Comedic Heart Unaltered Despite Darker Turn

Read Time:4 Minute, 29 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Only Murders in the Building S03
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Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 10 x 33m episodes
Creator(s): Steve Martin, John Hoffman
Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez
Where To Watch: premieres on Hulu on August 8, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: From the minds of Steve Martin and John Hoffman, the charm-filled ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING strides boldly into its third season. Once again, the quirky trio – Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), and Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) – dust off their detective caps to face their biggest hurdle yet. With stellar moments of comedic genius woven throughout the suspenseful drama, this season drops tantalizing hints of a climactic finale.

As the curtain lifts on the new season, we find true crime devotee Mabel seemingly alone in her concern about the escalating murders. Charles-Haden and Oliver, her sleuthing comrades, appear almost unconcerned; this creates a somewhat disjointed narrative. Meanwhile, guest stars of the caliber of Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd frequent the series, which was a pleasant surprise at every turn.

Among the overwhelming streaming and TV offerings, ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING has claimed a spot in the limelight. The unexpected delight of this comedic murder mystery has held audiences captive since its 2021 debut. Gomez's character skillfully offsets the comedic dynamism of Martin and Short as they sift through the grim remnants of a high-end New York residential murder while recording their hit podcast. It’s ironic because when I first saw this cast listing, I nearly fell over in disbelief, thinking there was no way it would work. Instead, it was a match made in heaven.

This season exploits the dramatic landscape of a theatre, a place brimming with rivalry, ambition, superstition, and the promise of sudden violence around every corner. It's the perfect setting for a murder mystery, and indeed, the theatre serves as a pivotal plot device in ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING’s latest act.

Each episode sees our unlikely trio – Savage, Putnam, and Mora – descend deeper into the enigma of the murder at The Arconia, their luxurious home. Despite the mind-bending twists and turns, they always manage to unmask the villain. This season, the recruitment of acting powerhouse Meryl Streep has injected new vigor into the trio's amateur detective exploits. Streep and an impressive supporting cast add another layer to the series' narrative. The heart and soul of the show remain intact, brimming with humor, clever banter, and a certain irresistible charm.

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING's latest installment takes a somewhat cautious approach to its central plot but remains entertaining. Like a well-crafted two-act musical, the narrative continually improves, presenting a gripping story. Its sharp humor and insightful commentary resonate with viewers, revealing relatable themes as the puzzle pieces gradually fall into place.

In the past, the series has skillfully interlaced intriguing mysteries with relevant themes. While the first season dealt with loneliness, the second unpacked the intricacies of legacy and familial ties. The third season's premiere catapults ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING to new heights. With a legion of potential suspects and a web of deadly clues, the third season starts with a bang, and the mystery thickens. Amidst the turmoil, Rudd shines in his role with some incredibly heartfelt scenes.

The lives of the central trio teeter on the edge of chaos in ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING's third season. Oliver immerses himself in his play, Mabel is determined to crack the case, and Charles struggles to balance both, causing their narratives to feel somewhat separate. Martin Short's performance as the quirky Oliver Putnam is a highlight, perfectly balancing comedic absurdity with empathy. Gomez and Martin provide nuanced performances, with Mabel wrestling with aimlessness and Charles wrestling with self-doubt. Their performances add depth to their roles while preserving the comedic heart of the show.

Despite a few hiccups, the series' enjoyment isn't compromised. The narrative dares to venture into darker territories without becoming cluttered or contrived. The mounting tension offers viewers a deeper understanding of their favorite characters. But, at its core, the show's charm lies in the protagonists' familial squabbles and their collective crime-solving efforts.

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[photo courtesy of HULU]

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