HALF MAN is a limited series created from the dark imagination of Richard Gaad. (BABY REINDEER) He is also the lone writer and portrays one of the two leading men, the violent, ruthless Rufus. This is an extremely dark and difficult series to complete. It is a story showcasing how terrible men are at emotionally connecting on any level of understanding. It is a harsh look at what men are capable of doing when they are not being honest with themselves. It is episode after episode of making bad choices and living in a dream world rather than being firmly rooted in reality and truths. It is not for the weak of heart to be sure.
Jamie Bell (BILLY ELLIOT, FANTASTIC FOUR) as Niall is the other half of this yin/yang duo. Both Gaad and Bell are superb actors. They take audiences to places most would not want to visit. Their battles, quiet conversations, blow-out explosions, and knowing, drawn out stares will leave viewers breathless. Most of the time, I did not want to participate. It was unnerving and put me on-edge every second. This was their goal. The plot was intended for these huge, over-the-top screaming peaks based on years of stuffing so many repressed memories. Men are great at stuffing their true feelings. We, as an audience, were privy to what can happen when those doors are open. It is not a pretty sight. Kudos to Gaad and Bell for taking those risks and deftly delivering them every conceivable way.
HALF MAN had a terrible ending. It was confusing and I can offer nothing to soften the blow. My first thought was WTF? And that is still where I am at when I think about this mini-series. Is it worth watching? I canโt answer that. I can say it is filled with
Incomparable, stellar performances. I have no doubt there are Emmy nominations in their future, but the entire experience was not pleasant. Their relationship haunts me. Men heed to talk, so that they may feel more whole and complete. For me, it was a lot of testosterone to swallow if you catch my drift.
HALF MAN is streaming on HBO
MAX.
