'Dare Me': Impeccable cinematography shines bright though the thriller narrative
USA Network's 'Dare Me' takes the plight of teen angst to a level of dark that seems unlikely in highschools. Although, the show does not stray too far away from the truth as it depicts the intensity of competition attitude amongst youngsters as they try to make a name for themselves and their sport.
While the show brings up a tad bit of nostalgia to fans of 'Friday Night Lights', it has stood up on its own right when it comes to direction and cinematography. Zoe White shot the pilot episode and Dagmar Weaver Madsen shot Episodes 2-9(kudos to both the female DPs). The series is an adaptation of a novel of the same name by Megan Abbott and has managed to bring the thriller from the pages to the small screen.
The narrative is an intense battle between two cheerleaders — the girl at the top of the pyramid, Beth Cassidy (Marlo Kelly) and her "bottom b****" Addy Hanlon (Herizen F Guardiola). The dynamic takes a turn for the worse when the new coach, Colette French (Willa Fitzgerald), vows to take the cheerleading squad to regionals and state championships.
The show promises a bloody inclusion of thrill as it continues, but what we are additionally impressed about is the way the scenes are portrayed through odd and fiesty camera angles and intense scenes. From bright neon lights adding depth to character persuasion, the thrill of the narrative is explored quite well through the direction of the show.
It indulges the viewer in a way a dark music video would, the cinematography quite evidently stands out but never once strays away from any of the importance of the scene. We have to commend the way the directors have managed to make the hairs at the back of your neck stand, as they bring to light manipulation and fickleness of the lead characters.
Although based on the premise of high school teenagers, the tone focuses more on the adult reaction to the psychological mind games behind the squad members, especially their coach. The threats are foreshowed through details, looks and especially camera angles that keep you wanting more of the thrill of the narrative. If you haven't watched the show, you're not only missing out on an interesting take on teen thriller drama but the cinematography that's worth its praise.
'Dare Me' airs on Sundays at 10 pm EST on the USA Network.