Homecoming (TV series)

Hi movie fans!

Have you been looking for a gripping TV series...something really different, and really well done?  Then consider Julia Roberts in Homecoming.

Check out the pics above.  Note how Julia has aged. Yeah, it's a bit of a shocker to compare the two pics.  But hey, we all get older, even movie stars!  Yet, Julia looking older is perfect for this very serious role.

Never the spoiler, I'll try to provide a brief review that suggests why this series is gripping.

The storyline centers around returning vets who suffer PTSD.  Looks like Julia, as Heidi Bergman, is a counselor doing great things for the traumatized soldiers.  She seems to care deeply for their welfare as she helps them cope with feelings of angst after time overseas.

But wait!

There's something nefarious afoot!  Why does Heidi's supervisor hound her to keep better records?  Why do soldiers seem to be getting better so easily?  Why does Heidi sense she's doing something terribly wrong?

Is Julia Roberts effective in her role as the troubled therapist?  She is spot-on!  If you thought she is shallow because of past roles in Mystic Pizza or Pretty Woman, think again!  Julia Roberts demonstrates a depth of character that dazzles!

Don't be surprised at closeups of the actress with no makeup, with a sad, dour look that underscores her ethical dilemma at being involved in a process that does not "feel" right.  Her character, Heidi Bergman, digs deep into your soul.

Then there's Heidi's boss and mentor, the sleezy, bully type played perfectly by Bobby Cannavale.  The actor is best-known for his bad-guy role on Boardwalk Empire.  He is soon to reprise his usual gangster persona with Al Pacino on Martin Scorsese's forthcoming thriller, The Irishman.

In Homecoming, Cannavale has a certain unsettling infamy about him that keeps us glued to the screen.  He is the guy we come to despise.

A final comment:  The photography in this series could well be the most original I've seen.  There are closeups of actors that let you see the very pores of their skin. There are shots from above, and shots from below, and shots in shadows, and simply the most stylized scenes you can imagine.  Watch for the the unique camera work when you enjoy the series.

Bottom line:  If you decide to view this imaginative, crazy-original made-for-TV series, don't plan on doing much else.  We binge-watched it 'til all hours, and then wondered if we should sleep at all rather than watch the rest of the night!  Haha.

Homecoming is a winner.