Eric touches on some extremely heavy topics, providing a dark and gritty mystery that slowly unravels, bit by bit. Benedict Cumberbatch is incredible.
Netflix’s new Limited Series, Eric, is unafraid to touch on deeply troubling, dark and gritty, heavy subject matter, but does so in a way that is compelling and intriguing. It is largely thanks to an incredible and emotional performance by Benedict Cumberbatch that this show is unforgettable, and easily one of the best of the year so far.
When a young boy goes missing while walking to school in the morning, his parents, Vincent (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Cassie (Gaby Hoffman), are sent into a spiral. Vincent, wracked with guilt, clings to the drawings of a puppet that his son created.
He is the creator of the popular kids show, Good Day Sunshine, and comes up with the conclusion that if he brings his son’s puppet, Eric, into the series, then his son will come home. At the same time he begins to alienate everyone around him.
Very Dark Subject Matter
Not only does Eric tackle the effects of grief and loss on parents, it is littered with social commentary about the unhoused, homophobia, the AIDS epidemic, drug use, and alcohol abuse. Taking place in 1980s New York, this series is dark and gritty, and goes to a place that will make many viewers uncomfortable, but in a good way.
The mystery is filled with twists and turns, shocking surprises, and reveals that will leave jaws on the floor. It may cover dark subject matter, but also has some spots of light at the end of the tunnel. Audiences will go through waves of emotions while watching.
Benedict Cumberbatch Shines
While there is a lot going on in this limted series, Benedict Cumberbatch is at the center of it all. His descend into an extremely dark place, as he struggles with his missing son, is absolutely incredible to watch play out. It is well known what a great actor Benedict is, but he truly shines in this series.
There are several scenes where he is just talking to Eric the puppet, which he also voices, that are intense, suspenseful, and border on terrifying. This man is unraveling. The brilliant way the events of this series play out is also a testimant to the writing, camera work, and score. Viewers are constantly kept guessing, while sitting on the edge of their seats.
Overall Thoughts
Eric might be mostly dark, gritty, and uncomfortable to watch, but there are true lessons to be learned as well. Lessons of treating others nicely before it is too late, and saying the things you want to say in case someone is suddenly gone and you cannot anymore. It also touches on the vicious cycle of abuse that can be started and passed down from generation to generation.
The entire cast is great, but it is Benedict Cumberbatch that stands out in many ways. He brings something to Vincent that allows audiences to care for him at times, even when he is kind of an awful person.
This series focuses on corruption and the darkness that can surround a city. There are multiple storylines that all come together in an unexpected way. It is one of the best series of the year so far, if not the best, and an absolute cannot miss.
Eric starts streaming on Netflix May 30.
NEXT: Blood of Zeus Season 2 Review: Was It Worth The Wait?
About Eric
Set in 1980s New York, Eric is a new emotional thriller from Abi Morgan following the desperate search of a father when his nine year old son disappears one morning on the way to school.
Vincent, one of New York’s leading puppeteers and creator of the hugely popular children’s television show, ‘Good Day Sunshine,’ struggles to cope with the loss of his son, Edgar, becoming increasingly distressed and volatile. Full of self-loathing and guilt around Edgar’s disappearance, he clings to his son’s drawings of a blue monster puppet, ERIC, convinced that if he can get ERIC on TV then Edgar will come home.
As Vincent’s progressively destructive behaviour alienates his family, his work colleagues, and the detectives trying to help him, it’s Eric, a delusion of necessity, who becomes his only ally in the pursuit to bring his son home.
Eric touches on some extremely heavy topics, providing a dark and gritty mystery that slowly unravels, bit by bit. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a career best performance.
-
9
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.