- Network: HULU
- Series Premiere Date: May 24, 2023
Critic Reviews
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Its practices are eerily reminiscent of modern American iterations, like NXIVM. That historical basis, and nimble fictionalized mystery led by a bewitching Otto, make The Clearing a captivating Aussie transplant that burrows deep into cult psychology and its lifelong effects, without feeling exploitative.
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“The Clearing” eerily succeeds in making us feel how hard it is to break the bonds from a cult-like figure and entity. The evocative cinematography and nervy performances (Guy Pearce reflects the analytical face of evil) keep you on edge and uncertain where this one’s heading throughout.
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It’s great pacing for a thriller series with so much secrecy involved, keeping us curious and wanting to come back for more all the while still giving enough information so that we can start figuring some things out on our own. If the rest of The Clearing’s season maintains the same rhythm, this series will most definitely be a hit with mystery fans.
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While TV often deploys split timelines to feign narrative depth and spring gimmicky twists, The Clearing’s temporal structure deftly elucidates the cult’s devastating legacy. Freya’s profound trauma courses through every scene she’s in.
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Though at times these early episodes play like a procedural stretched across more episodes than necessary, the cast's work and the fascinating, repulsive story that inspired the series make it compelling enough to suggest it will be worth pushing through the rest of the series. Just don't expect, given how closely these first episodes stick to the facts of the case, what's to come to be any less uncomfortable.