A showcase of what’s both amazing and frustrating about Netflix (and/or OTT content providers)
The positive side is that the production value of Wormwood is amazing. It’s right up there with a high quality Hollywood release. (It was nice to finally see Netflix allow an aspect ratio wider than 1.85:1, too.) The cinematography, the score, the casting, period-accurate motifs, etc., it was all very impressive. The story is great (which is what really matters), with Errol Morris adding another worthy addition to his legacy of work.
The downside, however, is Netflix’s over obsession with series. What would have made an excellent 2 hour documentary was instead stretched out into 6(!) pieces. By the 4th installment, I could barely handle the recreations anymore— no matter how well they were shot. I was totally hooked on the story, but watching it all in one sitting was sometimes excruciating.
Series can be great if the material genuinely deserves that format, but this didn’t feel like a series— it felt like a documentary that was needlessly stretched out by order of Netflix. As a documentary under 2 hours, I think I would’ve have easily rated it an 8.