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sofieljenkins
Reviews
Kevin Can F**k Himself (2021)
Best show I've watched in a long time
Whether you get it, don't get it, think you get it or don't want to get it, this show is great.
On the surface, it's a little quirky, but as you delve deeper and read between the lines it's the perfect illustration of abuse in plain sight.
What I find particularly striking is that despite the realisation that Kevin's behaviours are narcissistic and abusive, the sitcom scenes are still enjoyable, sending a message that even knowing what's lurking beneath the surface, we remain complicit. The show does a brilliant job displaying favourable attitudes towards abusers and also the effect it has on victims.
It's disappointing to see that people are of the opinion that this show was a bad move for Annie Murphy. Between her roles in Schitts Creek and Black Mirror, this is absolutely the perfect middle ground, and she brought every single role to life.
I found it to be well written, well acted and entertaining, and I can't believe it took a deep-dive into Prime's offerings to find out this existed.
Maxine (2022)
Lazy researching on smaller details take away from the big ones
For those of us who remember the story of Holly and Jessica, this story remains harrowing and uncomfortable. The script and acting reflects the drama (albeit too much in some areas) but I find it difficult to see the portrayal of the "human" side of the main subjects, particularly Huntley.
While it might seem nitpicky, I was distracted from the story by the lack of research into the era in which the story is set. For example, shop logos not reflecting how they would have looked in 2002, but rather how they are now. Or even the aerial view of Grimsby showing the locally notorious grey blocked paving which wasn't installed until 2014. It comes across as lazy research and is honestly a great reminder of how you can get everything you want out of this show from reading up on Wikipedia.
Can You Keep a Secret? (2019)
Directory of rom-com tropes
Two people meet, unexpected coincidence means they're brought together again, romance ensues but is interrupted by misunderstanding that could be resolved instantly if the couple just talked to one another, ends with "full-circle" moment of aggrieved partner spilling their guts.
Absolutely nothing original about it, and admittedly I haven't read the book but do wonder what differences are in it that could possibly make this a compelling story. Some scenes were also inexplicably confusing - the couple go on their first date and end up in bed together, a montage follows detailing what must have been at least a week's worth of events, only to end with the girl back in her first date dress sharing details of the date?
I am not a harsh critic of cheesy films (they're my usual go-to!) but nothing about this one captured me.
Shrinking (2023)
Self-aware and witty
This show does a great job of pushing tropes and cliches while simultaneously poking fun at them, and uses them to create the perfect landing spot for Jason Segel's comedic style. I was dubious at first about the inclusion of Harrison Ford as a cast member, as it seemed as predictable as his other roles - cynical old man with a soft spot for the main character, but it fits perfectly into the writing and compliments the plot well.
I'm a huge fan of the combination of overt jokes and blink-and-you'll-miss-it wit, well executed by every cast member which livens up a relatively on-piste storyline.
This show as an extremely well selected supportive cast, Jessica Williams in particular proving to be enjoyable in every scene she features in. I'm confident that any fan of Jason Segel's previous works will find enjoyment in this show, despite his character not really breaking away from the mold of his previous roles.