Warning! Spoilers for The Third Day ahead!
A small village is about to hold a festival. The locals are big on tradition and seem friendly enough. Even if they do not seem to want to allow Sam (Jude Law) off their island. There is a definite The Wicker Man or Midsommar vibe going on in HBO’s The Third Day. The series begins with Sam upset over a recent incident at work. Before long, he ends up on Osea, the aforementioned island. His repeated attempts to leave falling short are just part of the mystery of The Third Day.
The episode is visually stunning. Director Marc Munden uses the scenic locales to maximum effect. Shots of the ocean and forest look like they are for a postcard. The overhead camerawork is especially nice with the road to Osea standing out. The Third Day also creates a mysterious atmosphere. Viewers are immediately thrust into a mystery. It is one rooted in the real world and as the show progresses becomes more interesting. This in itself could potentially carry a show.
There is a bigger question mark surrounding Osea. The villagers constantly talk of traditions along with Celtic mythology and Christianity. Everyone seems just a little too nice. Plus, there is an incident involving one of the townsfolk’s daughters. Something odd is definitely going on here. The Third Day uses odd camera angles to disorient its audience. Tracking shots make it difficult to get a sense of distance and in some cases cases the background is blurred giving a dream like effect to everything that is happening. This work perfectly in tandem with the general beauty of the show, The Third Day provides a welcome visual overload.
Law’s performance is essential to the episode. Though the show introduces many interesting characters, Sam is seen the most by far. He is in every scene and coveys everything from anger to confusion. Paddy Considine also does a fantastic job. The final moments of The Third Day are a little odd. The town is having a party that Sam has no issues participating in despite the harrowing events of the episode.
The first episode of a new show is usually the most important. It is during this time that a person decides whether they want to stick around for the long haul. The Third Day gets off to an intriguing start that leaves viewers asking what’s next.
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