Incompleteness (2023) Series Review

Series Review

The show embraces its limitations, aspects viewers are conditioned to accept. However, it stumbles when it comes to tackling challenges head-on, leaving the audience somewhat unsatisfied. The title and design of the show reflect its commitment to exploring the limitations and challenges presented by Gödel's theorem. This mathematical idea has even been used in debates about the existence of God or similar divine entities. Despite some shortcomings, "Incompleteness" invites viewers to ponder deep questions right from the start.

The show cleverly incorporates the Incompleteness theorem in various ways. It uses this mathematical concept to focus on the limits of human understanding and storytelling. The characters face challenging situations that highlight their personal struggles. For example, Alex, who is diagnosed with cancer, pursues his dream of making a feature film while dealing with his own anxieties. Paul, the screenwriter, faces intimacy issues, and the lead actors, Chelsea and Michael, grapple with method-actor dilemmas.

The show humorously examines the objectivity of truth without being too dark. The characters' incomplete knowledge becomes a personal challenge for each of them. The show's creator, Ash, skillfully weaves complexity into the characters' lives, exploring their individuality with a nonchalant touch. The commitment to the Incompleteness theorem adds depth to the narrative and is truly satisfying.

The show successfully achieves its narrative goals, embracing personal nuances without becoming overwhelming. Matt Bailey's standout performance as Alex contributes significantly to the show's success. However, the introduction of metafiction in the opening scene marks a shift that may pose challenges for the series moving forward.

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The best series gets a bit complicated as it unfolds. There's a film within the series, and then the series itself is mentioned. Scenes are repeated, creating a feeling that it's just a passing moment. The timelines move quickly, and conversations vary in tone and contrast. The film explores big themes like identity, morality, love, existence, and filmmaking, all tied to a certain theorem. It sounds interesting on paper, but when you actually watch it, things get a bit overwhelming.

The idea of referencing different versions of the same story becomes tiring after a while. While they poke fun at mediocre or poorly staged versions, there's no effort to improve. The editing, something the film takes pride in, stands out but not in a good way. Trying to juggle different sequences with fourth wall breaks becomes exhausting for the eyes, reaching a point where it becomes too much for the mind. The complex relationship between Chelsea and Michael doesn't feel convincing, and the camerawork exposes the budget constraints of the show.

David tries hard to tackle the challenges of intelligent meta-fiction, but the great idea doesn't immediately translate into a compelling series. The camerawork, especially, lacks the sparkle needed for a long-form series. It works for a feature film but hampers the sustainability of the show. Despite this, it sets up an interesting scenario for a potential second season, and there's hope for a more engaging comeback. "Incompleteness" deserves a glossier and more captivating presentation for both the eyes and the mind.