Netflix 'Pieces of Her' Review: The series' fast pace ending redeems its slow start
Murder, lies, cults, and deceit -- Netflix's 'Pieces of Her' has it all. If you're looking for a mystery series, then this is certainly worth checking out. As per the logline of the series, "What if everything you thought you knew about your life was a lie? Based on the NY Times Bestseller by Karin Slaughter, and from the Producers of Big Little Lies and The Undoing, Toni Collette and Bella Heathcote star in the new edge-of-your-seat thriller series, Pieces of Her."
Looking for other Netflix titles to check out? You might want to consider 'Ozark', 'Vikings: Valhala', 'The House', and 'The Adam Project'.
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After her mother Laura stops a shooting on her 30th birthday, Andy soon finds herself on the run. What comes after changes her life forever. Andy soon finds out that her mother is actually a rich heiress Jane Queller whose brother Jasper is running for vice president.
However, Jane has been living under witness protection due to her ties with Nick, a radical terrorist leader responsible for her grandfather's death and, by extension, her uncle's death as well. She soon realizes that this is not the whole truth either. It was, in fact, her mother Jane who orchestrated her grandfather's murder and pinned the blame on Nick.
'Pieces of Her' spins a web of lies that seem almost predictable early on, only for the truth to unravel at the very last minute. Joe Dempsie's performance as Nick convinces you that he is the bad guy right from the get-go. There is almost no subtlety that he is manipulating the Queller siblings and his abusive relationship with Jane seals the deal.
While his work as the big bad feels rather apparent, it works as a good smokescreen, as Jane's manipulation almost goes unnoticed. Jessica Barden's performance as a young Jane does come across as rather dry, however, in line with the twist, it certainly works to some level.
That being said, a bit more emotion from her end would have certainly been welcome. While the first four episodes certainly feel slow and dragged out, the latter half redeems it as it picks up pace rapidly. If you do decide to check out the series, hold out until the end.
'Pieces of Her' releases on Netflix on March 4, 2022.
