HALF MAN just began its limited, six-episode story exploring male relationships between brothers, friends, and lovers. It was created, written, and stars Richard Gadd of BABY REINDEER, Emmy award-winning fame. He portrays Ruben, who, in my mind, goes against typecasting.ย
The series is brutal to watch. The relationship between Niall (Jamie Bell) and Ruben is, in a word, vicious. It asks audiences to take a violent journey back in time throughout several decades to discover how their lifeโs journeys began and became so interconnected. Gaddโs writing pulls and shoves viewers along a common path most men lightly tread, preferring to stay silent. Gadd wants to wake up men. It is obvious,ย brilliantly performed, and extremely difficult to witness. I wanted to scream at every character so they werenโt led like sheep. And there are still four more episodes to get through. It is definitely indicative of the underbelly society of young men and women today.ย It is rough viewing.ย
HALF MAN wonโt let audiences sit back and relax. Gadd wants to make sure his point is made loud and clear. It is a fine production, featuring a stellar ensemble, that takes us through harsh years. My advice is to make sure your closed-caption is turned on for the heavy, thick Scottish accents. The dialogues are fast-paced, full of necessary facts and innuendo. I am interested in seeing where it all takes viewers and whether there are any redeeming qualities to be discovered.ย
HALF MAN is streaming on HBO MAX.
