“Full Circle review – Steven Soderbergh’s noir series: a hit-and-miss journey”

Full Circle Review – Steven Soderbergh’s Hit-and-Miss Noir Series

An Overdose of Schemes

Film-maker Steven Soderbergh is known for his knack in bringing the complexities of heists, hustling, and slice-of-life dramas to the big and small screen. His latest offering, Full Circle, a star-studded limited series, attempts to weave a tangled web of secrets, plans, deceptions, and exploitations in present-day New York. However, the result is a visually distinctive yet narratively muddled thriller that leaves viewers wanting more.

Written by Soderbergh’s partner, Ed Solomon, who previously collaborated on projects like Mosaic and No Sudden Move, Full Circle delves into the world of crime bosses, stolen money, and a kidnapping. The series introduces a multitude of characters and storylines, throwing the audience into a whirlwind of numbers, accounts, and plot twists. While some viewers may find this complexity intriguing, others may find themselves lost and disengaged.

A Multilayered Plot

Full Circle explores a range of interconnected schemes and characters. It begins with the brutal murder of a crime boss’s brother-in-law, which sets off a chain of events involving an aging Asian American crime boss, a headstrong consigliere, and two young Guyanese boys brought to America under false pretenses. The series also incorporates elements of the occult and Caribbean folk religion, adding yet another layer of complexity to an already convoluted plot.

The central storyline revolves around a child kidnapping and the ensuing chaos caused by the accidental abduction of the wrong child. This leads to a ransom demand of $314,159, which is part of a ritual conducted by the crime boss to lift a curse on her family. From there, the story branches out to explore the unraveling of the kidnapped child’s parents and the connections between various characters.

Visual Style vs. Writing

Soderbergh’s directorial style shines through in Full Circle, with lingering shots and a vérité approach that immerses the audience in the characters’ lives. Claire Danes delivers a standout performance as Sam, the distraught mother grappling with the kidnapping of her son. However, the overall visual flair of the series doesn’t quite align with the writing. Solomon’s script often veers between oblique and obvious drops of exposition, leaving viewers craving a more cohesive storytelling approach.

A Frustrating Collection of Disparate Parts

While Full Circle has its moments, such as Soderbergh’s attention to detail and Danes’ compelling performance, it ultimately falls short of expectations. The series struggles to find a balance between its intricate plot and its execution, with archetypical scenes that never quite come together to create a fully immersive experience. Although the lack of a grand reveal or secret may be a deliberate choice, it may leave many viewers feeling unsatisfied.

Despite its flaws, Full Circle stays true to Soderbergh’s exploration of economic inequity and attempts to subvert it. While some viewers may not have the patience to see through the underwhelming plots, others may appreciate the series for its unconventional approach and visual flair. Full Circle is now available on Max in the US, with a UK release date yet to be announced.

Keywords: Film, Steven Soderbergh, Full Circle, noir, series, review, hit-and-miss, journey