Pure (2019) User Reviews

Fleabag eat your heart out

[Vindelander · 8/10 · 30 April 2020]

Very original with fascinating characters. As different as you can get and so well constructed.

It's as good as Fleabag in a related but different context. Great acting and direction and one to be enjoyed in one sitting if you have the time.

See it and enjoy !

Something very different something very good!

[marie-claire-668-821386 · 7/10 · 31 August 2020]

Binge watched the entire series in one sitting. This wasn't a documentary but it gave good insight to something I knew nothing about ( I thought I knew, but I didn't!). This show will make you cringe, uplift you, make you sad, surprise you and make you laugh all at the same time. The characters are really likeable and drama is all that. Definitely worth watching.

Good start, fizzles and fades

[xmasdaybaby1966 · 6/10 · 23 September 2021]

I appreciate as a hetrosexual male 30 years older than the characters, the show isn't aimed at me. Even desperate Sarah is alien to my world.

Like many shows before it, it starts with a strong sex theme to get people talking about the show and the comedy starts well too but it all falls flat after the first 2 or 3 episodes and the the show doesn't know where it's going.

Some great music does give the the show false hope of improvement but it is like those songs that fade out because they don't know how to end. If the show had continued then would there have ever been a decisive conclusion?

A generous 7 stars for the good start, the attractive Niamh Algar and some great sounds.

I see someone else offering a review was upset that the show didn't continue. A good decision not to recommission the series.

Good but awkward

[davek28 · 6/10 · 10 February 2019]

I can't make my mind up about Pure. On the one hand it's an average, corny, sitcom and,on the other hand, it's trying to break new ground as the first "drama" to address a specific type of OCD. I've watched five episodes so far, but I'm on the verge of abandoning it every minute. It strays into embarrassment regularly, and I hate embarrassment. I just do not want to be around as an observer when things get embarrassing. But the acting, writing and direction are consistently good enough quality that I'm still persisting.

So there's no way I can give it a high rating, but it just about scrapes above the cutoff point for watchability.

My life in a 30 minute TV show

[bethanyallt · 10/10 · 13 February 2019]

I've been living, unknowingly, much like Marnie. For the past 12 years this whole drama has been my life. This show didn't diagnose me, I was diagnosed 10 months ago. This show has done much more than entertain, it's been my way of showing people how I feel and how my life works on a 24/7 basis. Yes it's awkward, embarrassing, unbelievable. But for many many people this is real life.. and they have done an absolutely amazing job of making me cry with laughter and cry with pain. I would have done anything to have this on TV 12 years ago.

Ummm IDK

[qteets · 6/10 · 24 June 2021]

It's very watchable but it gets hard for me to keep watching it at times because I have a weird thing about saliva and when Marnie has the flashes in her head a lot of times it's people licking people's faces and you can hear the spit sounds a little too clearly. It's like nails on chalkboard for me like it really grosses me out watching people lick spit all over another person's face. Ick. If not for that I'd really like the show.

Terrifying accurate portrayal of intrusive thoughts

[smokyjoe_123 · 9/10 · 1 February 2019]

As someone who suffers with OCD with a lot of intrusive thoughts involving inappropriate sexual or violent thoughts. It is really great to see it being shown in a context which doesn't demonize or make light of the issues we face. I hope this at least gives people a glimpse into the mindset of someone who suffers daily with sometimes debilitating mental health problems. It doesn't preach nor apologise. Great lead actress and great editing. Good for those who suffer and for the uninitiated.

a narcissist who hides behind her mental illness.

[sumofall · 7/10 · 17 March 2021]

This show is full of sexual tension and it shows what's wrong with western society. The main character is mentally ill and instead of sorting herself out, she just hurricanes through everyones life around her. woe is me. by episode 6 I was like "what a waste". stay away from mental people, it's not quirky or cute. this woman sexually assaults people in every episode, if she was man this wouldn't be a cute show.

Accurate, funny, and heart-wrenching

[toutestcarre · 9/10 · 5 August 2020]

Let me just start by saying that I've been living with OCD since I was a child, but began having intrusive thoughts of violent and sexual nature when I was 15. They were extremely confusing, disturbing, and embarrassing. Was diagnosed a year later. I am now in my mid-20s and it's something I still have to manage daily. With all this being said, Pure does a fantastic job of portraying this mental illness and how it affects the sufferer and the people around them. When you live with this type of OCD you convince yourself that people will think of you differently if they knew the utter madness that went on in your head. It's refreshing to see a TV show that not only accurately portrays this fear (as well as all the other fears that come with it), but also does it with a mix of comedy and drama. The writers and actors pull this off without it being stereotypical. The editing and direction is also something to be admired. It's graphic at times but I think it's necessary for the depiction of Marnie's thoughts. (If nudity bothers you, reconsider watching). It honestly exceeded my expectations considering this is a very hard topic to discuss and portray with care. Glad to have found it. I hope it touches those who live with OCD and those who don't as well. If you decide to watch this show, I hope you learn one simple thing from it: don't tell people to have "positive thoughts" when you see that they're anxious/sad, lol! It's harder than you think.

Not sure what to make of it yet!

[Aroura64 · 6/10 · 2 February 2019]

Being in my fifties, this programme might not be aimed at my age group, but I decided to give it a whirl. The lead actress is likable, infact most of the cast were likable. But what spoilt my enjoyment of the programme, was the use of the "F" word. Not just once, I think I counted 13 times. My question.is, when did the use of this word - even in comedy, become acceptable? I will watch the next episode, but perhaps i'll use the mute button!

Like the lovechild of Fleabag, Crashing and The Bisexual.

[nicole-helsing · 9/10 · 8 February 2019]

Heartfelt, crushingly awkward, hilarious, beautifully written, directed, produced and acted.

Highly recommend.

Good at first, then horrible

[rjmeredith3382 · 4/10 · 21 November 2023]

The first Episode was good, and I thought it was going to be really good. But then, starting in the second it got pretty boring. And it just went downhill from there. I saw reviews of numerous episodes and the people kept saying that the one actress, Niamh Algar, was some kind of eye candy, but she is just average. Not really that attractive, and she is portrayed a some kind of adolescent who cannot resist other women, very weak. She is shallow and not interesting. The main character, Marnie, has no character and comes off like a spoiled child. I understand OCD, and how it affects people, but in this case, it's way more than just OCD. She is just not kind and does not have basic courtesy toward people. Anyway, I would not recommend wasting the time that I wasted.

Fab

[dannypetty-73316 · 9/10 · 7 April 2020]

Absolutely absurd it hasn't been renewed for s2

Great little number though

Exceeding everything I imagined

[melodyso · 10/10 · 20 March 2022]

I'm blown away. I found this show because I'm struggling with sexual intrusive thoughts. I thought this might not a serious show talking about that. BUT ITS NOT.

It's witty. Funny. Heartwarming, interesting, exciting and educating. I love its apolegetic honesty. How it doesn't just focus on Marnie. How different characters have their own storylines. I am so touched by how people are chill about Marnie's condition and she's getting the non judgemental help she needs. The way Charlie and Shereen show up for her is moving. This is just a very organic story that is more than Pure O. It's about friendship, making amends and coming of age and so much more. I truly wished that's more than one season.

I loved this

[robus-71868 · 10/10 · 2 February 2019]

Beautifully acted,funny and compelling. Watch it ,its ace

A way to finally share what intrusive thoughts are like

[barthelemy_vonhaller · 9/10 · 19 September 2022]

I have OCD with violent and suicidal intrusive thoughts. It started when I was 25. It took me 15 years to be diagnosed.

It is the first time I watch a series, or even encounter a media, capable of describing what it is like.

The discomfort we feel throughout the series is what the person feel, all the time. No way to stop watching or take a break. It comes, again and again.

As for those who quickly conclude that the producers just added sex to attract audience, you probably missed the fact that the book is an autobiography... And the real thoughts must have been far worse...

I highly recommend this series.

Gets Old Fast

[george-coufos1 · 2/10 · 12 January 2024]

After seeing the previews and reviews I gave this one a look thinking it had potential.. The premise was unusual and there clearly is a bold and edgy feel in the presentation and images. All of that makes for a good 15 minutes and that it delivers. The problem is, beyond those 15 minutes, it goes NOWHERE.

I should qualify by disclosing I watched only the first episode, so It's possible it get's better, and normally, when that's the case, I'll stick for a while to give it a chance. But Pure was so adamant on pounding the viewer over the head with the theme over and over, so often that it struck me as a one trick pony. In my opinion, a good series either grips you right away or short of that, show you potential for theme or character development. I saw no evidence of that potential

The subject matter in this along with the rave reviews also makes me wonder if I'm understanding the up and coming Gen Y & Millenial generations' sensibilities. As a late baby boomer I am accustomed to no holds barred mode of humor, while the 'new wave' shuns offensive topics, especially those involving physical or mental handicaps. I would think 'Pure' violates those standards, since it makes light of someone who suffers with a serious neurosis...what am i missing?

Speaking of things that are offensive, for me it's shows that lack depth and imagination and try to make up for those shortcomings with gratuitous and perverse sex, which is what this show does.

Bingeworthy - would recommend

[dylangonnermann · 10/10 · 15 February 2019]

As someone who didn't even know Pure OCD and intrusive thoughts of this kind existed before watching Pure, I found it an eye opening and also really enjoyable watch. Although it's advertised as a comdey, I'd definitely say it has a good balance between comedy and drama. It's often difficult to find humour in and around mental health disorders with sensitivity, and without coming across as condescending or patronising - this doesn't appear to have been a problem for Pure's producers. Also great editing and acting. Would definitely recommend.

Binged it in a day and made an IMBD account just to review it

[rosieloverose · 10/10 · 19 April 2020]

After listening to an Invisibilia podcast about an unusual type of OCD, where a formerly peaceful man was having intrusive thoughts of violence, I quickly diagnosed Marnie but deeply enjoyed accompanying her on her journey to her diagnosis, and her best friend who helps her with it is my favourite character. In one scene where Marnie breaks down and is comforted by her housemate, I was breaking down with her- Charly Clive is a really incredible actress.

The first two episodes are much more graphic than the rest so please bare with and understand it's just to show her painful experience.

NOT TO BE MISSED

[denise-89395 · 10/10 · 19 February 2019]

From the moment I saw the opening sequence, I was totally hooked. I ended up binge watching this, funny, sad, heart felt show. the casting is fabulous. Who knew this form of OCD existed, it really makes you think twice about how difficult it must be living with a condition without visible signs. Hats off to drama republic for tackling this subject and managing to film the nudity scenes so well.

Great writing, great acting

[info-36545 · 9/10 · 2 March 2019]

Marvellous. Funny, charming and, most of all, full of love. Great music too. More like this please.

Terrible. Just terrible.

[ergo_zoom · 1/10 · 7 February 2019]

It's so painfully desperate to be clever. You can feel the writers and production effort on the external but there's no internal interest in the lead. It keeps screaming "look at me, care about me" to no avail.

A must watch!

[backupemail-93341 · 10/10 · 7 April 2020]

This is a beautifully written and produced TV show. It really conveys the struggles of OCD and spreads light on some of the overlooked symptoms and struggles people with this disorder have. It also manages to incorporate other issues such as addiction, alcohol abuse and toxic relationships. It also provides a wonderful story of friendship, love and acceptance. I binge watched this show all in one go and I really hope it gets a second season because I would love to see how the characters grow and develop. I 100% recommend this show!

Amazing!

[sijaha · 9/10 · 21 April 2020]

I love this show! It's funny, honest, warm and all the characters are likable albeit flawed (aka humane)

So sad to read there won't be another season!

The ''Purest'' way to represent OCD.

[o-faruksimsek · 9/10 · 28 May 2021]

I have OCD (since i understand at 16 years old and i'm 23 y.o. Right now) but not sexual thoughts type. More like overthinking about life&death problems, conversations and controlling stuffs; oven, tap, windows, doors or doing something in social media, writing something on my job.

Checking, checking and checking again... In short, this program the purest way to represent what is feeling like live with OCD, for people have this disorder or don't have this but curious about it.

Quite well !

I would like to 2 more season...