The Staircase

A proper craftsmanship and acting show. The story focuses on Michael Peterson (Colin Firth), a writer accused of murdering his wife who was found dead under the stairs, and it makes for a 16 year-long judicial struggle that I really enjoyed. The first four episodes are excellent, there's an uncomfortable sultriness in the air, a thick atmosphere, the emotional hell of all involved is palpable, there's a proper and thorough investigation by the defence and the prosecutors with very detailed gathering of evidence, I really felt I was watching people who do this for a living doing their best. The court-scenes are also very tense, the dialogue is good and the various alternatives to falling down the stairs are raw and unpleasant except there’s no blood. The second half falls slightly and shortening it to six episodes would definitely have been more acceptable. The scenes with the family and the kids were the least interesting and for me unnecessary – kind of the mandatory filler of today's shows – and the flashbacks are downright annoying and at times quite confusing, and too frequent frequent, but still for me it was quality filmmaking and entertainment, I’m definitely glad I gave it a chance. Also, praise for the soundtrack and the theme song, it was divine. Story 4/5. Action 1/5, Humor 1/5, Violence 3/5, Fun 4/5 Music 5/5, Visuals 4/5, Atmosphere 5/5, Suspense 4/5, Emotion 4/5, Actors 5/5. 7.5/10. (13.06.2022)