Big Mistakes Review: Dan Levy's New Cringe Comedy Excels in Family Dynamics
Dan Levy, the acclaimed creator of Schitt's Creek, returns to television with Big Mistakes, a new Netflix series that blends dysfunctional family sitcom with an unlikely crime caper. While the show shines in its portrayal of bickering siblings and overbearing parents, it struggles with a plot that often defies logic. Levy stars as Nicky, a nervy pastor hiding his boyfriend from his family and congregation, alongside a stellar cast including Laurie Metcalf and Taylor Ortega.
The Premise and Plot Holes
In the opening episode, Nicky and his sister Morgan, played by Taylor Ortega, are tasked by their mother to procure a fake diamond necklace for their dying grandmother. They find what seems like the perfect item in a gift shop, but the cashier refuses to sell it. It turns out the necklace is real, leading Morgan to steal it and the duo to be hunted by a criminal gang. This setup, while engaging, is riddled with implausibilities, such as why such a valuable asset was on public display. The crime elements feel generic and underdeveloped, failing to match the intensity of similar shows like Fargo or Ozark.
Where the Show Truly Excels
Big Mistakes is at its best when focusing on the dysfunctional family dynamics. Levy masterfully captures the psychological regression that occurs when adult siblings reunite, complete with parent-based in-jokes and petulant squabbling. The relationship between Nicky and Morgan is a joy to watch, with Levy's repressed dutifulness contrasting perfectly with Ortega's thrill-seeking acid tongue. Their interactions with their other sister, Natalie, and their mother, played by Laurie Metcalf, add layers of cringe comedy that are both hilarious and relatable.
Metcalf delivers a standout performance, swinging between steely authority and fragile vulnerability as a mother embroiled in a disaster-beset mayoral campaign. The jerky camerawork and abrasive score complement this familial drama, making it far more compelling than the lackluster crime plot. The show's blindsiding final twist, while thrilling, feels like a blatant setup for a second season and doesn't fully cohere with the overall story.
Cast and Stylistic Choices
The cast is uniformly brilliant. Dan Levy brings his predictable charm to the role of Nicky, while Taylor Ortega is downright hilarious as Morgan. Their personal styles add visual flair, with Nicky dressing like an Instagram-friendly Seinfeld character and Morgan sporting gothic boho chic. Laurie Metcalf's performance anchors the emotional core of the series, making the family conflicts feel authentic and engaging.
Conclusion: A Mixed but Entertaining Effort
Big Mistakes is far from a major error, thanks to its strong cast and sharp family comedy, but it isn't quite a triumph either. The show highlights a common trend in television: projects made by stars, like Levy post-Schitt's Creek, often struggle to match the grassroots success of shows that make stars. While the crime elements fall flat, the domestic cringe comedy ensures that Big Mistakes remains an entertaining watch. Available on Netflix, it's a passable excuse for Levy to showcase his talent for creating boundary-decimating on-screen families, even if the plot doesn't always stand up to scrutiny.
