What I liked
The setting, casting, special effects, script, and blocking were all fantastic. The show did a great job of utilizing their time and space and told a concise, but engrossing story which stuck with me long after.
What I didn't like
More blood. There was plenty, but you can never go wrong with more.
My overall impression
A fantastic, innovative, and moving show. Heart Held does an exceptional job of showcasing the world it creates as it offers the perfect amount of information such that the audience can understand the setting and scenes, but also take away their own inferences as nothing is ever too rigidly defined. The show accomplishes this feat through incredible casting and engaging special effects.
To begin with the cast, the most glowing praise I can give is how remarkably in sync they are. The way they build off of each other and communicate as much with their body actions and facial expressions as they do through dialogue is stunning. This unspoken element works especially well when combined with the visceral nature of the breathtaking special effects.
Moving on to the special effects, it is clear that they take an already great show and add another dimension of sensation that had the audience both laughing and gasping. The oozing pus and sticky blood accentuate the primary metaphor of the world and add a strong visual component. This piece of the show serves to cement the violent and absurd mechanics the world revolves around as the visual reminders of blood and festering wounds emphasize the danger these characters face as they navigate the messy nature of relationships.
This depiction of emotional harm as exaggerated bodily harm is at once both amusing and disturbing. It is also one of the best depictions of relationships and the risks of vulnerability that I have seen. The show is excellent at establishing very real stakes that are felt as the viewer, but the inherent comedy in the surreal moments peppered throughout add a necessary degree of levity. The combination of the two allows for a more comfortable deeper dive into the theme and the reflections on relationships that the show offers for musing.
Overall, a terrific show that is bursting with talent and equipped with a gripping story set in a uniquely fascinating world.
