Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
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Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Nguyen Le
    Nov 3, 2021
    88
    Kim’s signature propulsive visual storytelling and other choice spices bring big-screen sensibilities to small-screen material. ... Set an appointment, if you haven’t already.
  2. Reviewed by: Saloni Gajjar
    Nov 3, 2021
    83
    The writing seamlessly weaves the threads and characters together. Dr. Brain is so compelling, it doesn’t necessarily matter that the final answers to all the twists aren’t very surprising or complicated.
  3. Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Nov 4, 2021
    80
    “Dr. Brain” is incredibly weird in all the best ways. ... "Dr. Brain" is a tonal rollercoaster that doesn’t quite land in the final two episodes of the season like it promises, but there’s still more than enough to admire in this crazy genre hybrid that’s designed to mess with your head.
  4. Reviewed by: Nick Schager
    Nov 3, 2021
    80
    Dr. Brain is a jumble of influences, from Frankenstein and Re-Animator to Inception (to name just a few). Director Kim, however, amalgamates with aplomb, creating something that feels fresh even though the traces of its predecessors are easy to identify.
  5. Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Nov 3, 2021
    80
    The one [Apple TV+] have is, in its relatively quiet and only slightly sensational way, better [than Netflix's "Squid Game"]. ... Kim pours on less syrup than the norm, and for most of its run, “Dr. Brain” is a classy and absorbing entertainment.
  6. Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    Nov 4, 2021
    75
    The final two episodes of “Dr. Brain” may frustrate the give-it-to-me-straight-no-more-dream-sequences-please crowd, i.e., my fellow Americans. But as a genre mashup, and craftsmanship, the series is super-sleek, very violent and pretty sharp.
  7. Reviewed by: Joel Keller
    Nov 3, 2021
    70
    Dr. Brain is a well-written exploration of science that perhaps goes too far, especially in the hands of someone so curious. We just hope it keeps that interesting premise and doesn’t become another run-of-the-mill thriller.
  8. Reviewed by: Matthew Monagle
    Nov 4, 2021
    67
    For a series predicated on the fantastical, there’s a sense that too much in “Dr. Brain” is meant to play it safe.