Helen Poll

Absolutely love this. Addicted. And this was from the get go. Way before I even realised, a few series in, how much I could relate. Having a son who was sectioned age 7, has been on suicide watch, changed his name and drawn/described plots to kill since a young age, Freddie Highmore's depiction is incredible, and Vera Farmiga is a sheer talent expressing a mother's unconditional love, regardless of the fear, alienation, and sacrifices. The very awkward, just 'wrong desire' Norman has for his mother is awkward an uncomfortable as hell, but not unrealistic, many suffering neurological issues display very inappropriate sexual behaviour (sorry with the bla bla bla, but it's true, and if it's awkward and uncomfortable to watch on screen, can you imagine what it's like to live with in reality?!) I've seen reviews saying (Vera Farmiga) "she's not even pretty" ?!!! Codswallop! (She's gorgeous, but that's beside the point!) What an absolute genius performance! (Did anyone else think she was Maggie Gyllenhall?!) I doubt many will see this very important point; that seeking help for mental health is imperative and admitting something is wrong, as soon as possible, is the only solution. It is the most difficult of all, as a parent, to admit your child is in fact not perfect, and even more so, that you simply cannot cope with them despite how much you love them. I only wish I could skip through every scene featuring Andrew Howard (Emma's dad.) He's so misplaced, horrendous acting, the only ruin for me. CRIIIIIINGE. The eye candy (not to neglect amazing captivating acting) from Romero and Dylan, make it more worth while. As for the beautiful and very talented Emma, she is the next Catherine Zeta Jones for me, if not more !!!! Some story lines may seem a bit far fetched, but that's speaking from the other side of the globe. We may both countries speak English, but that's were the similarities end. Having read other reviews, this may also resemble the perception of those who cannot relate to having a child with intense mental health issues. It truly is like living some sort of dream, just handling it not even day by day, but minute by minute, mainly because you desperately hope it will all just turn out ok by tomorrow, or because nobody else would actually believe you if you told them the full truth. The anticipation for Romero and Norma to just go at it like rabbits is so intense, as is the endless hope that poor Emma so deservedly finds the reciprocated true love she's aching for. The cinematography, costume, set design is incredibly meticulous, constantly reminiscing to the original psycho era, often leaving me wondering at what time scale it was supposedly set. I'm sure this was intentional and part of an all round genius, very clever, entertaining and skillful production. And I must add ! I've never even seen the full film psycho, just snippets, but still truly enjoyed Bates Motel and would whole heartedly recommend!