Landscapers

Landscapers is an intriguing limited series on Sky Atlantic, first airing in 2021. This psychological drama, based on real-life events, focuses on two seemingly ordinary individuals intrinsically linked to an extraordinary crime, raising questions about true crime, love, and personal identity.

Landscapers is centered on the lives of Susan and Christopher Edwards, a seemingly harmless middle-aged British couple played by the talented duo, Olivia Colman, and David Thewlis. The story brings the audience face to face with the contrast between their outwardly innocent appearance and their inner dangerous dynamism.

The show is ingeniously crafted, exploiting the unusual nature of its narrative, by holding the viewer's attention through an unexpected blend of semi-comedic and suspenseful storytelling, veering away from the traditionally sombre tone one would expect from a crime-based drama.

Olivia Colman steps into the character of Susan Edwards, a former librarian with an impactful online presence and a complex personality. Her disposition fluctuates between vulnerability, guilt, conviction, and sometimes, offbeat humor. Colman’s transformation for this role is clearly evidenced in her dialect, demeanor, and the physicality of her character.

David Thewlis, on the other hand, brings to life the reserved and more passive character of Christopher Edwards. Despite his subdued nature, Christopher is shown to be an ardent lover of cinema, uncovering another layer in his character. Thewlis' portrayal of Edwards establishes a stark contrast in their personalities. However, together, their bond, in its complexity and authenticity, forms the heart of Landscapers.

The show's narrative is steered by Susan and Christopher's perspectives, which lends the storyline an engaging twist. While being based on a true crime, Landscapers beautifully distances itself from the convention of being a detective-led thriller or investigative drama. Instead, it takes viewers deep into the psyche and thought process of its central characters, slowly unveiling their story layer by layer. There’s a clever narrative trick being played here, where the narrative delineates playfully between the mundane and the macabre, creating a rich, strange, and compelling portrayal.

Landscapers takes a singular approach, intertwining reality with fantasy. As the plot unfolds, the characters delve deep into a nest of their shared fantasies and intricate lies, leaving the audience questioning the blurred lines between the truth and their elaborate fabrications.

The series distinguishes itself from other true-crime dramas via its fascinating structure and narrative style. It presents a combination of cinematic flashbacks and elements of theater, frequently shuffling between time periods and events. These fresh directorial choices make Landscapers feel lyrical and cinematic. The show has been noted for its stunning visuals – vast landscapes, captivating cinematographic play with light and shadows, and intricate details in its set designs, reinforcing the immersive experience.

The script of Landscapers is penned by Ed Sinclair, who skillfully spins this dark tale with elements of absurdity and intense love at its core. The storytelling neither exonerates nor glorifies Susan and Christopher, rather, it showcases an unbiased depiction of their lives leading up to the crime.

Director Will Sharpe adds his significant personal touch, weaving the material into a unique blend of styles: comedy, true crime, romance, and psychological thrill. The direction is deeply immersive and steers clear of predictable narrative patterns, which makes Landscapers a remarkable feast of splendid, offbeat storytelling.

To sum up, Landscapers threads a complicated narrative, smoothly oscillating between dark humor and dramatic suspense. It is an exploration of love and human psyche hidden beneath the veil of an infamous crime. It brilliantly handles its dueling genres, weaving together moments of sinister suspense and unexpected comedy into a captivating narrative. Offering a fresh take on true crime genre, it tells an unusual love story of two seemingly ordinary people who become the protagonists of their shared, surreal world of lies and fantasy. With its stellar cast, compelling narrative, and superb execution, Landscapers stands as an engrossing addition to Sky Atlantic's slate of content.