The beast in me - review

Certain stories stay with us for a while after they are over. At times because of the ending. Sometimes due to the theme or the content. Quite a number of times because of the characters. This particular series stands out mainly because of the performances of every character involved, not just the leads. Even the minor one like the first wife of the villain or should I say the main character, who comes for just one episode though being mentioned throughout, leaves such a strong impression that, her presence via the conversations seems justified. The FBI guy who triggers the whole sequence in the leading lady which ends up in not just the arrest of the villain, has a minor role but like every other smaller characters has a powerful presence that elevates the entire setup. 

What more can one say about the main guy, who played Nile Jarvis!! I have never seen an actor who shows up different in different lighting! He was so amazing in the closeup shots where only half his face had light and other half in shade that, even I noticed such shots that brought out both the man and the beast inside in same frame!!! He has an unarming smile, questioning frown, deep look that is literally unsettling before he even speaks!!! I was watching most of the episodes on silent mode and it was even more unnerving. The lady who plays the author, out to dig out more about the villain, only to end writing his biography which ultimately leads to his death, is equally good too. She always has this startled vulnerable gulty look, about to cry in fear kind of expression throughout, even when she breaks into a forced smile. The most disturbing part of all the characters performance was the few second silence and their stare and expressions before they deliver their dialogue is almost like they see you through the camera!! 

Story wise it felt like a Jeffrey Archer or early work of Sidney Sheldon. The ending scene where the villain has a "bloody" Smile on his face is symbolic to say the least. I always go by the story in every series I watch. This one stands out just by the performances alone and by the acting skills!