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The Outsider (2020)

2020 · Crime,Drama,Horror · crime-detective-puzzle, crime-psychological-profiler, fantasy

The Outsider poster

The Outsider is an HBO limited-series adaptation of Stephen King's novel, blending prestige crime procedural with slow-burn supernatural horror. Set in small-town Georgia, it begins with the brutal murder of a child and an apparently airtight case against a beloved local figure — then methodically dismantles rational certainty as an otherworldly explanation emerges. The first two episodes are widely praised as gripping; the middle stretch is frequently criticized as overlong and draggy. Ben Mendelsohn anchors the skeptical detective role while Cynthia Erivo's Holly Gibney is the breakout performance. Best suited to viewers who enjoy mood-heavy, atmospherically serious crime drama with a supernatural dimension and can tolerate deliberate pacing.

From the reviewers

The reason I kept watching was because of Cynthia Erivo's wonderful performance as Holly. Positive note to Ben Mendonsohn acting too.
Some of the adaptations of Stephen King's stories end up atrocious messes, but this one has real potential! Sublime acting.
you are hooked within the first ten minutes and you can't look away so put your phone on silent and your feet up to enjoy this suspenseful edge of your seat mystery!
The Outsider has everything you want in a good show...writing, acting, directing, cinematography, etc are all great.
This is like True Detective with a splash of supernatural from by Stephen King. It's got great actors like Ben Mendelsohn doing good character work. It has good atmospherics and great crime drama feels.

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