'Landscapers' Mini-Series Review: A highly creative murder mystery mini-series

I've known about this show for a few years now, and it's one I probably should've watched back when it actually came out considering a person in my family worked on the show, and would share behind-the-scenes images of it as it was in production, quite excited at the fact that they had worked alongside two actors that we've both appreciated for their performances in other English productions we've thoroughly enjoyed: David Thewlis for his horrific performance in Naked, and Olivia Colman for her oblivious character in Peep Show. Thewlis has gone on to create a diverse set of characters in different genres, within English productions and spanning into the larger Hollywood side of things, as has Colman with hits like The Favourite. It's nice to see actors from the UK making some big waves abroad, but also coming back home and working on mini-series and short stories still. Thewlis even ended up in a season of Fargo, after all!

I ended up remembering Landscapers simply out of having nothing else to watch at the moment. I wanted something different, something that seemed a bit shorter and wouldn't take up too much of my time. Nothing with lengthy seasons and a large number of episodes. And smaller shows are a rarity these days. Mini-series with just four or so episodes in its entirety! These tend to be really concise, strong stories as well. Every aspect of their narratives considered, with good enough character development but also a stronger cinematic side given a larger budget to be allocated across a smaller number of episodes. Landscapers being a collaboration between some English production companies but also HBO, which is interesting given HBO doesn't offer its online services in the United Kingdom at all for some reason. Anyway, let's talk about Landscapers! And no, not the people that fix up the gardens and parks a bit.

I really love the way this was filmed, in such a theatrical way that sometimes pops lights out of nowhere and highlights a certain character. How sometimes there's depth used in the shot to pull attention from one character in the foreground and another in the background. The switch from real locations to sudden stages as a character describes a scenario in the past to another. It's a really creative show in how it's directed, especially with the set design which has a strong attention to detail. Not to forget the incredible cinematography that utilises really soft, warm lighting but also really smooth bokeh from the use of 2x anamorphic lenses, some vintage lenses, and others. I read a bit about the cinematographer and his interest in using such lenses for the show, and you really notice how beautiful the images are, without that often distracting anamorphic look which doesn't always translate into some stories and environments. Instead, it's perfect here. Lenses flare on police car lights, but not interior ones. Perhaps the odd candle.

I won't say too much about the narrative given the lack of knowing is precisely what makes it so engaging, but supposedly it's based loosely on a true story. Regarding a rather odd couple from the United Kingdom that moved to France and lived a struggling life trying to figure things out all over again. Though there's a dark history within their story that remains unknown for the most part: they're suspects in a double murder case regarding the woman's parents. Though nobody really knows the truth, and as the story progresses this question continues to come into play: did they do it? Were they instead also victims of the events that unfolded that night? Would criminals willingly turn themselves in by returning to the UK in attempt to clear their names?

The story is one that evolves around romance and connection, two odd folks that manage to find solace in each other, though to any other they may seem a bit suspicious. But as I mentioned: it's a story that keeps pulling you along. Perhaps they are a bit strange, but that's all. Perhaps they're both innocent. Perhaps it's a story on how those neglected can turn out with some strange characteristics and habits that may seem incriminating to others? Anyway, that's all I'm going to say about the story. It's well worth the watch. Check it out.