Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl has a devoted following, but another of her novels became a disturbing series that ends with one of the most unsettling post-credit sequences ever. Sharp Objects, starring Amy Adams and Eliza Scanlen, is a twisted crime drama about Camille's (Adams) traumatic childhood that will appeal to Gone Girl fans.
Critical Acclaim and Plot
With a 92% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series is essential viewing. Young Camille was a beautiful cheerleader who adored her younger sister, who died tragically. Returning home, her domineering Southern Belle mother drifts around sipping drinks while Camille, dressed in black, searches her hometown for leads on the murders of two young girls.
Her only lifeline is her father-figure editor, who checks in as she navigates a community drowning in gossip and deception. She meets her young half-sister Amma, who leads a double life under their mother's watchful gaze, and gradually uncovers the truth about her family.
Fan Reactions
One Reddit user said: "I think the term 'haunting' is overused nowadays to describe sad prestige TV. But that show is haunting. I always say it made me feel like I needed a shower afterwards." Another wrote: "The soundtrack and the cinematography, along with the acting, made it one of the best shows for me. This show was incredibly atmospheric and I wish we had more, the closest I can think of is True Detective."
"In both cases, we have a slow burn with the 'who did it?' intrigue that is still relevant (Sharp Objects made it look like everyone in town was guilty which was incredible) but you're so engrossed by the mood that it became secondary," they added.
One IMDB review called the show a "masterpiece": "Absolutely brilliant. If you're looking for a happy story, look somewhere else. Very dark, very depressing, if you have it in you to watch, you get a masterfully spun story of true pain, true guilt and loss. Also a very good depiction of mental health. With a final act that is JAW-dropping. I've never written a review on here, but this is a masterpiece."
Cast and Availability
The critically acclaimed limited series earned eight Emmy nominations in 2019. Its cast includes Chris Messina, Patricia Clarkson, and Henry Czerny. Sharp Objects is available to stream on NOW TV or HBO.
