By Sadie York
The most recent series I binge-watched was Sharp Objects, an adaptation of the novel by Gillian Flynn, who also produced popular books such as Gone Girl. The show is presented as a psychological thriller-mystery, which follows troubled reporter Camille Preaker as she returns to her hometown: Wind Gap. She’s sent there by her boss, in hopes of breaking a story on the murders of two local girls. Arriving back at Wind Gap, Camille is faced with constant reminders of her traumas growing up. Throughout the season, viewers are given little amounts of Camille’s past through quick flashbacks. As she reunites with her estranged family, the audience is made aware of the tensions within the house. Each character is created with something to hide, and the twisted nature of Wind Gap serves as a reminder to Camille of why she left in the first place. While piecing together the murders, Camille begins to connect the investigation to her past, causing her to spiral into her own psychological puzzle.
Sharp Objects produces a very ominous feeling, with many scenes being left for interpretation. The cinematography is done in a way which creates a very unique perspective of Wind Gap and its’ reticent residents. All aspects of Sharp Objects serve to create an amazing show, from the pacing and plot to the acting. Most importantly, the series does a great job of setting itself up for an unexpected ending. The final plot twist of Sharp Objects genuinely had me surprised, and looking back, the hints were all perfectly strategically woven into the prior episodes.
I can easily say that Sharp Objects is one of the best book-to-show adaptations I’ve seen. It’s brilliantly constructed to leave the viewers intrigued yet slightly uncomfortable, and it certainly exceeded all my expectations. For those interested in a dark and twisted thriller-drama, Sharp Objects is a series you should definitely consider.