven? I questions that, and there are no easy answers.

Excellent foray into folk horror that transcends the usual genre offering. Great acting and characters. The fairy tale trope of heroine delving into darkness to challenge evil gives extra twists to a classic that never gets old. The visual settings create a sense of pervasive creepiness and danger.

This is not just a horror movie; it's a metaphor about our society, humans in general, and it also reflects real cultural phenomena we have seen, which I won't name because that would spoil the story. We do get the context, but are not clear about the hosts' of this dinner party's actual intent until pretty late. And all along, the tension builds. I had never seen the lead character in any other film before and that is a plus, leaves him free of star baggage (and he is excellent). People wanting to "get past" their feelings is a common attitude here in the U.S.A. He knows better and suspects the jargon, but annoys others who see him as indulging, hanging onto grief. This film made me appreciate the fact that I am comfortable with random nature, and see any ideology that claims and asserts control as potentially cruel and excusing cruelty.

One of the most skilled, detailed, character-driven suspenseful series I've ever seen (same for Narcos: Mexico). And it exposes a lot Americans should know about U.S. policies and how they contribute to corruption and cartels.

Excellent casting, acting, writing, direction, art direction. I don't know the degree of historic accuracy re costume and setting, but those are so beautifully realized, I really don't care. I've watched the first 4? seasons and though I hear the show weakens, I'll probably watch to the end. I hope it doesn't end abruptly. Must be very expensive to produce.

Just one of the best series ever: story, script, acting, art direction. I wish Netflix would stream all seasons because it bears re-watching.

Loved this, and I don't usually like supernatural stories. I would watch again, because the characters an interactions were interesting if spooky.

Very smart and funny, witty rather than playing for guffaws.