G S

To like this film is to understand this film. It’s slow to start, and at first the chaos and confusion appear to be products of poor writing... until it clicks. I went into this film seeking sci-fi, but what I got out of it was much more. [Spoiler Alert] Best if you’ve seen the film and are looking for clarity. Most will be obvious to viewers, but perhaps not right away. And I do use some specific/detailed examples. So, fair warning. This movie is not about simulations. It’s has nothing to do with a futuristic utopia at all. In fact, it’s not even sci-fi. The film is solely about crystal meth addiction and it’s powerful hijack of the mind as experienced, and from the perspective of, the addicted. All the confusion, the “bliss”, panic over “leaving the simulation”, lost time, skewed perception of reality, lost memories.. all of it.. correlate to long-term side effects of methamphetamine use. What this film *does* simulate are drug-induced delusions, dissociation, emotional states of withdrawal, and audio/visual hallucinations. At the roller rink, the yellow crystals gave Greg and Isabel super human powers. Their shared dissociative state meant nothing and no one was real. Free from the grip of reality, why not break lights and knock down judgmental old ladies? Of course in the real world, Greg and Isabel get arrested for assaulting patrons and damaging property while high. (Greg standing on the street corner seeing himself in the back of the cop car is evident of dissociation with his body and surroundings.) The film gives viewers no reprieve from the confusion. The only hint to reality is Greg’s daughter’s tireless attempts to get her dad off the streets. Isabel is shown “saving Greg” twice: the debacle with his boss, his uptight persona prior to “entering the sim”. Purely symbolic, they offer insight into Greg’s descent into addiction, as well as Isabel’s role in it. However IMO, the execution of this theme in the film is mediocre. Left with no context whatsoever, the viewer feels as confused and unsure of reality as its drug-addicted characters. But after-all, that’s the point.

One of the BEST shows I've seen in a long time. It's so much more than a crime show with sporadic comedic relief. From the first 30 seconds it packs a bold punch that's woven into the fabric and never disappoints. To me, the magic is found in the often-sharp contrast of heaviness and humor, while striking the perfect balance and avoiding all "campy" pitfalls. Even at its peak hilarity (and memorable commentary), there isn't a moment where you stop taking the show seriously. Despite the refreshing lesbian component, it isn't written with only one type of viewership in mind. Anyone can see this show for the gritty, gripping, comedic gold that it is. Prime had better renew for a Season 2!