Today, Foxtel unveils the next HBO series, The Third Day, but is it worth checking in?
Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that The Third Day is a six-hour drama divided into two sections, three episodes each. The first trio is called ‘Summer’, which is what this review will focus on.
‘Summer’ opens on Sam (Jude Law), a husband and father who’s on a soul-cleansing excursion following a personal tragedy. While walking in the wilderness he spots two kids playing, except things aren’t as they appear and Sam is quickly drawn into the life of Epona (Jessie Ross), a troubled individual who lives in Osea. Upon taking her home, Epona is whisked away to the pub, owned by Mr and Mrs Martin (Paddy Considine and Emily Watson, respectively).
Sam is suffering his own problems and need to make a call, but the island’s phones are down and his concern for Epona is compelling him to stay. He is offered a room for the night where he meeting Jess (Katherine Waterston), a historian who’s come to Osea for the town’s fall festival. She divulges that island’s customs and, without spoiling everything, what seems like a harmless island is anything but.
Writer Dennis Kelly provides an adventure that will surprise and, at times, terrify you. As we are drawn into not only Sam’s struggles but the mysteries of Osea, it’s hard not to keep watching.
There’s no doubt that Jude Law is compelling, but it’s Jessie Ross who surprises in such an impressive cast.
I’d suggest doing this one on a weekly basis.
3 Stars
Premiering 8:30pm Monday, December 7, on FOX SHOWCASE, with new episodes weekly. Or binge all six episodes on On Demand from midday.
