Emmy Rossum Elevates 'Furious' to a Gripping Crime Drama With Strong Performances: TV Review

The Hulu crime drama 'Furious' is a gripping exploration of trauma, abuse, and the complexities of the human psyche. Loosely inspired by the 1987 thriller 'Black Widow,' the series has several other, and frankly stronger, influences at work. Creator Elizabeth Meriwether ('New Girl,' 'The Dropout') has masterfully woven a narrative that delves into the darker aspects of human nature, raising questions about the cyclical nature of violence, abuse, and trauma. By swapping out a serial killer of rich men for a child trafficking victim who targets her former abusers, Meriwether has effectively flipped the script on the original film, infusing the series with a fresh perspective on the trauma tropes that often dominate the genre.

At the heart of 'Furious' lies a complex and intense dynamic between the lead characters, Catherine (Lola Petticrew of 'Say Nothing') and Alice (Emmy Rossum, also an executive producer). Both women are survivors of trauma, each with their own unique scars and coping mechanisms. Catherine, a child trafficking victim, is a study in contrasts - simultaneously captivating and terrifying, with a vulnerability that belies her deadly intentions. Alice, a rookie FBI agent, is a blue-collar survivor of a rough-and-tumble upbringing in a major city, struggling to come to terms with her own traumatic past and her complicated relationship with her ex-partner, Marshall (Jake Lacy). The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their parallel storylines serve as a masterful exploration of the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator, and the ways in which trauma can shape and define us.

Ariel Marx's haunting, partially vocalized score perfectly complements the tone of the show, creating a sense of unease and tension that permeates every scene. The score is a masterclass in restraint, never overpowering the action on screen, yet always underscoring the emotional stakes of the characters. The cinematography is equally impressive, capturing the gritty, rain-soaked streets of New York City in a way that feels both visceral and intimate. But it's the performances that truly elevate 'Furious,' with Pettricrew and Rossum delivering performances that are both raw and nuanced, bringing depth and complexity to their characters.

'Furious' also raises important questions about the role of the justice system in addressing trauma and abuse. Nora Washington (Quincy Tyler Bernstine), Alice's supervisor, is a seasoned pro who is jaded by the system's inability to hold perpetrators accountable. 'I'm so fucking angry,' she says, her frustration palpable. 'We're just treating the symptoms, not the root cause of the problem.' Her words serve as a commentary on the ways in which the justice system often fails to acknowledge the complexities of trauma and abuse, instead relying on tired tropes and stereotypes. 'Furious' is at its best when it challenges these tropes, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.

The series also explores the theme of female victimhood, and the ways in which women are often expected to conform to certain scripts and narratives. 'Everybody likes it when there's a sweet little woman lying on the floor, cut up in pieces,' Nora observes. 'In refusing to become that woman, both Catherine and Alice turn into something less palatable.' The series is unflinching in its portrayal of the trauma and abuse that women experience, refusing to shy away from the harsh realities of their lives. Instead, it offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of trauma and abuse, and the ways in which women break free from the limited scripts that are assigned to them.

The first three episodes of 'Furious' are now streaming on Hulu, with remaining episodes airing weekly on Mondays.

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