Television series or films are always collaborations between so many people, and they can often create some of the best stories. Daniels, The Coen or Russo Brothers, and many others have co-created so many amazing films when they’re able to be in sync. The Third Day is another example of an even larger collaboration that’s able to tell a consistent story in just six episodes with very distinct halves.
Each half is told through the eyes of two difference characters, Sam (Jude Law) and Helen (Naomi Harris) with a different director. This storytelling approach creates a unique way to tell the story about Osea, an island off the coast of England whose traditions date back to the Roman Empire. That empire created a causeway to the island that is only accessible during low tide.
The first three episodes are directed by Marc Munden and feature Sam as the protagonist. The last three follow Helen and are directed by Phillipa Lowthorpe. Additionally, each half has different cinematographers and music directors to create a unique feel for each character’s perspectives.
Residents of Osea help to explain the mélange of Christian, Celtic, and pagan beliefs that set the stage for this folk-horror story bit by bit. Since this genre is becoming more visible these days, it’s easy to compare this show to films like Midsommar or other ‘mysterious island’ series like Lost. An outsider (Sam and Helen in their respective episodes) gets pulled into the island’s events and uncoversthe dark side of the idyllic location. Unlike the meandering and improvised Lost, The Third Day uses half the episodes of one of Lost’s later seasons to tell a more nuanced story with more finesse and heft.
However, the focus of series could be seen as a six-hour exploration of grief, as the instigating incident is the death of young boy (which happens off-screen). Each of the main characters and residents of the island are all affected by this death and their reactions create the bulk of the plot. While some of the twists are a little predictable, the mystery is well-executed, the atmosphere consistent, and the cinematography mesmerizing. The different directors also manage to keep a consistent story through their halves.
Law and Harris’ acting is, as always, nuanced and real, delivering some gut punches in their respective episodes. Also amazing are Paddy Considine and Emily Watson as the tender-tongued Mr. Martin and the foul-mouthed Mrs. Martin respectively, owners of the island’s pub. Watson has some of the best lines in the series, and often steals whatever scene she’s in.
All episodes are streaming on HBO
—Eric Beach