The Sinner: A gripping, suspenseful psychological thriller spearheaded by Bill Pullman as Detective Ambrose, it's available on Netflix.
The Sinner isn't just about a crime drama but a kind of psychological autopsy—the measured excavation into the human mind pushed to its limits. Each season is self-contained; it's an independent story and, in essence, a self-contained riddle whereby the crime is only a way into the web of darkness.
Bill Pullman's Detective Harry Ambrose is an interesting fellow—a man haunted by his demons while he searches into twisted minds. The portrayal defines a master class in under-stated depth as he navigates the dark waters of human morality with a mix of empathy and detachment.
What really makes The Sinner stand out is its ability to blur these very lines separating the victim from the criminal. It forces us to question the morality we all hold and our perceptions of the capacity for evil. It does not steer away from going into complexities around trauma, abuse, and long-lasting childhood experiences.
Although it is based on truth that the series does occasionally tread into land that might be regarded as gratuitous, it is always at the service of the narrative and continues to push the boundaries of psychological thrillers.
If you're into character-driven dramas that always have a rendezvous with your guesswork until the last minute, then The Sinner is an out-and-out must-watch psychological thriller. Just be prepared to have your perceptions challenged and your empathy tested.
TV Series - The Sinner - 2017–2021
Creator - Derek Simonds
IMDb RATING - 7.9/10