It's no secret that it's hit-and-miss when it comes to Netflix's original movies and TV series, but their new release Dead to Me knocks it out of the park.
The ten episode dramedy hones in on Jen (Christina Applegate), a newly widowed woman full of angst and vengeance following the hit-and-run death of her husband. She then meets the eccentric and sprightly Judy (Linda Cardellini) at a grief counselling group and finds herself forming a kinship with the fellow widow, unaware of the secrets her new friend harbours.
Channelling vibes similar to 2018's mystery flick A Simple Favour, Liz Feldman's (writer for 2 Broke Girls, Ellen) latest creation finds a pleasant median between sassy and serious, delivering a refreshing take on how the tolls of grief affect people in their own ways.
There's an undeniable chemistry between stars Applegate (Married with Children) and Cardellini (Scooby Doo, Daddy's Home). Applegate comes to life as Jen, despite the fact that her character is grappling with her husband's death all while trying to raise two boys of her own. She's cynical and has a bite far worse than her bark, but as the series moves along it's not hard to see that she's just trying to keep it all together. Cardellini is a powerhouse, portraying Judy with an absurd brilliance that forces you to sympathise with her despite the many secrets she keeps. The pair indulge in each other's misery and come out the other side worse for wear, but not without some small victories.
Westworld's James Marsden also brings his boyish charm and dazzling good looks to the party, with his character only adding to the manipulative twists that take place throughout the show.
Dead To Me's half-hour episodes and compelling plot is a welcome invitation to devour the entire first season in one sitting. It's heartbreaking, hilariously morbid and everything you need to tide yourself over on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
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