Poker Face (2023) by Rian Johnson: review

  "Poker Face" by Rian Johnson:Review and Analysis 

In this utterly enthralling and utterly engrossing mystery series from Knives Out creator Rian Johnson, the bewitching Natasha Lyonne takes on the job of her career as a human lie detector. She drives the finest joyride of the 2023 TV season while evading a Vegas boss.

 

Overview : 

• Genres:Mystery Thriller, Comedy, Drama
• Network:Peacock
• Premiere Date:Jan 26, 2023
• Executive producers: Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman, Nora Zuckerman, Lilla Zuckerman, Natasha Lyonne, Iain B. MacDonald

Trailer : 

Review : 

"Poker Face," Rian Johnson's eagerly awaited new TV series, has finally debuted, and it is safe to say that it has surpassed all expectations. This show, which combines aspects of crime drama, suspense, and character-driven storytelling, is sleek, exciting, and intelligent. "Poker Face" is a must-see for aficionados of the genre thanks to its complex plot and engrossing performances.

The series, which is set in the realm of high-stakes poker, follows a group of players as they make their way through the competitive and perilous world of professional gambling. The series explores the psychological and emotional aspects of playing the game, digging into the motivations, desires, and fears that drive these characters. It features a diverse cast of characters, each with its special strengths and weaknesses.

The show's cinematography is among its best qualities. The play produces a rich and immersive atmosphere that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with its gloomy lighting, sharp editing, and expressive camera work. Daniel Pemberton's score is also noteworthy because it gives each scene an additional dimension of drama and tension.

Each actor in the cast of "Poker Face" gives outstanding performances that bring their characters to life, making for a truly excellent cast. John Boyega, who plays the lead, excels in the role, giving a deep and sophisticated portrayal that fully embodies the character's wit, cunning, and charisma. With notable performances from Nick Jonas, Jodie Turner-Smith, and other members of the supporting cast, the ensemble is also very strong.

"Poker Face" manages to find moments of humor and levity despite its high-stakes premise and tight setting, making it a well-rounded and engaging viewing experience. Each episode builds on the one before it, and the show's outstanding writing keeps viewers interested from beginning to end. Particularly the conclusion, which provides a satisfying resolution while leaving room for a potential continuation, is a wonderful work of narrative.

Additionally, "Poker Face" addresses significant social and political subjects, giving the program depth and resonance. The show addresses these subjects subtly and intelligently, covering everything from the corruption in the gambling industry to the interactions between different races and cultures. The interactions between the characters, who reflect a variety of backgrounds and experiences, are thought-provoking and significant.

The attention to detail in "Poker Face" is another feature that distinguishes it. Incredible realism is used to bring the world of high-stakes poker to life, down to the slang used by the players and the traditions and customs of the game itself. The writers and researchers of the show have put a lot of work into making sure that every component of the show is realistic and true to life, which increases the show's immersion and credibility.

Additionally, "Poker Face" is a prime example of superb storytelling, with each episode building on the one before it and retaining the interest of the viewer from beginning to end. The travels of the characters are emotionally resonant, and they are complicated and multidimensional. The show's surprises are startling, and its twists and turns are brilliantly conceived. "Poker Face" is the ideal illustration of a program that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking, and it is certain to have an impact on its viewers.

In conclusion, "Poker Face" is an outstanding TV show that you shouldn't miss. It is a show that will stick with you long after you've watched it due to its captivating characters, gorgeous cinematography, and thought-provoking issues. "Poker Face" is a series that is certain to please, regardless of whether you are a lover of the crime drama subgenre, a follower of Rian Johnson's work, or simply someone who enjoys excellent storytelling. Don't miss this show, which is a tour de force!

Keywords: "Poker Face," Rian Johnson, TV series, crime drama, suspense, character-driven storytelling, high-stakes poker, John Boyega, Jodie Turner-Smith, Nick Jonas, cinematography, Daniel Pemberton, humor, finale.

About : 

Rian Johnson, the filmmaker of the hit Agatha Christie-inspired films "Knives Out" and "Glass Onion," has been associated with the murder mystery subgenre. Johnson pays homage to a different traditional murder mystery style for his debut television series "Poker Face," the crime-of-the-week program that was well-liked in the 1970s and 1980s. In Natasha Lyonne, who stars in "Poker Face," a show on Peacock that premieres tomorrow, January 26, Johnson finds the charming crime-solving star that those programs depended on for viewer connection. The "Russian Doll" actress is a perfect fit for this popular crime drama that masterfully combines comedy and murder.

Charlie Cale (Lyonne), a lady on the run after disrespecting a powerful casino boss, is the subject of "Poker Face," but that is not where her troubles begin. She serves drinks and waits tables for a casino as a waitress in the show's pilot, "Dead Man's Hand." Sterling Frost Jr., the boss's son (Adrien Brody), has different intentions for Charlie. He will employ Charlie to discipline one of his gambling whales in his scheme. He is aware of her unique talent: she is a human lie detector who can distinguish between the truth and crap. It's more of an intuition that is useful in casinos rather than a supernatural ability. 

When he found out, he barred her from playing at his casinos. Money is involved in this possibility to assist Frost Jr., but there's also the issue that Charlie's friend has been murdered inexplicably. She has a sneaking suspicion that Cliff Legrand (Benjamin Bratt), Frost Jr., and their other accomplice are involved.

Every hour-long "Poker Face" episode adheres to a very rigid formula. In the first act, the guest stars are introduced, which sparks a crime. With flashbacks to before the murder, the second act demonstrates how Charlie has become entangled with this calamity. Each episode is like its own movie and is set in a different setting, be it the aforementioned casino, a well-known BBQ joint, an aged care facility, or even during a play. The series can be seen in any sequence, except for the pilot episode (and a few allusions to what happened in it, because each episode is its own self-contained story and doesn't have an impact on the loose underlying plot). 

The rarity of a series that doesn't depend on a serialized plot surely contributes to the nostalgic vibe that "Poker Face" frequently conveys.

A show like "Poker Face" needs both an engaging lead character that viewers can follow consistently and noteworthy guest stars to round out the murder-of-the-week formula. Finding a talent as compelling as Angela Lansbury or Peter Falk is something quite different than being inspired by legendary crime shows like "Murder, She Wrote" and "Columbo." Fortunately, Lyonne exudes magnetism; she is someone you want to spend time with. It is clear why the characters in "Poker Face" are lured into her sphere of influence. Lyonne has always had a raspy voice that easily identifies her as one of her other characteristics. The way she says her lines and the tone in her voice do make me think of Peter Falk, but that's not a good thing.

Episodes : 

1. Dead Man's Hand

Charlie Cale, a cocktail waitress in a casino with a remarkable talent for spotting deception, is determined to solve the mystery surrounding the sudden death of a close friend, even at the risk of her own life.

2. The Night Shift

Charlie, who is wounded and on the run, is forced to stop in remote New Mexico, where she works to clear the record of a trucker who has been accused of killing a local.

3. The Stall

When Charlie accepts a job at a family-run Texas BBQ restaurant, she is forced to use her perceptive abilities to uncover the truth behind a horrific tragedy.

4. Rest in Metal

Doxxxology is a disillusioned group of rockers who have spent decades trying to compose a new song, and Charlie joins them on tour with them. When one of the musicians dies, Charlie immediately suspects foul play.

5. Time of the Monkey

Charlie befriends two disobedient senior citizens who may have taken matters into their own hands while he is employed at a retirement community.

6. Exit Stage Death

A tragic incident occurs onstage as two former television stars are performing, interrupting Charlie's server shift at a dinner theater; when she begins to investigate, lethal motives are revealed.

7. Episode 7

Charlie Cale, a gifted investigator who has a remarkable talent for spotting deception, looks into incidents she comes across while traveling.

 8. Episode 8

While traveling, Charlie Cale, a talented investigator with a unique knack for identifying dishonesty, investigates occurrences she comes across...

 9. Episode 9

Inquiries into occurrences she encounters while traveling is conducted by Charlie Cale, a talented investigator with a remarkable knack for recognizing dishonesty.

 10. Episode 10

A skilled investigator with a unique knack for identifying dishonesty, Charlie Cale investigates occurrences she comes across while traveling.