This is a solid show with solid characters and actors. Tom Holland nails the role of Danny. It has a slow build, but it's never dull, never boring. It's like a giant puzzle and you're putting the edges together the first couple of episodes. By the third episode you're recognizing colors, patterns, connections; it's falling into place. I, like many, typically judge a show by its IMDb rating, but I'm glad I followed my instincts and read other reviews so I didn't miss a chance at seeing this one. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Tom Holland receives some nominations for his performance. The majority of the other characters are likable, and if not likable they're relatable.
235 Reviews
Holland gives a great performance
Supermanfan-139 June 2023
I've been looking forward to The Crowded Room ever since I first heard about it. Then my excitement grew after seeing the trailers for this. Now that I started watching it I can say that's it definitely worth watching. While it may not be quite what I was expecting it's still pretty good. There are plenty of wrists and turns to keep you interested and the talent on screen is as good as it gets for a tv show. I mean Tom Holland, Emmy Rossum and Amanda Seyfried are all A-list actors who all give terrific performances here, especially Holland. Tom Holland has really become a great actor. He's juggled between huge blockbusters and smaller more serious roles like this and he's been excellent in all of them, even if the show or movie itself isn't that good you can always count on him giving a great performance.
Whether you like the show or not there's no denying Holland is terrific
Rob133110 June 2023
The Crowded room is a tough watch, it's good just tough. This is a psychological thriller that takes place in Manhattan in 1979. It follows the arrest of a young man named Danny Sullivan (Tom Holland) after a shooting at the Rockefeller Center. An investigator named Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried) starts to unfold Danny's life through interviews. Those interviews start to show a very mysterious past that led Danny to be who he is. Danny himself starts to understand his own mental heath problems and the events that led to the shooting. Emmy Rossum also stars as Holland's mother in this. There's no denying the star power on screen here and all do an excellent job, the writing is lacking a bit but because of the performances the actors give it still makes for a good watch. Playing this character was so emotional for Holland and since he's having such a hard time letting this character go that he's taking a year off of acting to clear his head.
Becomes great. Give it a chance.
d31936 July 2023
The first few episodes slowly hooked me. Cleverly constructed with many time warps, relying on the audience to work things out.
Of course the "based on" credit is something of a spoiler, but I tried to ignore it. Then in episodes 5 and 6 it became great.
Seeing one of America's greatest screen actresses performing in the background (on a TV), really woke me up. Then I knew why Holland wanted the role. It was a similar part that gave Joanne Woodward her Oscar, and this one could be an Emmy for Holland.
Now he showed his acting chops. Not in-your-face, but subtly. And at last I was genuinley moved, as opposed to fascinated, coming close to tears.
So glad I gave it a chance, and stayed with it.
Of course the "based on" credit is something of a spoiler, but I tried to ignore it. Then in episodes 5 and 6 it became great.
Seeing one of America's greatest screen actresses performing in the background (on a TV), really woke me up. Then I knew why Holland wanted the role. It was a similar part that gave Joanne Woodward her Oscar, and this one could be an Emmy for Holland.
Now he showed his acting chops. Not in-your-face, but subtly. And at last I was genuinley moved, as opposed to fascinated, coming close to tears.
So glad I gave it a chance, and stayed with it.
Had to update my review to a 10 after finishing it
smpwvykj16 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Tim Holland is amazing in this. So are the other actors involved. The problem I'm having is the misrepresentation of DID as having symptoms of Schizophrenia. If the character has Dissociative Identity Disorder, then he wouldn't see his alters as other people. He wouldn't know them. He would be basically blacked out or at least feel like he "spaced out" and not remember what the alters were doing. He wouldn't see them as people in his life that he knew. That's a symptom of schizophrenia...seeing people or hearing voices that aren't real. But if you can suspend your disbelief long enough to ignore this (and other flaws) in this story, it's actually very interesting and intriguing.
Update: I retract my former critiques and leave it with this. Tom Holland was amazing and the way they did this series was absolutely awesome and intriguing.
Update: I retract my former critiques and leave it with this. Tom Holland was amazing and the way they did this series was absolutely awesome and intriguing.
This is the best acting I have ever watched!
mikerich20085528 July 2023
Amanda Seyfried,Emma Rossum, and Tom Holland are absolutely amazing in this series. The goal in shows like this are to captivate the audience. I will say if you try to figure this out, you will not. They have you critical thinking until the very last scene. Also, in my opinion when an actor can make you forget they are acting that is when you know you have found a good one. I have saw Tom Holland in Spider Man, Emma Rossim in Shameless, and Amanda Seyfried in Ted and Jennifer's body just to name a few. I forgot about the real people. It was literally Danny and their characters in this series. I would recommend to watch this. It is very emotional 🖤! I think we all need to watch this and stop and think about life a little. Remember how good we have it, or what we have overcome, or even what we are trying to overcome. Be greatful for what we have and realize it is not always our fault if something bad happened to us. Quit blaming yourself for every little thing and take it one day at a time. 10-10 Show! I am sad it is over. But, happy I watched it as well...
I'm hooked!
nanamoo-9692811 June 2023
I initially had no interest in watching this due to the terrible ratings it had, despite the fact that I really like Tom Holland. I was browsing for something to watch, and nothing appealed, do I thought I'd give it one episode to see if it piqued my interest. I was invested 15 minutes in and watched all three episodes back to back. It's fabulous! Tom Holland is so believable, so masterful in his performance! Now I understand why I'm seeing news stories about how he's taking time away from acting because the series has broken him. It's intense! While the series is a bit of a slow burn, it's as it should be. The story, suspense, and top notch performances have been riveting. I can't wait til next week!
They should have done only 5 eps instead of 10
JakDexxter17 August 2023
Things worked for me - Courtroom episodes; Tom, Amanda, and Christopher's performances, beautiful set pieces & locations showing the New York of 1970's & 80's; etc.
Things did not work for me - The plot itself is a bit confusing and the screenplay is even more confusing. I had to go back searching through the episodes re-visiting the scenes again and again to understand. The London episodes are completely unnecessary. There are few scenes that are painfully long. I took 4 evenings to finish this mini series but it felt like a decade long. They could show some important parts of the story instead of prolonging the unnecessary scenes. Overall, if you like the genre and if you have all the patience on this earth, you can give this show a shot. You will most probably end up tired like me.
Things did not work for me - The plot itself is a bit confusing and the screenplay is even more confusing. I had to go back searching through the episodes re-visiting the scenes again and again to understand. The London episodes are completely unnecessary. There are few scenes that are painfully long. I took 4 evenings to finish this mini series but it felt like a decade long. They could show some important parts of the story instead of prolonging the unnecessary scenes. Overall, if you like the genre and if you have all the patience on this earth, you can give this show a shot. You will most probably end up tired like me.
Great acting!
madmaywebdesign17 June 2023
Ok I have to admit that Holland was just spiderman in my head. Another cute young, charming actor playing easy roles for their personality. But wow! Nope, he did such and incredible job in this movie! The second it flashed back to high school and you see his demeanor change to this innocent shy kid, I was impressed. That was just the beginning of his performance! It transforms into such an impressive compilation of versions of himself as the film jumps around with flashbacks. He was great! Now I led with that only because I was floored and had no idea of his talent. However, ALL the actors were brilliant and Seyfried was incredible but she always is! All around great series! I am only half way through but can't wait for more!!
A very good drama...but.
julietharper14 October 2023
There were times that this series deserved a ten and then a five hence my mid score.
I had no idea what this was about so the reveal was a big surprise ( no spoilers). It takes a while for the story to come together and the writing and acting are well done however midway through it all gets a bit slow and you wonder where it's going and then bang which is where the show hits it crescendo and is fantastic episode 6 and 7 where the puzzle pieces all start to fit.
It's a shame that the last couple of episodes didn't keep the same momentum and I found it abit underwhelming in its finale. Certain elements of the story were not used as well as they could have been particularly at the end of the series.
I had no idea what this was about so the reveal was a big surprise ( no spoilers). It takes a while for the story to come together and the writing and acting are well done however midway through it all gets a bit slow and you wonder where it's going and then bang which is where the show hits it crescendo and is fantastic episode 6 and 7 where the puzzle pieces all start to fit.
It's a shame that the last couple of episodes didn't keep the same momentum and I found it abit underwhelming in its finale. Certain elements of the story were not used as well as they could have been particularly at the end of the series.
If You Give It At Least Three Episodes, It May Turn Into One Of Your All-Time Favorite Limited Series
zkonedog3 August 2023
Because "The Crowded Room" is only 10 episodes long and likely not to be renewed as a serial, it is tough to put it atop "all-time favorite" lists of long-running TV series. But in terms of overall quality over those two handfuls of episodes, it takes a back seat to absolutely nothing I've watched--ever.
This is where I'd normally give a brief description of the plot, but since I prefer spoiler-free reviews I can't quite do that in this case. So, I'll instead give some brief tips that may help your watching experience with "The Crowded Room" and help you not bail on it early.
For the first three episodes, you'll almost assuredly think you have the show pegged. It's an exquisitely shot and costumed 1970s period piece centering on teenaged Danny (Tom Holland) recounting past events to therapist Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried) while awaiting a trial for a public shooting disturbance. The events are interesting, to be sure, but at more of a 7 or 8 star level--making it easy to buttonhole the series and lose interest. I implore you not to do such a thing.
Why? Because the next two episodes flash back even further and the plot really begins to thicken. There is even a tremendous arc solely involving Rya that is riveting. Then, at about the halfway point, a revelatory plot bombshell is dropped that in no uncertain terms re-contextualizes the entire series to that point. From episode six onwards, it never wavers from 10/10 quality.
Again, I'd say more but don't want to ruin even a smidge of the big reveal, so I'll leave things by simply saying that it turns from straightforward period piece to a gut-wrenching, thought-provoking, inspirational treatise on humanity and what is done--or not done--to help our fellow man in times of great emotional need.
When all is said and done, I truly do rank "The Crowded Room" in the upper echelon of scripted series that I've ever watched--bar none. I implore you not to pigeonhole the proceedings after 2 or 3 episodes, as if you do you'll miss out on a masterpiece.
This is where I'd normally give a brief description of the plot, but since I prefer spoiler-free reviews I can't quite do that in this case. So, I'll instead give some brief tips that may help your watching experience with "The Crowded Room" and help you not bail on it early.
For the first three episodes, you'll almost assuredly think you have the show pegged. It's an exquisitely shot and costumed 1970s period piece centering on teenaged Danny (Tom Holland) recounting past events to therapist Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried) while awaiting a trial for a public shooting disturbance. The events are interesting, to be sure, but at more of a 7 or 8 star level--making it easy to buttonhole the series and lose interest. I implore you not to do such a thing.
Why? Because the next two episodes flash back even further and the plot really begins to thicken. There is even a tremendous arc solely involving Rya that is riveting. Then, at about the halfway point, a revelatory plot bombshell is dropped that in no uncertain terms re-contextualizes the entire series to that point. From episode six onwards, it never wavers from 10/10 quality.
Again, I'd say more but don't want to ruin even a smidge of the big reveal, so I'll leave things by simply saying that it turns from straightforward period piece to a gut-wrenching, thought-provoking, inspirational treatise on humanity and what is done--or not done--to help our fellow man in times of great emotional need.
When all is said and done, I truly do rank "The Crowded Room" in the upper echelon of scripted series that I've ever watched--bar none. I implore you not to pigeonhole the proceedings after 2 or 3 episodes, as if you do you'll miss out on a masterpiece.
As Bold As It Was Impressive
JoshuaMercott13 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Most psychological thrillers are pretty cut-n-dry, but "The Crowded Room" took me by surprise in that regard. Between Tom Holland's nuanced performance and Amanda Seyfried's engaging acting, the story gradually took on a life of its own, and accrued layers of subtext. Moreover, the script was based on a true story.
This mini-series patiently unfurled the truth that good intentions don't always turn out for the better. Suspected of a shooting he didn't directly commit, and acting strangely suspect in his own way, Danny Sullivan created decisional chaos for the authorities trying to prove his guilt.
Tom Holland was extraordinary as Danny Sullivan. He went to some surprising places with his characters (plural intended). I'm referring to the bold ways in which he tackled Danny's split-personas.
His alter-ego sequences contained a blend of nuance and empathy. However, the reveal of his personalities weren't as secretive (plot-wise) as I'd expected them to be.
Amanda Seyfried as Rya Goodwin, a psychology professor, was intriguing in her own right. As astute as she was relentless, Rya slowly but surely zeroed in on the finer points of Danny's case.
Her aims weren't altogether altruistic - she wanted to gain academic recognition with her unique work - but her willingness to help Danny felt sincere.
One of the factors that made "The Crowded Room" even more amazing was its timeline. Set in New York City in the late 80s (1979, to be exact), the plot packed a nostalgic punch that was detailed enough to be compelling.
The script was adapted from Daniel Keyes' book "The Minds of Billy Milligan", which I have not read. But this show made a great case for me to pick up a copy.
Special shout-out to Zachary Golinger (as kid Danny Sullivan), Sasha Lane (as Ariana; Danny's alter-ego), Lior Raz (as Yitzhak Safdie; Danny's alter-ego), Emmy Rossum (as Candy; Danny's mum), Will Chase (as Marlin Reid; Danny's step-dad), Levon Hawke (as Jonny; Danny's alter-ego), Sam Vartholomeos (as Mike; Danny's alter-ego), Emma Laird (as Annabelle; Danny's high-school crush), Stephen Barrington (as Angelo; Danny's tormentor), Jason Isaacs (as Jack Lamb; Danny's alter-ego), Elijah Jones (as Jerome; Danny's alter-ego boyfriend), Laila Robins (as Susie; Rya's mum), Thomas Sadoski (as Matty Dunne; Rya's colleague), Carmen Ejogo (as Patricia Richards; the DDA in Danny's case), and Christopher Abbott (as Stan Camisa; Danny's attorney).
Rya - and all the viewers, am sure - wasn't ready for the revelations that followed as the episodes rolled on. Danny unfurled his life history in ways that dragged me in and showed me a shockingly poignant picture involving abuse, cruelty, and rape.
The split-personality angle didn't come as a surprise (though it should have), but was captivating nonetheless. The story was set in the early 80s during which time this mental condition was relatively new. When seen from that perspective, nearly all the scenes featuring the disorder felt intriguing and saddening.
The story was brave enough to frame dark truths about the human mind, especially that of an innocent young man. It didn't shy from going to some shadowy places.
Through Danny Sullivan, "The Crowded Room" felt like a wake-up call and a provocative peek into the mind of a seemingly ordinary person.
Danny Sullivan's truth or lie was open to interpretation, but one thing was clear - the legal system, as we know it, does not believe in keeping an open mind.
Because if it did, they'd have invested their attention on debunking the split-personality disorder they so diligently refused to accept was real. And they'd have gone about doing it by rallying more external scientific support as opposed to searching for that needle exclusively in Danny's haystack.
"The Crowded Room" presented smart proof that the easy way out is often disguised as a legal pursuit of seemingly hard facts. After all, the very notion and nature of split-personalities have since been proven to exist.
What else do we refuse to believe today that could someday be proven? How many lives will be too late to reclaim the broken pieces of their past? These and other queries found a clear echo in "The Crowded Room", not to forget just how many innocent people are currently serving unjust sentences behind bars for crimes that were overly simplified to align with the laws of a broken system.
This mini-series patiently unfurled the truth that good intentions don't always turn out for the better. Suspected of a shooting he didn't directly commit, and acting strangely suspect in his own way, Danny Sullivan created decisional chaos for the authorities trying to prove his guilt.
Tom Holland was extraordinary as Danny Sullivan. He went to some surprising places with his characters (plural intended). I'm referring to the bold ways in which he tackled Danny's split-personas.
His alter-ego sequences contained a blend of nuance and empathy. However, the reveal of his personalities weren't as secretive (plot-wise) as I'd expected them to be.
Amanda Seyfried as Rya Goodwin, a psychology professor, was intriguing in her own right. As astute as she was relentless, Rya slowly but surely zeroed in on the finer points of Danny's case.
Her aims weren't altogether altruistic - she wanted to gain academic recognition with her unique work - but her willingness to help Danny felt sincere.
One of the factors that made "The Crowded Room" even more amazing was its timeline. Set in New York City in the late 80s (1979, to be exact), the plot packed a nostalgic punch that was detailed enough to be compelling.
The script was adapted from Daniel Keyes' book "The Minds of Billy Milligan", which I have not read. But this show made a great case for me to pick up a copy.
Special shout-out to Zachary Golinger (as kid Danny Sullivan), Sasha Lane (as Ariana; Danny's alter-ego), Lior Raz (as Yitzhak Safdie; Danny's alter-ego), Emmy Rossum (as Candy; Danny's mum), Will Chase (as Marlin Reid; Danny's step-dad), Levon Hawke (as Jonny; Danny's alter-ego), Sam Vartholomeos (as Mike; Danny's alter-ego), Emma Laird (as Annabelle; Danny's high-school crush), Stephen Barrington (as Angelo; Danny's tormentor), Jason Isaacs (as Jack Lamb; Danny's alter-ego), Elijah Jones (as Jerome; Danny's alter-ego boyfriend), Laila Robins (as Susie; Rya's mum), Thomas Sadoski (as Matty Dunne; Rya's colleague), Carmen Ejogo (as Patricia Richards; the DDA in Danny's case), and Christopher Abbott (as Stan Camisa; Danny's attorney).
Rya - and all the viewers, am sure - wasn't ready for the revelations that followed as the episodes rolled on. Danny unfurled his life history in ways that dragged me in and showed me a shockingly poignant picture involving abuse, cruelty, and rape.
The split-personality angle didn't come as a surprise (though it should have), but was captivating nonetheless. The story was set in the early 80s during which time this mental condition was relatively new. When seen from that perspective, nearly all the scenes featuring the disorder felt intriguing and saddening.
The story was brave enough to frame dark truths about the human mind, especially that of an innocent young man. It didn't shy from going to some shadowy places.
Through Danny Sullivan, "The Crowded Room" felt like a wake-up call and a provocative peek into the mind of a seemingly ordinary person.
Danny Sullivan's truth or lie was open to interpretation, but one thing was clear - the legal system, as we know it, does not believe in keeping an open mind.
Because if it did, they'd have invested their attention on debunking the split-personality disorder they so diligently refused to accept was real. And they'd have gone about doing it by rallying more external scientific support as opposed to searching for that needle exclusively in Danny's haystack.
"The Crowded Room" presented smart proof that the easy way out is often disguised as a legal pursuit of seemingly hard facts. After all, the very notion and nature of split-personalities have since been proven to exist.
What else do we refuse to believe today that could someday be proven? How many lives will be too late to reclaim the broken pieces of their past? These and other queries found a clear echo in "The Crowded Room", not to forget just how many innocent people are currently serving unjust sentences behind bars for crimes that were overly simplified to align with the laws of a broken system.
This could have been 4 episodes
ToodyMuldoon2 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I just finished episode 6 of The Crowded Room. I had read a review in the WSJ that said the series was a little dragging but wait until episode 6. Well, I still think the series has dragged on and on. The 6th episode wasn't earth shattering. It all was leading up to Danny having multiple personalities. And in the credits, it says the show was based on the book "The Minds of Billy Milligan", so you sort of know what's coming. Incidents are repeated and the slow pacing of the show is just annoying. So why can't the audience see what's on the VHS tape that was given to Rya by her boyfriend/cop? The show is just too manipulative by the writers to make you want to come back for another episode, but I am done with this show. I've seen enough of a show with too many questions with no answers through 6 episodes.
Wow! Deep...provocative...dark....but true....psychological suspense.
dianewkoch28 February 2024
Fantastic acting & storyline. Watched on 🍏TV .
As a Spec Ed teacher in the 70's, this portrayal was so accurate since brain plasticity/ brain science was still in its infancy. It took me awhile to see the depth of Tom Holland's acting. But when I recognized that the suspense was not just the character of Danny but that there was no diagnosis (yet) in the DSM. Who were these people? And the thinking at that time was so limited in our understanding of the why's. So much has changed in 50 years! I enjoyed the additional insights into the other characters: the attorney, the Professor and her family.
Excellent job Tom Holland etc.
As a Spec Ed teacher in the 70's, this portrayal was so accurate since brain plasticity/ brain science was still in its infancy. It took me awhile to see the depth of Tom Holland's acting. But when I recognized that the suspense was not just the character of Danny but that there was no diagnosis (yet) in the DSM. Who were these people? And the thinking at that time was so limited in our understanding of the why's. So much has changed in 50 years! I enjoyed the additional insights into the other characters: the attorney, the Professor and her family.
Excellent job Tom Holland etc.
This show hit me hard.
SpacedOutChels28 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Tom Holland is freaking incredible in this role. I've never watched his take on Spider-Man (I'm tapped out on superheroes now), so the first role I saw him in was The Impossible and I knew he had this type of performance in him and man did he deliver.
I felt his pain. It hit home for me on many different levels. The way they portrayed DID was really unique. Some people felt it didn't represent the illness well, based on many reviews here, but I personally felt that it was one of the best ways to portray how his alters were real people. When the story switches to Rya's viewpoint, we can finally see the world he created and the impact it has on him, and those around him. To him, they are real people and how it is presented in the beginning adds to how we view his disorder as well.
The fact that Holland has to portray many different personalities is incredible. I could feel and see the difference between each one. It was obvious when an alter was presenting because he was able to switch between them effortlessly. I can see how this show impacted him mentally because it was heavy for me as well.
I hope others give it a chance and really pay attention because the subject matter is important. Abuse can ruin someone's life, especially in our formative years, so it's important to understand that just because someone does something wrong doesn't mean that they are inherently bad. Understanding and compassion goes a long way and Rya fighting for him the whole show is powerful, even if her intentions started out as an opportunity to advance her career. All it takes is one person to really care about you and to help them heal.
My review is based on finishing the show. While it may not be a perfect 10, for me it is. I'm currently working to try and heal from my past and trauma so this may not have been the best show to watch at this time in my life but it did feel validating on many levels as it highlighted that people are complex and we should be kinder.
I felt his pain. It hit home for me on many different levels. The way they portrayed DID was really unique. Some people felt it didn't represent the illness well, based on many reviews here, but I personally felt that it was one of the best ways to portray how his alters were real people. When the story switches to Rya's viewpoint, we can finally see the world he created and the impact it has on him, and those around him. To him, they are real people and how it is presented in the beginning adds to how we view his disorder as well.
The fact that Holland has to portray many different personalities is incredible. I could feel and see the difference between each one. It was obvious when an alter was presenting because he was able to switch between them effortlessly. I can see how this show impacted him mentally because it was heavy for me as well.
I hope others give it a chance and really pay attention because the subject matter is important. Abuse can ruin someone's life, especially in our formative years, so it's important to understand that just because someone does something wrong doesn't mean that they are inherently bad. Understanding and compassion goes a long way and Rya fighting for him the whole show is powerful, even if her intentions started out as an opportunity to advance her career. All it takes is one person to really care about you and to help them heal.
My review is based on finishing the show. While it may not be a perfect 10, for me it is. I'm currently working to try and heal from my past and trauma so this may not have been the best show to watch at this time in my life but it did feel validating on many levels as it highlighted that people are complex and we should be kinder.
Tom Holland deserves an Oscar
mbunch127 July 2023
I had put off watching "Crowded Room" due to heavy subject matter but Wow! Once I gradually got caught up with the story line, I was hooked . Tom Holland's fantastic ever evolving dramatic characterizations was spell binding. It's hard to give a review and not reveal any of the story but it keeps getting better and better.
The story hooks you and you can't let go. All the actors are great but Holland definitely deserves consideration for any and all awards. He proved once again that he has serious acting chops that run deep. I can't wait to see what his future holds for him as his grows into his expanding talents.
The story hooks you and you can't let go. All the actors are great but Holland definitely deserves consideration for any and all awards. He proved once again that he has serious acting chops that run deep. I can't wait to see what his future holds for him as his grows into his expanding talents.
Tom Holland can act. Really good.
gabecostello-0635218 June 2023
Never really thought of Tom Holland as an actor since, Billy Elliot. But, boy oh boy was this a good role for him to flex those dramatic muscles. The story line is really good. The undermining sense of revolt, disgust. Hoping you are wrong, but knowing you are not. Holland plays the victim with such ease, you are pulled into his struggle and route for him. The true horrid nature of school bullies, how they seem to sense a person who is going through difficulties, then pounce on them as well. The chap from Israel, is fantastic as He is in everything I've seen him in. I can not wait for the next episode. There are some brutal scenes, but the friend coming back to save him was such a sense of relief. I just hope they do not do the usual of making an ending miserable just to flow in line with most series endings these days.
Would I recommend this so far, definitely.
Would I recommend this so far, definitely.
I have too many questions...
smoke011 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
...that I really hope will all be answered in the next 7 episodes, and will update my rating and review accordingly.
I know nothing about the person the show is based on aside from him being a rapist and I am hoping the show doesn't go there because it would be too alienating, at least in my opinion.
Tom Holland is incredible in his characterization, and he doesn't try to wring any sympathy or love from the viewer, which is refreshing and admirable.
The questions I have are about his alters; the term I think was used in Sybil and/or The Three Faces of Eve, which are the only movies I remember seeing about this disorder and my only reference points so I will use that...
If one of his alters is the one carrying out the drug deals, for example, why does the dealer know him as Danny and not as Jonny? And how does Danny reconcile the fact that nobody else sees Jonny or Mike except him? We know he is Ariana, and we know people know him by that name...but nobody knows him as Jonny or Mike. It also seems like Mike takes over to deal with Annabelle, although Ariana did also, but Annabelle only knows Danny...and Yitzak and Jonny both can become violent when Danny needs rescuing, but how the hell did Danny fight off an entire gang beating him up? How is Danny there with all these alters, but still has blackouts? There's more, but you get the idea.
Just so many questions that I hope will be addressed in the next 7 episodes, since I can see that most of the alters we have seen will not be back after episode 4, in which case I assume we will see how Danny personifies all his different personalities and it will be fascinating to see Tom Holland's performance(s).
I won't quibble about the inaccuracies of the time period, because I am invested and can suspend disbelief when it comes to various anachronisms, as long as the story is delivered satisfactorily.
As stated I will update accordingly when it's over.
I know nothing about the person the show is based on aside from him being a rapist and I am hoping the show doesn't go there because it would be too alienating, at least in my opinion.
Tom Holland is incredible in his characterization, and he doesn't try to wring any sympathy or love from the viewer, which is refreshing and admirable.
The questions I have are about his alters; the term I think was used in Sybil and/or The Three Faces of Eve, which are the only movies I remember seeing about this disorder and my only reference points so I will use that...
If one of his alters is the one carrying out the drug deals, for example, why does the dealer know him as Danny and not as Jonny? And how does Danny reconcile the fact that nobody else sees Jonny or Mike except him? We know he is Ariana, and we know people know him by that name...but nobody knows him as Jonny or Mike. It also seems like Mike takes over to deal with Annabelle, although Ariana did also, but Annabelle only knows Danny...and Yitzak and Jonny both can become violent when Danny needs rescuing, but how the hell did Danny fight off an entire gang beating him up? How is Danny there with all these alters, but still has blackouts? There's more, but you get the idea.
Just so many questions that I hope will be addressed in the next 7 episodes, since I can see that most of the alters we have seen will not be back after episode 4, in which case I assume we will see how Danny personifies all his different personalities and it will be fascinating to see Tom Holland's performance(s).
I won't quibble about the inaccuracies of the time period, because I am invested and can suspend disbelief when it comes to various anachronisms, as long as the story is delivered satisfactorily.
As stated I will update accordingly when it's over.
Fals apart at the end
rchrdcorteel111 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Episodes 1 through 7 are definitely a 10. Then comes the basically three episode conclusion: the acting remains excellent, but the story development fails to keep up, and exposes the fact that the overall writing is not quite up to the planned story. As the episodes progress and you begin to understand the overall arc of the plot, the script does not keep up with where you, the viewer, are already at. I agree with the reviews of Tom Holland's performance, as well as the other excellent cast. The courtroom part of the story is so predictable that you can consider jumping to the last part of the final episode. The question of Adam is so obvious that the writers insult the viewer's intelligence by not addressing it till the final episode.
probably Holland's best performance
pgber5 July 2023
This show is so captivating. It has the perfect amount of suspense, mystery, and drama. The acting is absolutely stellar and Tom really delivers. The setting is a little slow at first but it starts getting darker, and more disturbing with the further unraveling of Danny's childhood. I also like the message behind how childhood trauma will psychologically impact people through their adulthood. We do not have enough media representing the horrors of what some children have to endure-and how negatively it affects them. Things like this will help spread more awareness- but in a manner which tells a story. Again, Tom's acting is so good, he is definitely one of the most talented actors we have ever had.
Possibly the first miniseries written by AI?
mrwhite0003 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
If you ask ChatGPT to write a script for a thriller inspired by Silence of The Lambs, Fight Club and Almost Famous you may get something very close to The Crowded Room.
There's so much going on here my head was spinning and not in a good way.
But then I thought that perhaps I was watching the first miniseries entirely written by a Large Language Model, and from that perspective I actually started to enjoy the show.
Also acting is good, music is good and and Amanda Seyfried is cute, and that helps a lot in making this miniseries tolerable (definitely not for more than one season).
Perfectly ok for a lazy rainy Sunday.
There's so much going on here my head was spinning and not in a good way.
But then I thought that perhaps I was watching the first miniseries entirely written by a Large Language Model, and from that perspective I actually started to enjoy the show.
Also acting is good, music is good and and Amanda Seyfried is cute, and that helps a lot in making this miniseries tolerable (definitely not for more than one season).
Perfectly ok for a lazy rainy Sunday.
It actually is very good!!!
ashley_mcqueen-6396230 June 2023
Was initially excited to watch this then so put off by the absolutely awful reviews. Which upon reflection were unfair also I sensed some pettiness with the critics reviews as they didn't like being asked not to mention what we later learn in the show. I've just finished episode 6 and felt compelled to write this review after the fantastic performances I've just watched. I agree the first few episodes setting the scene are a little slow and disjointed to begin with but it is all leading up to more! Give it a chance there really are some fantastic performances especially Holland who really gives it his all.
unbearably booooring
majaguara16 September 2023
This is unbelievably boring. Furthermore, why do networks and producers agree to sponsor identical productions - about criminals from the 70s and analyses of their psychology? If true crime is trendy, there are so many unbelievable crimes committed after 2015. It's the same thing over and over again. Childhood abuse - adult criminal and an analysis of their psychology and long conversations. And incredibly repetitive stories from their lives and their acquaintances. An incredibly derivative narrative. It's a shame for the work of great actors and the crew on set, and a waste of viewers' time...
Excellent seriens with one weird failing
baede-397492 September 2023
This was surprisingly good series. Great levels of drama and mystery and the pacing is perfect. Each piece of new information is provided at the perfect time to keep the viewer engaged and build up more mystery and drama. And the pieces fit like a perfect puzzle. The character's trauma is exposed step by step and it makes the viewer sympathize with a criminal, despite the crime.
But one of the strange failings of the series, one which jumped at me because other Apple series approach the same way, is a strange "sin of the past washing". They put a lot of African-American (or women, or minorities in general) characters in positions of power (judges, prosecutors) which was certainly not the case at the time (late 1970s). The show that caught my eye with the same was For All Mankind and I can't unsee it now. Washing the past makes in various series, present one included, makes it look like some people were far more accepted at the time than they really were, and it makes newer generations believe that.
But one of the strange failings of the series, one which jumped at me because other Apple series approach the same way, is a strange "sin of the past washing". They put a lot of African-American (or women, or minorities in general) characters in positions of power (judges, prosecutors) which was certainly not the case at the time (late 1970s). The show that caught my eye with the same was For All Mankind and I can't unsee it now. Washing the past makes in various series, present one included, makes it look like some people were far more accepted at the time than they really were, and it makes newer generations believe that.
Fantastic!
screamyever11 June 2023
I'm really surprised, why the rating is so low?!
I just finished the first episode and I'm already completely hooked! The acting, the mystery, the whole 70s-atmosphere, ...everything seems perfect to me.
So, instead of being reasonable and going to bed now to get enough sleep for work tomorrow, I'm gonna continue watching! :D
I love these kind of series... it's against the typical boring blockbuster Hollyood-crap... a good drama, which is more about the art of acting and telling a deep meaningful story, full of stories about human beings. It's just true art in form of a movie/series. And I like, that "bing name" actors are playing those (so, thank you very much, dear Tom Holland!), so the chance is bigger, that more people will find these jewels of film making nowadays... it also reminds me a little bit of the movie "the devil all the time" with Tom Holland (another great anti-Hollywood-movie).
So, don't let you fool by the negative reviews here, have a look at it and find your own judgement. :)
I just finished the first episode and I'm already completely hooked! The acting, the mystery, the whole 70s-atmosphere, ...everything seems perfect to me.
So, instead of being reasonable and going to bed now to get enough sleep for work tomorrow, I'm gonna continue watching! :D
I love these kind of series... it's against the typical boring blockbuster Hollyood-crap... a good drama, which is more about the art of acting and telling a deep meaningful story, full of stories about human beings. It's just true art in form of a movie/series. And I like, that "bing name" actors are playing those (so, thank you very much, dear Tom Holland!), so the chance is bigger, that more people will find these jewels of film making nowadays... it also reminds me a little bit of the movie "the devil all the time" with Tom Holland (another great anti-Hollywood-movie).
So, don't let you fool by the negative reviews here, have a look at it and find your own judgement. :)
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