Reviews

I don't believe I've ever reviewed an anthology-type of series, and find it challenging. Out of 25 episodes, several should have been completely left out, several more were "OK"......but not inspiring, and 4 were not only great, but exceptional. Unless you have 12-14 hours to kill and want to watch EVERYTHING.....I'm going to recommend something I never have before. Watch only the four GREAT episodes. They revolve around a couple with two children. Kyle (Michael Chernus) is a stay-at-home father, who is also a stage actor and (as yet) unsuccessful playwright. Andi (Elizabeth Reaser) is his wife, who has an apparently successful career, and is the family's breadwinner. They seem to be a happy couple, but there's trouble in paradise.

I don't want to elaborate with any spoilers, but the "problems" they experience are very typical of people in a long-term relationship, although they decide on an ATYPICAL solution, that ultimately brings even more unhappiness. (at least to one of them) The writer of this film examines many modern dilemmas of marriage, and how unexpected consequences can rear their ugly heads. The episodes I recommend are.....Season One, episode 1, Season Two, episode 2, and Season 3, episodes 1 and 5. They are about 2 1/2 hours in total, and if they were a single film, I would give them a 12 out of 10 rating. (yes, a TWELVE.....they're that good) That said, I gave the entire series a 7....meaning some episodes only earned a 4 or 5.

I can't praise Elizabeth Reaser and Michael Chernus enough!

First let me say that it's been 45-50 years since I read Lady Chatterley's Lover in college.....and other than the title and a few names, I don't remember anything about it. Thus, I can't say if this film has anything in common with the book. As I watched the film unfold, I struggled for any "recognition" of scenes and situations, without success. But that said, I fail to understand the "hate" that some reviewers are giving this film. Perhaps it's NOT like the classic D. H. Lawrence book, but taken on its own, it has some real appeal. I can't recall if the book had such "modern" woman aspects, and the film is occasionally a bit tedious in its "blame the Patriarchy" for everything......but that's simply to be expected in film making today. With its copious nudity, it certainly meets today's "Netflix" standards of having women-centric stories, and enough female flesh to hold the men's interest. The quality of acting and photography are actually outstanding. (although the extreme use of the color purple in lighting and clothing became very jarring at times) So, regardless as to how it compares to the source book, this film is very enjoyable and entertaining, both for male and female viewers. Please don't believe the critics who say otherwise, and give it a view......I think you will appreciate it.

Normally, I hesitate to recommend films that try to glorify modern women and their completely illogical and foolish decisions. Very many offerings on Netflix today fall into this category. We're supposed to feel sorry for and empathetic toward these (usually young) women, who are victims of their own bad choices, and then struggle to get by in life. Saint Francis is a little different, though. Perhaps because it is so honest in admitting Bridget's failings, and doesn't try to excuse her contributions to her problems, it feels VERY realistic and authentic. This doesn't let her off the hook, though. The "connection" between Bridget and the little girl, and the believable portrayal of one of the child's mother's depression, are both very touching. I recommend this film for any "thinking" adults.

Here in the States, we have a slang term "Hot Mess". It applies to a person or thing, (often a beautiful woman) that is "spectacularly unsuccessful or disordered, especially one that is one that is a source of peculiar fascination." That describes the character of Rita. This series is indeed enjoyable and "watchable", as long as you keep in perspective that in reality, someone like Rita would be a trainwreck to have to live with. The writing and actor portrayals are top-notch.....especially the young student actors. Those playing Rita's immediate family are also great and realistic. The actress who plays Rita herself is a breath-takingly stunning beauty, and has some amazing yet subtle facial expressions that can say in an instant emotions that words can't convey. But, the chaos she creates around herself, by exercising NO verbal filters with others and giving in uncontrollably to her promiscuity with strangers, would, again, be disastrous in real life. So, as a purely entertaining fantasy, Rita (the show) deserves very high marks.

BTW.....I'm only about halfway through the third season. It could go "belly up" at any point, and my opinion would change.

I was ready to write a glowing review, up until the final episode. The final resolution was so formulaic and disappointing, that I now feel cheated....and like I wasted my time watching all nine episodes. The acting was (generally) adequate, with the lead actress being fantastic, but they can't overcome a poorly written ending. Many of the twists and turns in the story ultimately seemed put there solely for to confuse or astound the audience, and the many times the viewer has to completely suspend belief in amazing coincidences gets tiring.

Sadly, while there are a number of enjoyable scenes here.....in the end, you're simply wasting valuable time.

What makes this film such an absolute (albeit heartbreaking) joy to watch is how authentic and real it is. Most modern-day films about so-called real life revolve around the chaos and tragedies young people, especially young women, create by their own bad decisions and mistakes. Not so with The Time It Takes. While no one here is perfect, the characters are very believable in their behavior. Lina, as portrayed by Nadia de Santiago (who also helped create the series) is incredibly well written, acted, and developed as a character. (as well as breathtakingly beautiful) How the character of Nico could ever drift away from her is the only unbelievable aspect of the story.

And, by the way, the unusual way of allotting time to present/past scenes, where as we go along less is covered of the past, is explained in episode 7. Pay attention to something Nico says after his father's funeral.

This is a bittersweet story that I feel is going to haunt me for some time.

Well, I slogged through the first season, (8 episodes) and it had a disappointing ending.....until I realized they wanted a second season. The first season ended on a definite cliff-hanger, and I just checked.....Netflix has authorized another season. Depending on how long it takes, I may or may not watch.....the first season left us with some serious unanswered questions, but they may not be strong enough to require "follow-up". One definite shortcoming......the first season was billed with a "nudity" caution.....there is DEFINITELY no nudity AT ALL......and that's kind of a Netflix hallmark. Very disappointing. If a third rate story is your cup of tea, you might enjoy.

You might ask.....why add yet another glowing review when there are already a bunch here? Most reviews are "gender-nonspecific", so a reader can't tell if the writer might be a sympathetic female reviewer who is going to give a complimentary review, regardless, based on subject matter.....and this definitely deals with primarily a women's issue. But I'm here to say that, as a 70 year-old white male, I was in tears throughout my watching this. It was quite heart-breaking to watch. The writing, the production, and especially the acting were simply incredible and believable and realistic. Some of Alex's situations were results of poor decision-making, but they were never the kind of bad decisions we all haven't seen intelligent and "normal" people make......none of us are perfect. I haven't finished all ten episodes yet, but so far I'm simply riveted and spell-bound.

This is the first film I've seen Margaret Qualley in (to my knowledge) but I'm confident she has a brilliant future. I LOVE her mother, Andie McDowell, and I'm certain Andie is bursting with pride at her daughter's abilities.

I'm about to begin watching the final episode of the first season.....so I'm not commenting on the entire series. I may come back after I finish (and right now I plan on finishing) and give a final evaluation......but up to this point, I understand the complaints by those opposed to exploitation of women, and particularly underage girls. The episodes I've seen so far make prostitution FAR too attractive and exciting. The fact that they don't show explicit sex scenes make the interaction between young girls and their "Johns" way too mild and "sanitary". The Johns are portrayed as kind, gentle guys, like an innocent "date". They are PAYING for sex in reality, and without getting into a discussion about legalities or morality, exploitation of underage girls is NOT innocent or without damage. The producers make it appear glamorous and exciting........ I'll reserve final judgement for after watching the full series.....there may be consequences in later episodes.... I'll see.

First off, this film, Fidelity, is shown on Netflix with the title Devotion.....so if you look for it there, use this title. While not really very good, I admit it held my attention enough to get through all six episodes. It is a pretty typical story about beautiful people, completely absorbed and wrapped up in themselves. The main couple have been together over five years, apparently due solely to sexual attraction, and little else. Their level of personal communication is minimal. At the FIRST hint of "possible" infidelity, it all goes to Hell. While the version I watched was dubbed into English (from Italian) AND had subtitles that didn't match the translation heard, it's difficult to judge the acting and writing.....but it seemed to be almost amateurish. I wonder if the writing was poor, or the lovely actors and actresses simply couldn't relate to their characters when they experience difficulties in life. I don't know if this is typical for contemporary Italian films, but I've watched quite a few films, dramas and mysteries, from Eastern Europe, and they are often far more believable.....the actors are VERY attractive, but in a more "real-life" way, and not drop-dead gorgeous runway models. (that can sometimes be distracting and un-realistic) At any rate, I'm still debating whether to recommend this film. I don't regret watching it, but I know there's much better out there.