The Patient is a Hulu Original limited series starring Domhnall Gleeson and Steve Carell. After an accomplished psychotherapist is kidnapped by a conflicted serial killer, he must navigate the hostage situation using his wits and will to survive! Let’s consider the pros and cons of The Patient…
Pros: Firstly, there’s no getting around the strong lead performances from both Gleeson and Carell. Carell has slowly transitioned into more dramatic roles recently, and I’m here for it!. Domhnall plays Sam, the unhinged psychopath well, but he also does a fantastic job humanizing this character too. You wouldn’t think such a monster could be relatable, but you might be surprised. The interactions between these two characters are intense and will keep you on the edge of your seat! Lastly, I think the title is extremely clever for this story. Not only is Sam a patient, but Carell’s character Alan must also remain patient if he has any hope for survival. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it feels appropriate from all angles.
Cons: Although I like the character driven nature of the story, there is really only one setting. This might be a drawback for some, but I think this adds to the confined atmosphere that Alan is feeling. Secondly, the episodes are very short averaging about 25 minutes an episode. You might like quick episodes, but I was invested enough in the story to be okay with 30-45 minute episodes. Lastly, the ending might not be everyone’s cup of tea. This is not a typical Hollywood ending, which I typically like, but I was hoping for a happier resolution.
I give The Patient an A-. It’s a contained story, but the performances are dramatic, engaging, and fantastic. If you’re up for a psychological thriller that’s easy to jump into, then this show is a great option!
“I know it doesn’t seem like it, but that’s progress!”
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