The previous Only Murders in the Building ended with a bang, literally. A shooting broke out during a promotional photoshoot. “Blow-Up” shows us the aftermath of the attack while also diving deeper into the eccentric Brothers sisters.
Since the episode focuses on the directors of the film, it is very fitting to use various cameras and angles to film the different scenes, It might be played out to utilize the documentary and found footage format, but it effectively serves the narrative in multiple ways.
Early on, the effect adds anxiety and urgency as we follow along Charles, Oliver, and Mabel’s escape after the shooting. The close ups and abrupt movements capture the fear and panic the characters experience after such a horrific incident.
The documentary style also works with the comedy. Many times Howard is the one behind the camera, and his real-time commentary is pretty funny. The peanut gallery provides a quasi-outsider perspective since he’s not completely involved with the investigation. In addition, they can go overboard with the cameras in ways only Only Murders in the Building can with its dated camcorders, cel phone footage, and doggie cams. At one point, it seems everyone is filming each other. It’s a fun motif running throughout the entire episode.
However, it works on a more serious level as well. The closed circuit television shots add a grittiness and rawness appropriate for a serious crime. Then, the hidden camera angles record candid moments accentuating the emotional impacts. Whether it’s Oliver pouring out his true feelings for Loretta or Charles expressing his guilt over Sazz’s death, there is more vulnerability coming through.
“Blow-Up” also functions as a turning point this Only Murders in the Building season as we enter the back half with explosive reveals. Interestingly, we learn how much more interconnected this world is than we first thought. Others are equally intriguing but lean towards the more disturbing end that raise more questions. The most uncomfortable of which ties back into the entire camera motif with a twisted voyeur.
This week’s episode uses a running device that, instead of coming off gimmicky, works on many levels. It ties in with themes while enhancing the emotional impact and complementing the humor.
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building launch Tuesdays on Hulu.
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