Having eagerly devoured the book and appreciated its engaging pacing and well-presented evidence, I was disappointed when the Netflix series adaptation failed to meet the high expectations it generated.
Let’s begin with the characters. While the book doesn’t delve extensively into the intricacies of relationships and character development, the series demonstrates even less interest in showcasing the emotional depth and struggles of its characters. Even with central figures like Ravi and Pip, their emotional moments come across as contrived and superficial. The supporting cast, including friends, family, and suspects, feel more like placeholders to fill episode runtimes rather than fully realized individuals as they are in the book.
The acting is adequate but lacks brilliance. At times, it veers into Disney Channel territory, which aligns with the young adult (YA) vibe of the book, but ultimately fails to connect with viewers during pivotal, emotionally charged scenes.
The visual presentation is occasionally interesting, convincingly portraying the atmosphere of a small town. However, the color palette feels somewhat off. The over-saturation gives the impression of watching Descendants on Disney+ rather than a gripping teenage murder mystery. While we don’t need another Riverdale or Winx Saga, the series at times loses the brooding darkness that characterizes the story.
Regarding the plot, having read the book, I was frustrated by the screenwriter’s decision to withhold crucial information (hints about the ending) until the very end. Six episodes proved insufficient to accommodate the amount of information, and the pacing felt uneven, with about two episodes seemingly devoid of significant events.
Characters were essentially sacrificed for the sake of episode length, resulting in disjointed and awkward pauses in the narrative.
In conclusion, my expectations for the series were significantly higher. Much of the story’s potential was lost due to the writing. The directorial choices felt misguided. Incorporating voice-over narration or segments that visually presented the evidence, similar to the book, would have aided viewers in understanding Pip’s investigative progress and fostered greater engagement.
It’s a shame, as this adaptation could have been a resounding success. For future adaptations, consider seeking input from readers and adhering more closely to the source material.
