If I’d heard M. Night Shyamalan was producing a horror series, I immediately wanted to check it out. Somehow, with so many movies vying for my attention, I forgot the show had premiered at the end of November. It's been largely overlooked, and I can’t figure out why people haven’t been talking about it more. Servant is easily one of the best new TV shows I've seen in years. While everyone is quick to credit Shyamalan, I think that’s a mistake. Tony Basgallop created and wrote the series; only five other directors worked on it besides Shyamalan, who directed the first and ninth episodes. I’m a fan of Shyamalan, and his name alone would usually be enough to convince me to watch anything. He's what initially sparked my interest in Servant. However, what really hooked me was the mysterious premise. From the very beginning until the final episode, each installment is full of unanswered questions, vague answers, and an abundance of suspense. Beyond being exceptionally well-written, the dialogue is filled with tension and a palpable sense of unease. Each director does a wonderful job establishing a creepy atmosphere, using different camera angles to create that unsettling feeling. The story primarily takes place within the Turner’s house, which contributes to a claustrophobic vibe I really enjoy. Because it's largely confined to one location, it keeps your focus entirely on what’s happening with each member of the family. I don’t usually feel compelled to binge an entire season; I prefer waiting a week for the next episode so I can process what happened and consider a character's actions or why a particular plot choice didn’t quite work. I don’t believe someone who binges seven seasons of something like Game of Thrones will have the same emotional connection to the story and its characters as someone who waited years for the final season—it’s simply a different experience. Still, Servant consistently left me wanting to watch the next episode immediately. I realize not everyone will enjoy it, and I know people dislike hearing this, but Servant isn't a show that explains everything. It doesn’t offer answers until very late in the story, and even then, it leaves room for different interpretations. Each episode is quite ambiguous and puzzling, sometimes raising more questions than providing answers or clues. For some viewers, its success or failure will depend on how satisfying the final episode's revelations are. If you don’t like that kind of series, it might be best to skip it. However, if this sounds appealing, settle in and enjoy this fantastic show created by Basgallop with Shyamalan’s involvement. I have to praise the cinematography (Mike Gioulakis, who previously worked with Shyamalan on Glass and Split, and Jordan Peele on Us). The long takes are essential for keeping your attention focused on the characters and what they're saying. Combined with seamless editing (and the unusual short runtime—thirty minutes per episode feels a bit odd these days), almost every episode flies by. The pacing is expertly controlled, which allows the show to flow very well. The set design and production quality are always important in stories that take place primarily in one location, and Servant doesn't disappoint in those areas. There’s also a terrific score (Trevor Gureckis). It’s my first watch from Apple TV+, and I appreciate that the company is giving talented filmmakers the chance to prove themselves instead of just throwing money at big-budget CGI spectacles. The cast is truly exceptional, and they deserve recognition—a good screenplay can be ruined by actors who don't deliver. All four main performers are outstanding! Toby Kebbell hasn’t previously impressed me, but he demonstrates his talent here. He handles lengthy dialogue with ease, and his close-ups are particularly captivating. The cooking scenes are also visually striking (though I would caution that they might be a bit much for some viewers). Lauren Ambrose seemed out of place at first, but once I understood her character’s background, her performance made complete sense; her work in the finale gave me chills. Rupert Grint and Nell Tiger Free were two unbelievably pleasant surprises. The former has finally broken free from his Harry Potter image and shown what he's capable of—a truly engaging performance. As for Nell (who didn’t get to showcase her abilities as Myrcella Baratheon in Game of Thrones), she plays the most important role of all. She’s the outlier, the source of conflict, the strange and unsettling character. It was essential that she be absolutely perfect to make viewers question her motivations, and she succeeded. She's undeniably the biggest revelation of the series. I can't understand why Servant isn’t more popular; I’m frustrated by how few people have actually seen it. It deserves far more recognition. Featuring a phenomenal cast, especially Rupert Grint and Nell Tiger Free, Tony Basgallop created an incredibly intriguing, mysterious, suspenseful, and intense show with the help of M. Night Shyamalan. The brilliant, tension-filled dialogue helps generate a creepy atmosphere, enhanced by some terrific cinematography (Mike Gioulakis). Filmed mostly in one location, the set and production design significantly contribute to the claustrophobic environment. The narrative is ambiguous throughout; it’s not an exposition-driven story. If you don't appreciate shows that ask more than they answer, then it might be best to skip this one. But if you love stories that make you think and question everything, Servant is a masterpiece. Rating: A

Source on TMDB