TV Review — The Watcher
★★☆☆☆
A family’s dream home turns hellish as they find themselves targeted by a mysterious letter-writing individual known only as “The Watcher”.
The latest from the seemingly never-ending Ryan Murphy content slop factory, The Watcher might satisfy the easily entertained mob of true crime junkies but offers little for anyone else beyond competent production, decent performances from a reliable cast, and perhaps a reminder of why you don’t talk to that oddball family next door.
Much like Murphy’s other show from 2022 (I’m sure he has plenty more to come), The Watcher pushes its “based on a true story” claim to breaking point, embellishing its real-world inspiration with a labyrinth of stories of neighbourhood conspiracies, poor-taste kitchen makeovers, erectile dysfunction, and getting cancelled for being a racist who might also be having sex with a pig-tailed ghost girl. I honestly didn’t make those last two up.
This might all sound like a blast, and yes, it’s pretty wild, but much like the thrilling sensation of a junk food hit, the aftertaste is bland and forgotten almost immediately following the final greasy bite.
Episodes watched: All
Director: Various
Starring: Naomi Watts, Bobby Cannavale, Mia Farrow
Cinematography: Various
Music: Morgan Kibby & David Klotz
Running time: approx 50 mins per episode (7 episodes)
Release year: 2022
BBFC rating: 15 for injury detail, suicide, sex references, language, violence
