TV MINI SERIES REVIEW
Fried
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 33m
Director(s): Jessica Crooks, Richard Goss
Writer(s): Richard Goss
Cast: Richard Goss, Jake McDaid, Marcus Massey, Clifford Hume, Andrew Norman, Danielle Meehan, Georgia Carter
Where To Watch: TBA

RAVING REVIEW: FRIED takes us down some of the less-traveled corners of London; it offers a view far removed from the city's usual glitz and glam. This piece is a raw, unapologetic dive into the lives of those fighting to make ends meet, offering us a straightforward experience that delivers something profoundly real. Richard Goss and Jake McDaid deliver performances as Robert and Dave that are so authentic you can't help but feel entrenched in their struggle. This movie doesn't aim to comfort you in any way but rather to confront you, leaving an indelible mark on its audience.

Through this gritty narrative, Richard Goss stars, directs, writes, and produces the film, making FRIED an intensely personal yet universally resonant exploration of survival amidst despair. Although wearing so many hats may have caused his focus to be diluted from being 100% on any of the specific tasks. Ultimately, this ends up as a film that, while I appreciated many aspects, just falls right in the middle for me; it’s a film that, by definition, I didn’t hate but also didn’t love. The series is divided into four chapters, and the story unfolds with a blend of raw emotion and stark reality, offering a gripping and grim narrative.

The London depicted here is miles away from the postcard-perfect images we’re accustomed to seeing in cinema. It's a city that stands more as a foe than a friend to its protagonists, encapsulating their constant battle against life’s struggles. The episodic nature of FRIED accentuates this struggle, making the audience feel every bit of the characters' fight for existence.

With Goss at the helm, Jessica Crooks as co-director, and a dedicated cast and crew, the film balances humor with the gravity of its subject matter. It ventures deep into themes of addiction and mental health, providing a candid look at the struggles lurking in the city's darker corners. This blend of laughter amidst the gloom enriches the characters and highlights the systemic issues driving their despair.

The on-screen chemistry between McDaid and Goss is palpable, turning their complex back and forth into the narrative's driving force. Their performances, filled with tension and fragile alliance, guide the story to its unforgettable end, showcasing the power of nuanced acting in storytelling.

Despite its modest budget, FRIED impresses with its technical finesse, from the cinematography that captures London's grimy essence to the carefully chosen soundtrack that enhances the film's atmosphere. This resourcefulness is a testament to the creative spirit of indie filmmaking, proving that compelling stories can be told without blockbuster budgets. 

Within its confines, it's clear the film's true impact lies beyond its narrative and performances. It challenges viewers to look beyond the surface, confronting the uncomfortable truths of society's forgotten faces. While its rating might suggest an average film, FRIED is guaranteed to be a home run in some people's hearts. It's a bold, unflinching look at life’s harsh realities, infused with moments of dark humor. It is a poignant reminder of independent cinema's unique ability to entertain, enlighten, and evoke empathy.

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[photo courtesy of ODYSSEY 10 PRODUCTIONS]

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