Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star as two
detectives assigned a grisly murder case in 1995, with much of the story told
in flashback as the two men are questioned about the case in 2012. Their
relationship is prickly, at times downright hostile, as the two of them have
fundamentally different perspectives on life. Hart (Harrelson) appears to be a
typical family man, wife and two daughters, committed to his job, and with a
solid understanding of who he is and the rights and wrongs of the world; but we
soon discover that he is hypocritical, dishonest, prone to violent outbursts
and has a more warped view of morality. Cohle (McConaughey) in contrast is a
self-defined pessimist, who believes that humanity becoming self aware was one
of the greatest tragedies that ever befell it. He is atheistic, sees the world
as nothing but depravity, but looks on it all coldly. He also has a number of
skeletons in his closet having gone through drugs, alcoholism, and the death of
a young daughter.
The story explores these two characters in great detail,
looking at what drives them and examining their perspectives on life and the
job. It looks at themes of subjective morality, delves into the concepts of
fate and humanity as a single organism, what it means to be a man. While the
film covers some dark material, child abuse and murder, drugs, incest,
prostitution, it is rarely gratuitous. Save for a couple of scenes of bloodshed
it relies mostly on character interaction and reaction to the horrors they have
witnessed to get its point across. This technique proves effectively disquieting
as the imagination can conjure far more horrific images than anything they
could have portrayed on screen. Shot on 35mm the show has a filmic quality to
it and feels gritty and realistic. Coupled with a fantastic score it is clearly
a piece of work that has been lovingly crafted in every detail.
A fantastic show that is packed with ideas. The script is
brought to life by two incredible actors who add a depth and realism to their
characters that makes it compelling viewing. By the end of the series, which is
a self contained story, you have been on an emotional journey with the two of
them that is wholly satisfying, with both having learnt something and been
through so much together.
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