Rain Dogs (2023– ) User Reviews

I really don't get the negativity

[andrew_p_chamberlain · 8/10 · 7 April 2023]

It's bleak, it's dark, it's engaging and me and the missus were hooked from the first episode. I thought the characters were well cast and haven't seen another series quite like it. Nice to see somehting original.

I may be biased as I've loved Daisy in everything else I've seen her in. I was really pleased to see her in a straight role and watch her not just doing another comedy role- I hope she gets more opportunities off the back of this.

Haven't finished the full series yet, so may still be dissapointed, but have enjoyed this so far and would suggest people make their own minds up. And don't get put off too much by the negative reviews.

Quirky and dark-ish slice of English life in the big city

[paul-allaer · 6/10 · 23 March 2023]

As "Rain Dogs" (2023 release from the UK; 5 episodes of about 26-28 minutes each) opens, we are introduced to Costello, a single mom, and her 9 yo daughter Iris. They are being evicted from their apartment for lack of paying rent. In a parallel story, a Simon, who s gay, is released from prison that same day. What is the relationship between Simon and Costello? More urgently, Costello needs to figure out where she and Iris can take shelter for the next night... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this mini-series is the TV debut of British writer/creator Cash Carraway. Here she looks at the challenges facing many folks living at the margins in expensive cities like London (where this is set). Social and housing inequality is an actual problem that more and more people are encountering. This mini-series is billed as "black comedy" and for good reason. There are no "laugh out loud" moments, but quite a few scenes where I found myself chuckling, mostly at the quirky nature of this series. Daisy May Cooper (s Costello) takes the series on her shoulders in a frank yet moving performance. Bottom line: this is not for everyone, and certainly not for anyone looking for a "feel good" comedy.

"Rain Dogs" started airing on HBO in early March and is now available on HBO Max, where I caught it. I've seen 3 of the 5 episodes, with the last two remaining episodes to be released on the next 2 Mondays. If you are in the mood for something quirky and dark-ish that is most definitely also very British. I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Dysfunctional

[ianharrison747 · 8/10 · 13 April 2023]

It's like a jigsaw puzzle where all the emotional pieces don't go together yet somehow fit. Thus the overall picture has uneven, rough edges and a lack of symmetry.

Jack Farthing plays a brilliant but vile version of Hugh Grant complimented by Daisy May hiding her First in English Lit under her pebbledash exterior. Although at times it may seem to be writhing in the dysfunctional and lacking emotional empathy, it is real as a bag of mouldy potatoes. Drugs, gambling, cheating, lying, and glorious food banks are the norm, not romance, candlelit dinners or happy endings.

Take Ade Edmondson as the Lenny the perv. He epitomises disgusting and most would avoid writing his character like the bubonic. No hankies needed, just all be prepared like a good Boy Scout to be shocked.

Not nice but true.

A gritty and touching comedy about love and survival

[FilmFanatic2023 · 9/10 · 3 March 2023]

The show is a dark comedy that does not shy away from the harsh realities of poverty, prejudice and social injustice. It also explores the themes of motherhood, friendship, sexuality and identity with honesty and humor. The show has a punky and energetic style that matches the personality of its protagonist, who is always ready to fight for what she believes in.

The show also benefits from the excellent performances of its cast, especially Cooper, who delivers a charismatic and nuanced portrayal of Costello. She makes us laugh, cry and root for her character, who is flawed but lovable. Tashjian is also impressive as Iris, who has a sharp wit and a big heart. Farthing adds some charm and contrast as Hugo, who has his own struggles with his family and his sexuality.

Rain Dogs is a refreshing and original series that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of people who are often ignored or marginalized by society. It is also a moving and inspiring story of love and survival that will make you laugh out loud one minute and tear up the next.

Every dog has its day ?

[lenkycool · 7/10 · 8 May 2023]

I didn't expect much from this series and watched the first two episodes inattentively and without much interest. However, starting with the third episode, I was already much more concerned about the plot. Now I think this series is brilliant in its own way.

First of all, there are few movies where the theme of codependency and toxic relationships is shown realistically: there is neither an ideal and helpless victim, nor a ruthless abuser. There are only people who try, love and try again. And then, what dialogues! My special thanks to the scenarists.

Of course, I would like to see something more holistic in the plot and more aesthetic in terms of framing and directing, but since the author's vision is like that, I accept this product as it is.

And for sure I can't wait to see main characters' new ups and downs.

Ignore the negative reviews.

[Rachela123 · 10/10 · 5 April 2023]

I've given this a 10. Honestly, it's more an 8/9 but with only 783 reviews at time of writing, the 97 reviews who have given this 1 stars were not giving it anywhere near a fair appraisal. When so few vote overall, this brings the average down unfairly. I hope people don't get put off. This is a good well written gritty British drama comedy with strong performances from a great cast. It's shot well and the sound and soundtrack accompany the scenes well.

Yes, it's annoying how the narrative centres on Costello chasing a book deal; for some reason I find watching people chasing dreams unobtainable to most, tiring. But the relationships between the characters are interesting and relatable, Florian is an entertaining troubled soul. Len the pervert is also a good bit of eccentric fun. I loved the scene where Costello gifts one of his paintings and the recipient et al try to interpret it.

All in all a great British production. Thank you.

Disappointment

[bertrandma · 28 March 2023]

I was so excited after watching the pilot: it felt like the freshest thing I'd seen in years. A novel and stimulating subject (the relationship between an upper class gay guy and an asbo single mother). It had enough 'trashiness' to keep things interesting despite the underlying sentimentality. The script was tight and punchy, the acting was mostly good (though I must say Daisy Cooper already lacked range).

Ep. 2 was not as good but I still had hopes. By Ep. 3 it was quite clear the writers first came up with the characters, and that the story was an afterthought. I've just watched Ep. 4 and it's only getting worse: or rather, getting nowhere. Bogged down with unnecessary sidekicks, the main characters fail to acquire complexity and are merely pushed further and further in the direction established in the pilot. Their relation is also rather flat and dialogues lack finesse. It's all around disappointing.

The series was marketed as a 'punk-rock romance' and I think it's quite an apposite description. There are two 'punk rock' areas in London: Camden and Hoxton. The first is full of has been tourists and a few crusties, the second is full of bankers and art school hipsters. Rain Dogs is 'punk rock' the Hoxton way: it's filled with intriguing and colourful character, but ultimately it's all navel-gazing passing itself as rebellion.

Infinite number of monkeys with typewriters!

[hbthatsme · 7/10 · 6 April 2023]

I guess they eventually would come up with something like this!

Well it's not the best thing we've seen these amazing actors in, but somehow it keeps you interested.

Yes agreed Daisy May as the star of this odd and artistic mosaic of nonsense, does shine in a role you would never imagine her playing, so now it wouldn't surprise anyone if she did turn up in a James Bond movie! Which seems to be the way her career is going. But to be truthful all of these actors are worthy.

Because everything Daisy May does is worth watching - will continue to do so! And hopefully will eventually be as enthralled as with This Country!

Awesome series. Daisy May Cooper you are a true talent.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 26 May 2023]

Costello is a single mum, trying to do her best for her daughter Iris, her life is chaotic, and the major cause is her best friend Selby, a gay man from an immensely privileged background.

I've waited until I've got through the whole thing before reviewing the series in general, by episode five I still couldn't quite work out just what it was, by the end of it, I just couldn't care less, all I knew, is that it's a great series.

It's funny, it's sad, it's relevant, it goes on to deal with several taboo subjects, there is some material here that I don't think I've seen tackled in any show, Costello's story with her mum for example, that was quite something.

A real snapshot of life in 2023, how tough it is, and just how people will do whatever they can to survive. Costello's relatively with Selby, it's sort of a toxic story of love and friendship, it's so complex, but so interesting, how many of us have that love/hate thing going on with people, nothing truly is black and white.

Daisy May Cooper sends out a huge signal ahead of her Bond role, totally deserving, she is phenomenal, as an actor and a writer, I have a feeling she's due to be something of a national treasure. Jack Farthing, what a contrast to his role on Poldark, he is phenomenal as Selby.

An awesome supporting cast, Anna Chancellor, Ronke Adekoluejo, Ade Edmondson, Siobhan Redmond and even Karl Pilkington.

Don't let this one pass you by.

9/10.

Great production, garbage story

[guineverescott · 6/10 · 22 May 2023]

What were they thinking? Is this supposed to be an underdog Story or just the depressing pile of poo it is. The two main characters are unlikable twits with a capital T. Over the course of two years neither one of them grows at all, they just continue to spiral down while being in complete denial regarding their complicity in their situations. All of the woe is me crap is ridiculous pandering to a type of individual that refuses to take responsibility for their lives. And some stellar terrible parenting is exhibited here. In reality, Iris would have been better off in foster scare than with her thuggish mother and her stunted friend. So gross. It was well acted, I believed every bit of it.

Amazing show

[vincentwienecke · 10/10 · 24 March 2023]

Not sure after 3 amazing episodes how this is floating in the 6-7 range.

I give it 10 out 19 hooked. C'mon episode 4!!!

I hope to see at least 4-5 seasons with this amAzing cast. It keeps you so intrigued you want to know the next move and can't wait for the next episode. I really wish I was able to binge watch it.

There is not a better British show on tv right now and the fact this is on Crave is unreal. Please do at least 5 seasons with this main cast you could go to Hogwarts and it would still be so interesting. We are so in the dark and can't wait for Ruton Rixton or whatever Mate. Keep it up!!! Here in Canada we love it !

Unique British series

[robinlip · 10/10 · 18 April 2023]

I'm an American and seeing the struggles of the underbelly of England's working class was very interesting and sad. I didn't know Daisy May Cooper before this though I'm simultaneously watching her other show, Am I Being Unreasonable. She's really talented, so real and has a very difficult character to play in both shows. She drags her daughter (the amazing Fleur Tashijian) from living place to living place. Most of them not very appealing as the character has no money and is relying on the government. She loves her daughter but in many of the episodes, you feel her daughter is there to take care of her. Her mutually co-dependent friend played by Jack Farthing shows many heartbreaking situations between them. They're both struggling. They love each other but it's a very dysfunctional relationship. The guest characters who come in are great. Each episode takes you on a different journey for Daisy and her daughter. I found myself rooting for them to make it but there is a lot of self sabotaging. It's great to see the lead in a series, not Hollywood glamorous looking but a real person, who lets it all hang out. She's just trying to make a better life for her and her daughter. I can't wait for each new episode.

It helps you get it if your poor but funny and moving

[chrissykrissy · 9/10 · 7 March 2023]

Watching this show it finally takes up for people on the other side of society the unritsy lifestyle poor folks the every day poverty type people with heart and humor it really made me happy to see that side actually in a good light for once also the mother though she has weaknesses is a damn fine loving mother to her daughter yes she has faults but who really doesn't but it's very important to remember this is a show about family but not for family as this is still hbo.and all the familiar content is very very much there between language to sex to violence list goes on but a stupendous show no doubt.

Fresh and different series that is good

[dakjets · 8/10 · 15 April 2023]

This alternative series is a breath of fresh air! I am very surprised by the relatively low score here, because this series is both innovative, well-made, varied, topical and humorous. Daisy May Cooper in particular excels here. She stars as the tired but resilient single mother Costello Jones. This is essentially the star here, and rightfully so. She is incredibly good at portraying both social challenges and economic problems - in general, the alienation that many people experience today. But her character never gives up. I think it's wonderful to follow her, and her small and big battles. I hope this series has a long life because Costello Jones has only just shown us what she is capable of.

Too much of everything

[sarahcoleman-79272 · 5/10 · 11 April 2023]

I love Daisy May Cooper and was looking forward to this. But no, didn't do it for me. Not clever enough, funny enough, and concentrated too much on shock humour and crude imagery. Needless use of the worst kind of language (we all know the word) liberally sprinkled throughout like it's akin to 'damn' or 'blast', images of graphic pornographic art and seemingly constant sex acts and masturbation. Re- reading this I'm coming across very prim and offended, a pearl clutching Nan, and be assured I'm far from it, but I wasn't disgusted, offended or mortified, I just found all those issues I've listed so SO distracting and unnecessary in what could have been a lot funnier but still realistically and well observed, hard hitting and tender whilst still being honest and gritty. I also think it highly unlikely that a 10 year old girl would come out of that environment as well balanced and unscathed as Iris did.

My go to binge watch

[cptnicko · 10/10 · 10 April 2023]

Earthy dark comedy. Wonderful character interaction with so many ups and down following people who continually struggle with day to day existence of the modern life.

Costello and Selby's relationship is caustic and beautiful in equal measures. Daisy May Cooper delivers a wonderful performance of a woman who does everything to change her and her daughters life, but like Sisyphus she is forever rolling the ball uphill.

Buckets full of pathos and humour that explores the dysfunctional and marginalised within a society who are preferred, by some, to be buried deep out of our consciousness.

My go to binge watch.

Dark and British but absolutely no humour and precious little drama

[Chabrolfan · 1/10 · 15 April 2023]

I'm afraid that the opportunity for the BBC to show something dark and humorous has been utterly wasted here. It doesn't surprise me in the slightest that the writer of this series has a theatrical background, because most comments I've heard from people seem to reference some of this country's greatest modern playwrights, directors and screenwriters (Pinter, Leigh, Loach), but never in a positive comparison. It is, of course, possible to balance comedy with tragedy, but, in this case, the social realism is laughable and the comedy is non-existent. (Really, very poor sixth-form college creative-writing course standard.) It is particularly heart-breaking to see Daisy May Cooper involved in this project, especially when her own series "Am I Being Unreasonable?" was such a triumph. One further criticism would be about the ludicrous depiction of a gay man; as one myself, I'd rather the writer stuck to something she knows something about... perhaps a third-rate writer, for example.

Dark British humour, not Dark British Humor

[jakelly-44048 · 9/10 · 8 April 2023]

Ignore the negative reviews, they are the same people that would hate 'The League of Gentleman' and 'Garth Marenghi's Darkplace'.

This is so dark you can't help but laugh, while still keeping you watching to see how they survive, regardless of wherever you have money or not, something's are just hard and it's how you get them though them that defines us. Highly recommend it, so glad to see something new and different while still encompassing some of what made This Country so good: real people, in the real world, struggling and surviving while making the most of it when they can.

I look forward to more from everyone evolved in this.

Superb

[akaslammin · 9/10 · 8 May 2023]

A superbly acted, superbly written and superbly directed show.

The two main characters are superbly formed. Daisy May Cooper brings enormous depth and nuance to the character Costello Jones showing that she has much more than superb comic style and timing. Jack Farthing as Selby is equally as good.

Based on the initial scenes it seemed like another working class British dark comedy. An interesting and funny view into the lives of some off-beat, resilient and charming working class people who find ways to overcome their lot in life. But pretty soon it becomes clear the show is much more than that.

It is carefully crafted, enthralling and entertaining observation into a group of complex people who deal with their and their friends flaws and shortcomings while also navigating an unfair and unsympathetic system. But while it portrays a pretty difficult world it is also interwoven with plenty of humour, charm and substance resulting in a funny, heartfelt and rewarding viewing.

It is in many ways a show about deep feelings and how those feelings affect people and how they relate with others. Many of the characters and their traits and motivations seem familiar.

In that regard it is a show that requires and draws on compassion and empathy from us as the viewers. That can be difficult for some people and I suspect that may explain some of the negative reviews.

Giving it 10 to even the scores...

[EnToThePea · 10/10 · 6 May 2023]

I don't understand who's giving this low scores!? It's genuinely so different to anything I've seen. I don't think a series has ever left me feeling so mixed... slapped round the face one moment, genuinely (mind-boggling) crazy relationships, dialogue all females friendships have spoken... it's a real roller coaster. I saw some negative reviews mentioned the writer is a playwright and it makes a lot more sense; it has the weird, dry, complexity of a play. The humour is subtle and dark; it's an occasional snort out loud rather than a belly laugh. I'd like to see it get a second series but would also like to see more from the writer.

Charmless nonsense.

[wbaird-05466 · 1/10 · 4 May 2023]

No real point to this rubbish. It appears to be some posh persons idea of poverty. There is little humour and Daisy May Cooper is,i think,miscast and she has one expression throughout the entire series. All the characters are charmless and it is hard to invest any emotions in any of them. If this is what they call "edgy" then god help us. It would not have been so bad if it had worked as a comedy but it sadly does not and i would suggest it is rather patronizing to real people living on the edge of society. I am sure some middle class people will enjoy this "poverty porn", they will probably think it is a documentary. The main problem however is that they seem very unsure about what type of programme they were making and therefore ended up with a mess. A second series would be even more pointless as the characters have nowhere to go.

The series gripped me from start to finish

[shanlouisemurray · 10/10 · 27 April 2023]

At this point I don't think there's anything Daisy May Cooper can create that I would dislike. I love seeing how the media she creates/is apart of has shifted from pure comedy with hints of sadness (This Country) to Am I Being Unreasonable being a dark, funny thriller. And now this! Maybe some people just don't get it and aren't the right audience, but it was hilarious as much as it was triggering and nostalgic. Growing up in a council estate and coming from poverty myself, so many parts of what made this series great was how perfectly some of the nuances of British, poor, traumatised life were captured. I found myself laughing, getting angry, frustrated, triggered, sad... and ultimately super glad I watched this!

What a phenomenal woman!

Tries to be a modern Withnail And I. Fails.

[ewanashford · 1/10 · 10 April 2023]

Sat through one and a half episodes and gave up. The show exists inside its own fever dream of what it believes "reeel loife" is like in London but nowhere else. I honestly believe the creator pitched this as a modern take on Withnail And I, but then fell down a flight of stairs onto their phone and the resultant nonsense became the scripts for the show. The actors are cosplaying as 'poor people' or whatever stereotype is needed for the plot to happen. Eccentric artist - check. Mentally ill rich gay criminal - check. Shocked to see Adrian Edmondson in this, but I guess he's got to pay the bills like everyone else.

Everyone needs to watch this show

[mkaverage · 10/10 · 11 May 2023]

Rain dogs is amazing! It's beautiful & heartbreaking. The depiction of mental health, toxic relationships, trauma, addiction, motherhood & love are spot on. (For some circumstances, everyone is different) I'm sure it adds to a few stereotypes but I'm still in love.

Selbey & Costellos relationship is devastating but I also can't help routing for them. Despite the toxicity between the two of them you can't help but hope they will heal & just love each other.

I love that the main relationship is a friendship rather than a romantic relationship.

It made me angry, laugh, cry & everything in between. I hope there is a season two & I hope they dive more into Selbeys healing as well as Costello.