I realize my title may seem like hyperbole, but after a second and third viewing, I am even more convinced of this feeling.
"The Affair" has both fascinated and repelled me during its 5 season run. Why "fascinated"? The intensity of feeling drew me in as well as the emotional spectrum from all characters. Multi-faceted and complicated. Plot twists that were unpredictable yet logical. Why "repelled"? This same intensity morphed into whininess, self-absorption and petulance and the plot twists became less credible and the overall feeling and message became nihilistic.
And parts of this season really lost me, especially the "Me Too" arc, which seemed heavy-handed and pandering. Not to mention the way Janelle was treated.
But all that changed in these last two episodes.
The reconnecting and reconciliation of Noah and Helen was so beautifully done, adult and intelligent. Tying their lives onscreen and (implied) off back together in a believable and mature way. Poignant and true.
Many may complain about plot and character loose ends (namely Ben meeting any responsibility for his crimes) but I believe "Old Noah's" a observations covered that. Helen's life after reconciliation and the Solloway children aren't really germane o the overall message, IMO.
What was especially transformative was how-after her talk with Noah, Joanie's shrillness and stridency melted away and went to reconcile with her husband and become a more fully present and loving mother to her daughters.
Healing and love thru time and generations......
It has to be mentioned that the acting of all, but most especially that of Julia Goldani Telles and Maura Tierney and Domenic West is of the highest, transcendent quality.
Domenic West's performance as "Old Noah" is one of the most moving I have ever seen. The writing and direction here, as thru this episode as well as the season and series is of the highest quality. In these final scenes most especially, it is a perfect symbiosis of acting, directing, writing and filmography.
The handling of the themes of intergenerational trauma, forgiveness, redemption love and commitment are among the most deep and compassionate I have seen on any celluloid medium. And this is my reason for my title!
It's not 100% perfect.... the irritating shoegazing music of the wedding singer is grating on the nerves. And I realize the writers wanted the Waterboys song to be the unifying thematic temporal tie-in, but I wished they could have used a better example!
But, otherwise, bravo!
"The Affair" has both fascinated and repelled me during its 5 season run. Why "fascinated"? The intensity of feeling drew me in as well as the emotional spectrum from all characters. Multi-faceted and complicated. Plot twists that were unpredictable yet logical. Why "repelled"? This same intensity morphed into whininess, self-absorption and petulance and the plot twists became less credible and the overall feeling and message became nihilistic.
And parts of this season really lost me, especially the "Me Too" arc, which seemed heavy-handed and pandering. Not to mention the way Janelle was treated.
But all that changed in these last two episodes.
The reconnecting and reconciliation of Noah and Helen was so beautifully done, adult and intelligent. Tying their lives onscreen and (implied) off back together in a believable and mature way. Poignant and true.
Many may complain about plot and character loose ends (namely Ben meeting any responsibility for his crimes) but I believe "Old Noah's" a observations covered that. Helen's life after reconciliation and the Solloway children aren't really germane o the overall message, IMO.
What was especially transformative was how-after her talk with Noah, Joanie's shrillness and stridency melted away and went to reconcile with her husband and become a more fully present and loving mother to her daughters.
Healing and love thru time and generations......
It has to be mentioned that the acting of all, but most especially that of Julia Goldani Telles and Maura Tierney and Domenic West is of the highest, transcendent quality.
Domenic West's performance as "Old Noah" is one of the most moving I have ever seen. The writing and direction here, as thru this episode as well as the season and series is of the highest quality. In these final scenes most especially, it is a perfect symbiosis of acting, directing, writing and filmography.
The handling of the themes of intergenerational trauma, forgiveness, redemption love and commitment are among the most deep and compassionate I have seen on any celluloid medium. And this is my reason for my title!
It's not 100% perfect.... the irritating shoegazing music of the wedding singer is grating on the nerves. And I realize the writers wanted the Waterboys song to be the unifying thematic temporal tie-in, but I wished they could have used a better example!
But, otherwise, bravo!
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