59 reviews
Considering that the cast is not exactly star-studded, the acting is reasonably good, and the tale unfolds in a fairly convincing and believable way, at least for the most part.
The slow start may leave a few viewers cold, but it was worth persevering with for the dysfunctional family drama aspect, which pulls no punches.
The murder mystery aspect largely plays second fiddle, but I found the final revelation to be a decent fit and was surprised at how it brought the whole story to a comprehensive and largely unguessable conclusion. - 7.8/10.
The slow start may leave a few viewers cold, but it was worth persevering with for the dysfunctional family drama aspect, which pulls no punches.
The murder mystery aspect largely plays second fiddle, but I found the final revelation to be a decent fit and was surprised at how it brought the whole story to a comprehensive and largely unguessable conclusion. - 7.8/10.
- BaronVonKolisch
- Mar 13, 2022
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At first there is just too much put on the plate so it comes off a bit confusing. It gets better as it goes along but it never does bring you out of your seat... but the acting is good and it is somewhat entertaining.
Surprised at these low ratings. I thought this was a very well acted and thought out drama.
As well as the murder mystery, it had interesting sub plots throughout. I agree with some other reviews that it was a slow start and not everything was clear; it was a bit confusing as to what the characters were talking about, however everything is explained but the end. And the ending was good, never guessed who the killer was. I recommended!!!
As well as the murder mystery, it had interesting sub plots throughout. I agree with some other reviews that it was a slow start and not everything was clear; it was a bit confusing as to what the characters were talking about, however everything is explained but the end. And the ending was good, never guessed who the killer was. I recommended!!!
- bangel3322
- Jun 13, 2021
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I like this series, good story, actors and location - BUT - a couple of the actors talk in whispers, Dervla Kirwan.in particular. Why or why didn't the director encourage Dervla to speak in a normal tone when not shouting? Her voice lacks clarity and it is annoying to keep having to adjust the volume control during conversations involving her.
- franmgates
- May 11, 2021
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I binge watched this series as I found it to be compelling viewing. This has to be the most crazy, mixed up, co-dependant family I have ever seen. Just when you thought there could not possibly be more secrets and lies more appear. There are no endearing traits about any of these people, they manage to create drama after drama, lie through their teeth, and undermine each other. They seem to thrive on their way of life. Of course there are always the tables groaning with food and the huge glasses of wine, most of them are never in a scene without a glass of wine. Having said all that it was very watchable.
- gailmck-62224
- Apr 10, 2023
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Enjoying so far up to episode 3. A real air of suspense generating. The acting is mixed with some average and also some good performances but overall enough to keep you watching out for the next instalment.
I genuinely think this is a beautiful series. Crime and family drama interwoven. Some people saying that this is so boring and slow-paced is such a sign of the times. Everything has to be fast, full of action and solved within a 30-minute episode. This isn't that. This takes time to percolate, to show different sides, to reveal memories, to cleverly create many suspects, to show beautiful scenery in all kinds of weather, to build characters. Very, very atmospheric, well-acted and beautiful.
- chantalvanderende-465-646091
- Jul 24, 2022
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I liked the show- takes a bit to figure out who each person is in season two. Good twists; the family is a mess & come season 2 Anna becomes unbearable (for me at least). Worth a watch, but she stinks & is infuriating. Her character almost ruined it for me honestly.
- aussybearoh7
- May 23, 2022
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I really enjoyed the twists n turns in this, well written well well acted. Really looking forward to season 3.hopefully it won't be to long before it's on our screens again.
- eeric-32425
- Aug 18, 2022
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After the end of 2 episodes I'm a bit confused as to who is who.
There are some characters whose relevance to the story isn't clear. Who is the woman with the long grey hair? Why do the two boys call the dead man granddad as he clearly isn't a blood relative?
How is a clearly mentally disturbed woman allowed to drive a car let alone she run a café?
Clichés? Of course there are some, not easy to write drama without them these days. At least they haven't ticked the usual boxes, no gay couple (Yet) not really and people of colour, other than Cathy Cregan, who is a bit diluted (Again, yet)
Maybe I'll understand more about who is who in episode three.
There are some characters whose relevance to the story isn't clear. Who is the woman with the long grey hair? Why do the two boys call the dead man granddad as he clearly isn't a blood relative?
How is a clearly mentally disturbed woman allowed to drive a car let alone she run a café?
Clichés? Of course there are some, not easy to write drama without them these days. At least they haven't ticked the usual boxes, no gay couple (Yet) not really and people of colour, other than Cathy Cregan, who is a bit diluted (Again, yet)
Maybe I'll understand more about who is who in episode three.
- kristhebass
- Jun 8, 2021
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I wanted to like this show. There is a good cast, beautiful West of Ireland locations, however the story just lets it down so badly.
Every episode seems to be be written in a formulaic manner to point the blame at a different family member. The sub-plots are so numerous and dramatic that it appears as if the writers just threw every possible trope into a blender, thinking "the more, the merrier".
It leads to a rambling show, with too much going on. You find yourself not caring for even one character. They've even ruined my image of "The Irish Lamb Man".
Watch for the scenery. The story is dreadful.
Every episode seems to be be written in a formulaic manner to point the blame at a different family member. The sub-plots are so numerous and dramatic that it appears as if the writers just threw every possible trope into a blender, thinking "the more, the merrier".
It leads to a rambling show, with too much going on. You find yourself not caring for even one character. They've even ruined my image of "The Irish Lamb Man".
Watch for the scenery. The story is dreadful.
This was a fascinating drama that had me gripped from start to finish. It required a lot of the viewers attention as the plot was very complex with so many characters involved. But it was all very well done. A well written story, occasionally very moving, and well acted by all.
- daviddunn-90653
- Jun 27, 2021
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1st series entertaining enough then downhill for 2nd series..too predicable & not believable... This much drama just could not happen. A shame as looked promising early on and thought good be another very good Irish drama series.
- russellharvy-39017
- Apr 19, 2022
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Too many secrets for one show. Not one character to care about. The scenery is the best part of this show.
- jcareycarey
- Apr 4, 2021
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Quite an enjoyable watch. A few twists and turns. Nothing really original but decent. Nice setting and good cast. A bit bleak.
- MickeyTheConstant
- Aug 9, 2021
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- tahir-ismail
- Mar 3, 2022
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Indeed this is a complex drama about a tight knit family with a multitude of secrets. If you can keep up with the often muted dialogue, the excellent acting and plausible script will carry the day and reward you in the end. Stunning scenery, and excellent directing outweigh the few incomprehensible conversations but like so many dramas the principles live way above their means. 7.5/10.
- peterjaird-642-891399
- Jun 20, 2021
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Each episode ends with a nice cliffhanger, the acting is uniformily good.
Absolutely solid storytelling.
Agree that there are a lot of clichés in it, but I certainly didn't guess the killer in S1, but also I didn't find it contrived when they were revealed (which can often be a problem with 'twisty turny' dramas).
It definitely doesn't deserve the low ratings that people have given it, in my opinion. Although I can see that Dervla's whispering could get on people's wick easily enough - thankfully I use subtitles so that doesn't impinge on my enjoyment, selfishly!
Perfectly diverting for fans of family dramas and rainswept cliffs.
Absolutely solid storytelling.
Agree that there are a lot of clichés in it, but I certainly didn't guess the killer in S1, but also I didn't find it contrived when they were revealed (which can often be a problem with 'twisty turny' dramas).
It definitely doesn't deserve the low ratings that people have given it, in my opinion. Although I can see that Dervla's whispering could get on people's wick easily enough - thankfully I use subtitles so that doesn't impinge on my enjoyment, selfishly!
Perfectly diverting for fans of family dramas and rainswept cliffs.
- mouldypeach
- May 7, 2023
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I found this drama watchable, but never found it genuine or credible, it's just a soap really. The characters all take their turns at being savage, sulky or regretful. They all seem to have something to be angry about, and specialize in blaming each other without restraint. So this is family life? The most impressive things about the series are (1) the fabulous family house, and (2) the dramatic coastal scenery of Western Ireland. I doubt the latter will do anything to boost tourism, though, as it appears the weather is unrelentingly dreadful.
We just binged all 3 series over 1 week and absolutely loved it and sad it was brought to a conclusion in some ways, but it's not the sort of storyline that you could get more seasons from. I loved the acting, especially from the characters of Val, Elaine, Jenny and Jacob. I think they sometimes over did the character of Finn to make him look more unstable mentally than he actually turned out to be , but otherwise I enjoyed all 3 seasons. Season 3 started a little slow and I didn't like what they did with Elaine's character initially, but once it got to the 3rd episode I could see why it was done that way. I did not predict the answer to the cover up of the final murder and court case. Well done 👍
- morganjackie
- Jun 18, 2023
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Awful show. Has squeezed in as many cliches as possible. Some very talented actors working with an awful script. Avoid.....
- daraghmccabe
- Mar 27, 2021
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Great series. Has you hooked from the first episode. Stories within the primary story.. loads going on. I loved this. Smashed it out all in one day.
- kerriewillman
- May 12, 2021
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I want more seasons of Smother! I don't know why the reviews aren't higher. It's not on the Breaking Bad level but it's definitely good enough I binge watched both seasons in a week.
- Jackie_Pressley
- Jun 28, 2022
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I'm all for unlikable and or flawed protagonists, but they have to be written well. These characters are hardly written at all. The audience can't find meaning in your show if you don't write one in! Any interpretation of the show past the very uninteresting plot is a stretch because of this. One character in episode two tells another character, after they said something objectively self-centered and bad, if they're bad for it and character B says that they are the kindest person they know. They really must not know many people...
- anglrberts
- Mar 14, 2021
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Gripping until the end but dialogue was often garbled and hard to understand. Thank goodness I was watching on bluray so I could replay replay replay until I could guess the dialogue in the context of the scene. Otherwise, well written and acted. Thanks to all!
- lyninbyron
- Jun 22, 2021
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