A couple of years ago, the dynamic duo of writer Ed Solomon and filmmaker Steven Soderbergh gave us the critically acclaimed noir, "No Sudden Move." They've returned, weaving another intricate story of concealed truths and betrayals in Max's limited series, "Full Circle." This six-part drama boasts an extraordinary ensemble and assured direction from Soderbergh. It suffers from a few too-convenient plot turns. However, it prompts one to think that a feature-length cut might have been more concise. But, the series still holds ample appeal.
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Initially, "Full Circle" gives the impression of being a classic abduction narrative, bearing shades of Ron Howard’s "Ransom." The tale centers around the kidnapping of a child from an affluent lineage. However, things aren't what they seem. The elaborate plot, masterminded by Guyanese magnate Mahabir (CCH Pounder), spirals into chaos almost instantly. The motivation is more than mere ransom; it's an attempt to settle scores tied to a past event in Guyana, painting a picture where characters' motivations extend beyond their immediate desires.
Parents Derek (Timothy Olyphant) and Sam (Claire Danes) initially assume their son Jared's (Ethan Stoddard) abduction is motivated by money, especially given their affluent background and Jared's grandfather, the famous Chef Jeff (Dennis Quaid). The kidnappers, a motley crew including Mahabir’s relative Aked (Jharrel Jerome), his former flame Natalia (Adia), and youngsters Xavier (Sheyi Cole) and Louis (Gerald Jones), demand an unconventional ransom: $314,159. This peculiar amount, noted by Jeff to mirror the beginning digits of pi, isn't a problem for the wealthy family. Yet, as the story unfolds, unexpected turns and dire decisions emerge, revealing the complexity of the characters involved.
Thrust into this chaos is a U.S. Postal Inspection Service officer, Harmony (Zazie Beetz). She’s on Mahabir's trail, investigating a string of insurance frauds. While contending with her sleazy boss Manny (a role expertly played by Jim Gaffigan) and navigating her personal life, Harmony diligently works to uncover the connections between Mahabir, Aked, and the kidnapped boy's family. Although the narrative occasionally treads the boundary of believability, Soderbergh’s adept filmmaking ties the elements together. From intimate shots to Zack Ryan's engaging score, reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann's work, "Full Circle" exemplifies the finesse Soderbergh brings to his projects.
Moreover, Soderbergh's knack for eliciting stellar performances is evident. As secrets from the past resurface, male characters like Manny, Jeff, and Derek seem to be unraveling. The performances by Olyphant, Gaffigan, and Quaid are nuanced, avoiding overt caricatures. Claire Danes, a master of the "stressed executive" persona, beautifully unravels the mysteries that form the crux of "Full Circle." Zazie Beetz brilliantly portrays Harmony, a sharp mind stifled by an uninspiring work environment, driving much of the story's pace. However, it's Jerome, portraying Aked, who steals the show with a portrayal marked by raw vulnerability.
While the series maintains a palpable tension throughout, the concluding episode feels slightly underwhelming, considering the build-up. Nevertheless, Soderbergh closes with a poignant shot, subtly conveying the cyclic nature of actions and their repercussions, reminding viewers that, in life, things often come full circle.
