Official Trailer:
On paper the writing sounds funny and interesting. But it is whole another challenge to stage it visually on the screen. Things fall flat on screen. The Residence is a masterclass on how to stage and narrate the story. Director, Writer and Editor have paid close attention to details on the dialogue, visuals, when and where to cut. The outcome is visually striking – the quick cuts add details to the ongoing conversation – interrogation scenes or the senate hearing or switching between witnesses on their opinion of a person. One person ran out, 3 people ran out, a full crowd ran out🤣 The thrilling mystery keeps us hooked from start to finish. Great script, whimsical, ROFL humor, high production value, first-rate performances by all. Uzo Aduba is undoubtedly the highlight, with her magnetic performance as detective Cordelia Cupp. An amazing actor.
The story revolves around Chief Usher’s death at the White House that leads to a complex investigation full of twists and turns. We jump from one suspect to another. The show combines suspense with character development for every suspect. It adds depth and we connect with the characters. The dialogues are sharp and engaging. The pacing is tight. Just when we think we have figured it out, a new revelation gets thrown at us. We move from one room to another room as the dead body gets moved around. The satire doesn’t leave anyone out – President, first husband, senators, deals (Greenland, fracking under SFO, get rid of education), and Australians – everyone gets lampooned. Bird watcher trait adds depth to Cordelia Cupp’s character. Bird watching like detective work requires patience, pattern recognition, and sharp observation. Her investigation progresses similar to bird watching – easy to identify birds (eliminate those who have nothing to hide) to hard ones (potential suspects to possible third person). Loved the comparison to birds – don’t pick up the binoculars soon, mockingbird and blink, Yellow-throated Longclaw and pattern recognition, Antpitta and rare to find, Mountain Chickadee and memory, Passenger Pigeon and the potential third person. If you guessed the murderer before the reveal, even if the person is in your top 3 list, you are as good as Cordelia Cupp and Elliot’s mom 👏😀