Based on Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn’s novel, Sharp Objects is a dark and gripping Southern Gothic crime drama with a jaw-dropping finale — and it’s available to stream in the UK right now
Camille’s mother is shrouded in mystery(Image: Sharp Objects/ HBO)
Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl enjoys a devoted online following, but another of her novels was made into a disturbing, chilling series that culminates in one of the most unsettling post-credit sequences ever.
Sharp Objects, starring Amy Adams (Enchanted) and Eliza Scanlen (Little Women), is a twisted, murky crime drama revolving around Camille’s (Adams) foggy and traumatic childhood that will appeal to fans of Gone Girl.
Boasting an impressive 92% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, this is essential viewing for both casual viewers and seasoned critics. In her younger years, Camille was renowned for her beauty, a cheerleader who adored her younger sister, who died tragically.
Upon returning home, her domineering, Southern Belle mother drifts around the house sipping drinks while Camille, perpetually dressed in black, scours her hometown for leads surrounding the murders of two young girls.
The series is based on the book of the same name by Gillian Flynn(Image: Home Box Office, Inc.)
Her sole lifeline is her father-figure editor, who regularly checks in on her as she attempts to stay afloat in a community drowning in gossip and deception.
She encounters her young half-sister, Amma, who leads a double life beneath her helicopter mother’s watchful gaze, and gradually Camille uncovers the reality about her family.
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.”
Camille is forced to look at the facts of her childhood(Image: Sharp Objects/ HBO)
One devoted viewer declared the show a “masterpiece” in an IMDB review, writing: “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. “
The critically acclaimed limited series, which earned eight Emmy nominations in 2019, also features Chris Messina, Patricia Clarkson and Henry Czerny in its cast. The series is available to stream on NOW TV, or HBO.