Taryn Jones

Just finished watching for the third time. Kate Winslet is just stunning in this, but she's also surrounded by a top notch, ensemble, supporting cast. The score is beautiful and compelling, rather than obvious and spoilly. The setting is so authentic that you feel like you're in their world and you've met these people. The series is so well written and played that it's as if you've read a great novel. There are only maybe two brief scenes involving nudity, a handful of scenes including violence, with one very intense sequence. There are curse words throughout, but often spoken in passing rather than exclaimed during action scenes. Alcohol and smoking are very prevalent, and one episode shows illegal drugs on screen but not in use.

This is a really sweet, family show. Except for one part of one episode, it's mostly appropriate for a broad audience. I was sad to see that there won't be a second season. It's difficult to find well written, camp-free, family friendly shows. The interesting respect for each other in this family is refreshing. The assistant siblings bicker and get up to hijinks but everyone is on the same page when it's about caring for the teenage protagonist.

If you know, you know. This is a master class in psychological abuse and the inner turmoil of trying to find your worth and break free. For viewers who have no experience with this, the film might seem a little slow, but trigger warning for anyone who has experienced abuse or seen it in their friends or family. The storytelling is on point and the performances are stellar. We should all have such good friends.

Riveting. You just follow along with a normal guy and his mates, rescuing his people from slavery, one girl at a time. His family then welcomes these girls in to safety and healing until they can find their families. It's shocking and beautiful and sad and inspiring.

A beautiful experience! Watched with my 12 year old daughter and cried throughout, because it was so moving and so well done. It was on par with the first time we saw the Greatest Showman.