Spoiler warning: This review contains spoilers for the ten-part Apple TV series The Crowded Room.
★★★★✰
It’s an undeniable fact that Tom Holland’s acting career knows no bounds. He just keeps getting better and better. Since his breakout performances in Wolf Hall and as Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man franchise, the English actor has fast become a household name. With legions of adoring fans under his belt, it’s clear that any of his future projects are going to be met with a lot of recognition. His newest, Apple TV’s new psychological thriller The Crowded Room, is certainly no exception. Since the show’s three-episode debut on the 9th of June, viewing figures instantly catapulted it to the second most watched series on the popular streaming platform. Despite its success with audiences, The Crowded Room hasn’t been very well-received by critics who have branded the show “empty” and criticised it for dragging on too long. I’m here to tell you that despite its length, this series is definitely worth your time.
Synopsis
Based on the acclaimed non-fiction novel The Minds of Billy Milligan, the ten-part series follows Danny Sullivan (Holland) who is arrested for his involvement in a New York City shooting in 1979. Set in the bustling backdrop of 1970s Manhattan, we are immediately launched into the chaos as the series begins with Danny and his friend and roommate Ariana (Sasha Lane) shooting at an unknown target at the Rockefeller Centre. Sullivan ultimately lands in custody in Rikers Island where he meets psychologist Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried) who has been tasked with uncovering the story behind the shooting. In a series of interviews with Danny, Goodwin — nicknamed “The Professor” — begins to uncover his complex circumstances. “I’m just here to talk,” Rya tells Danny when they first meet, and they do. The clever transition from their conversations to the relevant flashbacks is an appealing feature.
Although the insightful among us will know the disturbing facts behind the true story the series is based on, the show’s creator Akiva Goldsman has still successfully managed to create an element of suspense in the early episodes. We know a big revelation is yet to come but can’t quite put our finger on it. The Crowded Room has an authentic feel that is sure to keep you watching. The outstanding cinematography perfectly captures the struggles of an isolated young man in a city so vibrant and humming; the darker shots in particular are haunting enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
A Character Driven Story
The supporting cast do not disappoint. Over the course of the series, we are introduced to a variety of complicated characters who play important roles in Danny’s life leading up to the shooting. His overworked mother (Emmy Rossum) and abusive stepfather (Will Chase). His teenage best friend Jonny (Levon Hawke) who gets him into the world of dealing drugs; his mysterious Israeli landlord Yitzhak (Lior Raz) and roommate Ariana (Sasha Lane) who take Danny in when things get difficult at home, and Jason Isaacs’ charismatic character Jack, who helps Danny find his biological father.
The dark nature of the series is rare territory for the Spider-Man actor, with fans delighting in seeing him in a more dark, nuanced role. This has posed its challenges for Holland himself, who has since announced he’s taking a year off acting following the difficulties filming The Crowded Room.
Episode six is an important turning point in the series. Up until this point we are only familiar with Rya interrogating Danny from the other side of a desk. This episode marks a notable change as we delve into Rya’s personal challenges and motivation to take Danny’s case, following her directly one week after the Rockefeller Centre incident. We are introduced to her troubled son and worried mother in the midst of her divorce, her difficulties in getting a grant for her thesis research, whilst a shocking discovery into Danny’s psychological well-being is revealed. My interest definitely piqued by this episode and the latter half of the series; the first five episodes are merely a warmup to the nitty gritty.
Mental Health Representation
The series’ focus on mental health is commendable. A subject that has been at the forefront of mainstream media over the last few years, a lot of shows have since portrayed the difficulties experienced by mental illness sufferers. But The Crowded Room sets itself apart by exploring a rarely touched on angle: mental illness in offenders and the subsequent challenges that poses.
Though the series could definitely have benefitted from less episodes, Holland’s compelling portrayal of a fragile young man suffering with mental illness is astounding. It’s clear he put everything into this role and is likely to reap the benefits come awards season. Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress Amanda Seyfried, who recently received both accolades for her exceptional performance as disgraced entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout, also provides a stellar performance.
The Verdict
Episodes one to five are a slow burn but I implore you to stick with it. Episode six provides the perfect change in pace that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the closing moments of this gut-wrenching story. The Crowded Room is not an easy watch, but a hugely important one. It’s not often the contents of a series stays with you long after you’ve stopped watching so when they come around, they should be marvelled.
The Crowded Room is available to stream now on Apple TV.
Words by Sara Baalla
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