The Patient

This is a deeply uncomfortable series that follows a therapist who has been kidnapped by a patient of his who is a serial killer.

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Over ten episodes, as we watch Steve Carell's character try to work with the killer (and process the events that happen while he is chained to the floor) we begin to wonder who is actually the patient.

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Making Steve’s character a practicing Jew and his wife a cantor, is a strong choice. The religious considerations add a lot of depth to the story. In the time he is left alone in the basement, Steve’s character grapples with his treatment of his orthodox son as well as his behavior related to his wife’s death.

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Domhnall Glesson, who plays the killer, is superb. The way he portrays this character - the way he carries his body, speaks, and fidgets - adds a lot of torturous stress to the situation. I did a lot of yelling at the screen while watching this, I was so distressed.

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This intense mini-series changed my perception of Steve Carell. He can definitely hold his own in a non-comedic role.

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