The Undoing [2020]

Had seen this reviewed on gogglebox & it didn’t disappoint if you like really good thrillers with a twist this is for you. Brilliant acting from Hugh Grant & Nicole Kidman.

Grant often moaned about being type-cast as the good looking romantic lead in frothy comedies, so he got his chance at a serious role here. I can remember him in a medical thriller back in 1996 called 'Extreme Measures' with Gene Hackman so this certainly isn't a first, but it feels that way in my view as Grant appeared a bit unsure in the early episodes. By one of those bizarre twists he also played a doctor in that film.Here he is a cancer Oncologist saving young lives and is also the husband of Nicole Kidman. A good twisty plot revolving around the murder of a beautiful woman (who is not afraid to appear beautifully naked at times, but all too briefly) and our Hugh is implicated. Kidman investigates to help clear her husband and of course opens the proverbial can of worms.The series is by HBO, a most wonderful American television company. It is my observation that here, amazingly, most of the actors are non-American throughout the six episodes. A far cry from the always obligatory top American actor to front a series or film. Some oldies may remember British 'B' films from the 50's and 60's where the main lead was often played by a Z-listed American actor. The bit parts are played by Americans in this drama for a change. Donald Sutherland (A Canadian) has a cameo and comes across well but clearly, to my eye, he is less mobile than in recent parts that he has played. Hope that's not a sign of ill health.English subtitles available if you need them.

Enjoyable with many twists and turns.

I have been an admirer of David E Kelley's work since the mid-1980's with L.A.Law through to the present day with Goliath and Big Little Lies being two particular favourites of mine. After Big Little Lies The Undoing is the second joint production involving Nicole Kidman with a third Nine Little Strangers in the pipeline.The Undoing is a lavish psychological thriller directed by the noted Danish Director Susanne Bier probably best known to U.K. audiences for directing The Night Manager to universal acclaim. This production is set in New York which is as much a part of the action as are the characters themselves - there are many shots of the New York skyline and various noted buildings which are utilised to illustrate their permanence as opposed to the fluidity and everchanging nature of the twists and turns of the plot and the actions and motivations of the leading characters so that one is being constantly challenged as to which of them to root for as the story plays out.Nicole Kidman plays Grace Fraser the therapist wife of charismatic oncology surgeon Jonathan Fraser played by Hugh Grant (making another welcome return to the world of TV after his much appreciated performance as disgraced politician Jeremy Thorpe) who becomes the main suspect following the brutal death of the Mother of a young patient whom he has cured of cancer. On the surface the Frasers and their young teenage son have an idyllic lifestyle with both parents well respected in their individual fields whilst their son attends a prestigious private school which is partly funded as the result of donations from Grace's Father (Donald Sutherland who delivers yet another of his scene stealing performances as he has done so many times in other productions down the years). All this comes crashing about their ears as the NYPD investigate the murder with Jonathan firmly in their sights as the only suspect due to his having been present at the victim's home on the night of her death.The production is also graced by a high powered support cast including Sophie Grabol as the DA leading the prosecution and Noma Dumezweni who is Jonathan's Defence Lawyer with Edgar Ramirez as the lead Detective. Actors of the calibre of Janel Moloney Lily Rabe Rosemary Harris and Douglas Hodge also make significant contributions.Susanne Bier's signature filming style using shoulder cameras for close-ups is much in evidence and mention has to be made of Nicole Kidman's wardrobe - all long coats and dresses setting off her pre-Raphaelite hairstyle to perfection. As a bonus she also sings the theme song "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" at the start of each of the six episodes.Those who have read this far will note that I haven't referred to how things develop which is for the obvious reason of not spoiling things for those who come to the programme without any preconceptions. To them I would just say that nothing is as clear cut as it might appear at the outset. All the players harbour secrets to a greater or lesser degree and the revealing of these and their impact on the story are part of the pleasure of the whole thing so sit back and enjoy the ride - I'm sure you won't be disappointed.Audio : English and French.Subtitles : English SDH / Danish / Dutch / Finnish / French / Norwegian and Swedish.Extras : Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant Introduce The Undoing / Creating The Undoing and Eleven The Undoing Revelations Featurettes.N.B. Donald Sutherland sports a magnificent beard in his Interviews - worth watching for that alone !

Glued from start to finish.

my title says it all. What a waste of money

The series was excellent.Hugh grant and Nicole Kidman ,what a fine pair they make ,well acted.Highly recommended

I really liked this and found I had to keep watching almost until the end. Really good old fashion entertainment. And by that I mean a story you could follow but still kept you engaged and sometimes even on the edge of your seat - but not too much. Go Hugh Grant!! Highly recommend!

The CD could not be viewed on my smart TV. I believe it is an illegal copy.

Excellent! Suspense to the end!

Good movie