I Know This Much Is True (2020) User Reviews

Much Needed

[davidj722 · 9/10 · 19 May 2020]

Greetings All,

As someone who works in the mental health field, including time spent working with the schizophrenic population, I can tell you that the trials and tribulations that affect this population AND their caregivers is a story that needs telling. Not only does this series address some of the realities, but does so with integrity. It's not always easy to watch, but I am hoping this series sheds some attention here. I appreciate that Mr. Ruffalo has not fallen prey to making a quick dollar doing simple entertainment (like so many of his peers) and shows an interest in tackling stories in our culture that need telling. We need more intelligent story telling and this fits the bill.

Thank you.

Brilliant. Ruffalo at his peak.

[SimonSaysSmallScreen · 9/10 · 20 May 2020]

Exquisite film drama in series form. Engaging, with depth that doesn't ever stall the forward motion. We enjoy supporting actors like Huebel, Hahn, O'Donnell and Lewis perfectly cast in roles that seem written for them. The dialogue is masterful, swallowing up actors we know so well from so many other appearances, as if they've only ever been just these characters. Careful, attentive direction and photography make each scene an essential moment. And then Ruffalo's all-in performance. Another example of the enormous quality-raising effect of streaming services on the series form.

Emotional

[lfctimesynwa · 9/10 · 11 May 2020]

I just want start by saying im not nearly as articulate as most/all that do reviews here , this is also my first but having just watched this I had to write something . Ruffalo is awesome , what an actor , everyone else is really good too . I have 1 problem with this show though . They are coming out 1 at a time , cant wait for the next episode .

Don't fold clothes.

[adam_reider · 10/10 · 10 June 2020]

Don't fold clothes. Don't play with your phone. Just watch this series like you're in a movie theater. This show is a beautiful, slow meditation on family trauma. Mark Ruffalo is brilliant in the dual roles of twins. Rosie O'Donnell gives one of the best performances of her career. The cinematography is captivating.

Mark Ruffalo is severely underrated

[julieshotmail · 10/10 · 3 June 2020]

Mark Ruffalo's A-list acting has been recognized through his 3 Oscar nominations over the years, but they were all for best supporting roles, and he has not won any of them. Until "I Know This Much is True," I've dismissed him as an actor just playing roles that disappear into the sidelines, with his soft-spoken unassuming demeanor. That subdued demeanor works well in this outstanding show. You can feel the character Dominick's pain oozing out of his raw emotions, similar to Joaquin Phoenix's Joker, except here, it doesn't seem like acting. Sometimes I wonder, is Mark Ruffalo himself really this sad? Give him a Golden Globe or Emmy for this role already!

An acting masterclass

[chris-skilton · 10/10 · 20 May 2020]

I watch a hell of a lot of television. Episode two could be the best acting I've seen! The entire cast was brilliant. The characters magnificent. I think we're witnessing something special.

Heartwrenching Portrayal

[laurelhagen · 10/10 · 2 June 2020]

This show is not for everyone. It's depressing, it's frustrating and it's absolutely a crystal clear portrayal of a young man, a twin, who starts his life in a typical way when schizophrenia emerges in his early twenties. What follows is the impact it has on his family and the devastating effect on the life of his identical twin brother. The trauma doesn't stop there, though. Many losses are covered over the years that may leave the viewer saddened and sickened. The real gem in all this is the acting. It's believable and superb. Mark Ruffalo deserves an Emmy for not only doing double-duty, but for the true talent that he is. Rosie O'Donnell deserves an Emmy for Supporting Actor. Her role is pivotal and brings some respite to the viewers. I personally love that NAMI (National Association for the a Mentally Ill) is mentioned in the end credits. Schizophrenia is real. It's impact on families, friends and the community is real. If this miniseries does anything at all for viewers it's make families aware of the signs and symptoms and to seek help early.

So true

[artshaman · 10/10 · 20 May 2020]

I have worked in a Max. Security Forensic mental hospital for 11years now... what it's touching and wonderfully honest about this series is our unflinching look into the lives of the immediate family members of our patients. I have witnessed over-involved family, others whom completely disown their fam. Member, and every shade in between... This series touches my heart and soul as a clinician for the severely mentally ill. Thank you! Cast, crew, and writers/producers.

Electrifying

[UniqueParticle · 10/10 · 11 May 2020]

Top notch great A entertainment! Superb acting, writing, cinematography, and soundtrack! I know This Much Is True deserves praise it's so well done and I knew it would be after seeing previews for awhile. Crazy how there's already other reviews bashing the series especially since the premier been has had a chance to be out; the series is phenomenal and hopefully others feel that way. Mark Ruffalo along with the rest of the cast is incredible, I'm sure it'll receive awards in due time.

I cant believe people are rating this low just because of Covid-19

[cdmitchell-13772 · 25 May 2020]

I understand that some people don't like depressing films and TV shows, but that does not mean that you can bring down the ratings of a good show just because you don't want to feel sad during a pandemic.

Now, my thoughts on the show are very good. The acting from Mark Ruffalo is superb as he plays 2 characters and every other actor gives their all as well. The directing is also really great and while the camera work can be disorienting at times, it is overall done very well. This show is VERY depressing, I don't have a problem with that. I think people need to focus less on what exactly happens to these characters and more on how it affects them. This show tackles difficult subjects like grief and disabilities and it does so very well. If you are a fan of Mark Ruffalo and really well made incredibly acted dramas, this show is for you.

Mixed bag

[ronbell-23984 · 7/10 · 8 March 2021]

The acting is excellent all round, especially from Ruffalo. The story in general and pacing though make this a slow burn, it's not the most thrilling show. My score would have been lower if it wasn't for the great acting. Not terrible by any means but I am glad it was only 6 episodes - could have been shorter even.

Incredible acting, flawless drama.

[eliasfootball · 10/10 · 21 May 2020]

HBO knows what is a good drama and this is a superb show realistic and hard just like life.

Interesting!

[AnnaPagrati · 7/10 · 27 August 2021]

This story is definitely a very deep one. And Mark Ruffalo's acting was soo good in it. The guy played two characters & acted SO differently!

I don't understand the good reviews

[laragazza · 4/10 · 13 December 2020]

This series is incredibly depressing and really difficult to watch. Spoiler alert: I stopped watching after they drowned the monkey. Really not necessary. That was almost the last episode so I've suffered through enough dark depressing scenes. I'm not looking for humor and happiness but it was just too much. The book was really good. The series is not.

Giving It a 10 for the Acting, the Sets and the Cast

[verlynfrancisco · 10/10 · 11 May 2020]

Ruffalo is out of the gate doing an amazing job. He has to play two completely different people. The contrast between the roles is vast. The close ups of Ruffalo are brilliant. You can see so many emotions cross his face. Impressive!

He is surrounded by talented actors. They add to this series, but never take away from Ruffalo.

The sets don't look staged.

A compelling new series

[shahrad · 10/10 · 21 May 2020]

Having to grow in a psychological environment, confronting schizophrenics and learning about their behaviors, all because of my father's occupation, just made me drowned into this absorbing new series at the first line. Amazing dialogues and exceptional acting by all cast members are implying on a very emotional and thrilling Tv experience for the weeks to come. Hope they don't ruin it. 10/10 so far!

Based on a great book, stands on its own

[cruzarts-73946 · 10/10 · 24 May 2020]

Perfectly cast, brilliantly acted, tightly directed, and guided but not bound to the book.

This film changes the game on how dual roles for actors should be executed. Mark Ruffalo and director Derek Cianfrance deserve a raft of awards for this project.

Life doesn't always come up roses

[ReneWirtz · 9/10 · 16 June 2020]

Yes, the story is harsh and cold. No, there are hardly any positive notes in the show. Yes, the acting is beyond top shelf. Yes, the music and score is amplifying the depressing story. No, there almost is no redeeming quality.

But, such is life! Life isn't always perfect and happy and rainbows and puppies. Here we see the results of multiple generations dealing with trauma upon trauma, real people trying to move one step forward in life only to find they'll have to take two steps back. This is life, bitter and hard, but also unrelenting and strong.

This is TV at its very best. Sure, it isn't for everybody, but you can't make reality go away by pretending it doesn't exist.

Mark Ruffalo, Rob Huebel, Rosie O'Donnell, Kathryn Hahn are phenomenal. The writing and directing by Derek Cianfrance is outstanding.

Awesome

[booneben-67844 · 10/10 · 11 May 2020]

Great first episode. Ruffalo gives an amazing performance

Deserves an Emmy!

[jobaybe · 10/10 · 15 June 2020]

They did an amazing job bringing Wally Lamb's book to life. The acting is superb! I will be very surprised if Mark Ruffalo and Rosie O'Donnell don't win Emmy's for their roles. Both were outstanding! This series is a must watch!!

Semi-Superb

[SilverXeno · 18 January 2022]

First things first...the acting the pacing...the visuals...this was all great. There's no argument that it was a well put together series.

I read the book years ago and there were just certain things you NEED when a story is heart-wrenching and throws so much sadness at you. You need a tiny spark of goodness for the protagonist.

They totally skipped out on a story line with Joy that would have given you hope for Dominick. He thought his family was cursed. He thought that was playing out in real life...cutting down the people and things he loved. It also reveals the true depth of Dominick's heart...that he still had kindness even for people who hurt him that he was under no obligation to forgive. I feel like we only see the exterior emotion of Dominick throughout the show. That his care was out of obligation over love.

It also left out a small nugget of information that makes Ralph's care for Thomas less mysterious & begrudging.

I saw how long the last episode was and thought "oh this is probably the final episode"...and then when it just ended the vague way it ended...I thought it certainly has 1 more to go? And nope. It was a sort of crushing end to a long, sad story.

For those who are never going to read the book - Joy comes back after a few years b/c she has AIDS. Her child is going to be left without anyone when she dies. Dominick & Dessa end up caring for Joy & the child and ultimately come back together to raise the little girl as a couple. While the movie shows Dessa & Dominick meeting again at the hospital...it just plants a vague idea that they get along. Not that they go on to raise a little girl together.

This 6 part mini-series is hard to rate...it won't be for everyone.

[LiveLoveLead · 7/10 · 30 July 2020]

Based on the book of the same name, the story follows the life of Dominick and his identical twin and paranoid schizophrenic brother, Thomas. While Dominick is desperately trying to care for his brother, he is also uncovering the difficult truths about his family history through a manuscript written by his Sicilian grandfather. The acting, directing, and filming of this movie is remarkable. Ruffalo is impressive in the dual roles of the angst-ridden, volatile Dominick, and the delusional, apathetic brother Thomas, and Rosie O'Donnell plays her role as the social worker to perfection. The struggle in rating this piece of work is that the film is very depressing, dark, and emotional. Dominick's life is a series of tragedies and his family is so dysfunctional that it's distressing to watch all the pain and suffering endured. There are little to none bright, funny, or happy moments during the 6 hours. So, In My Humble Opinion, I highly recommend this for the passionate movie-lover (cinephile) but warn those who like uplifting, heartwarming movies to avoid this gritty, realistic, and tragic mini-series. 9.5 -stars for the masterful acting and film as a whole, and 5-stars for the disturbing, depressing story content. 7/2020

I fell deeper in love with Mark! Amazing. Just brilliant!

[reddawn329 · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

I read the brilliant book so long ago but I remember how the book made me feel & this show immediately grabbed my heart & I binged the whole 6 episodes today. Mark is amazing. I just adore him. The whole cast was amazing. Archie, Rosie & Kathryn were brilliant as well. Juliette was perfectly cast.

The screen adaptation was great & I think I'll reread the book. It was very heavy watching in one afternoon. I see why watching weekly would have given me time to breathe, to process, & sit with one episode at a time.

Wally Lamb, Thank You for always writing & bringing such amazing characters to life. And allowing this series so the world to love them too. Just brilliant. Better see some awards for this for everyone.

The Incredible Sulk's Adventures in Uncanny Valley

[owen-watts · 7/10 · 16 June 2020]

A grainy and densely filmic mini-series from Derek Cianfrance portrays the troubled life of Dominick Birdsey and his mentally ill twin. Both are portrayed with extraordinary deftness by the great Mark Ruffalo. In fact - the entire cast here from the evergreen Melissa Leo to a stunningly affecting Rosie O'Donnell are the principal draw for me. It's an actor's series, for sure, and most scenes seem semi-improvised which lend it a remarkably hypnotic spontaneous quality.

It drew a lot of criticism, I think wrongly, for being a "downer" at a time globally where folk weren't up for it. Introspection during crisis is only natural however - and with its pragmatic coverage of things like mental health, self-harm, masculinity and forgiveness I think may be quite timely for some. There is no denying however that it is almost comically maudlin. Once you spot that each episode has a death in it you find yourself almost "waiting" for the next person to snuff it - and on reflection some seem more superfluous than others. So it goes.

My main beef is realism. The way it's shot, parts of what is portrayed (particularly for me personally) and the painful frankness of the performances hooked me early on and gave it a wild feeling of truth. However, the aforementioned "death a week", and some of the concluding parts fell wrong with me. It is based on a novel and even though it eschews some of the more soap-opera/shakespeare elements there are some coincidences and tired tropes present that feel so "written" that you are wrenched right out of it. Then you're not quite in reality - not quite in honesty.

So not quite a success - much like the twins themselves. Half away in its own world which isn't at all real and the other half very conscious but overwhelmingly burdened.

A real paranoid schizophrenic here

[jtheg-767-142229 · 1/10 · 13 June 2020]

I've had a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia for 20 years. When I spent time in hospital I knew others with the same diagnosis; and over the years I've met a few more. None of us are like the Ruffalo depiction, except that we're pretty much all overweight due to anti-psychotic medication.

I only made it halfway through the first episode, but looking at other negative reviews the problems I had with this continue throughout the series.

We have someone seemingly incapable of intelligent thought, brandishing a large knife, scaring librarians and children, a real dumb psycho. Yeah, thanks for this Ruffalo and co. The realistic anti-psychotic fatness, something Ruffalo obviously worked at, is totally undermined by the fact that if this guy were on medication then he wouldn't be trying to mutilate himself in a library while screaming incoherently. In fact he most probably wouldn't be doing anything of the sort off his meds either.

I have never met a schizophrenic like this. OK it's Hollywood fiction, but schizophrenia is totally under-represented in a media world full of depressives, bipolars, OCD people etc. A modicum of research would have been nice prior to creating this.. monster of a lead character.