Sharp Objects Premiere Review: In My House, You're My Daughter

"Sharp Objects" premiered on HBO on July 8th. It is based on the 2006 novel by the same name by Gillian Flynn. Yes, she's also the author of "Gone Girl" (so that makes the series more interesting to me right off the bat). Camille Preaker (Amy Adams) returns to her home town of Windy Gap, Missouri to investigate the murders of two girls-- Ann Nash and Natalie Keene. It seems a serial killer is on the loose.

Everyone in this small town has secrets. Camille is a self harming hallucinatory alcoholic.We see through flashbacks that her sister Marian died as a child. We dont know the specifics yet. Camille's mother Adora Crellin (the always amazing Patricia Clarkson) seems to blame Camille for the death. Adora, second husband Alan and daughter Amma live in a beautiful old Victorian house. Adora is VERY concerned with her status in the community as well as overly dramatic about everything. She says to Camille "When you're here, everything you do comes back to me". Geez, self absorbed much? Adora in her flowing gowns seems something right out of a Southern gothic novel.

There's also a cast of mysterious characters. Camiille's boss in Saint Louis is Frank. He's trying to help her get back on her feet after "something" happened. But again, we dont know details. The family members of the murdered girls are suspect (as is often the case). There's the usual townies who seem friendly to Camille (but are actually a pack of vultures in disguise). Only Adora's ex BFF Jackie (Elizabeth Perkins) is truly kind to Camille. Then there's Vickery (the police chief) and detective Richard Willis (Chris Mesina). He's called into town to help with the case. He's trying to understand the townsfolk and asks Camille for insight. It's too early to determine the killer but I'm not ruling anyone else yet. I'm keeping a special eye on the women.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). I'm excited about "Sharp Objects'" potential. It has been compared to the first season of "True Detective" in terms of its atmosphere and quirky characters. I'm especially enchanted by Amy Adams portrayal of this damaged woman. And with just eight episodes total, "Sharp Objects" is a quick watch. Just a warning: The show is a slow burn so might not be for everyone. So far, I'm having a great time though.