Bodkin, starring Will Forte and Shioban Cullen released in May on Netflix. This sleeper thriller comedy flew under my radar for a month or so, but when I stumbled across it, the premise pulled me in instantly. Parodying True Crime podcasts and their hosts as they can empathize the drama so much that they end up blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. All this and its set in the beautiful countryside of west Cork. So, let’s take a deeper look at Bodkin…..
Details of Bodkin
Network Release: Netflix
Production Companies: Higher Ground & wiip
Executive Producers: Jez Scharf, Alex Metcalf, Tonia Davis, David Flynn, Paul Lee, & Nne Ebong
Created By: Jez Scharf
Main Cast: Will Forte, Siobhan Cullen, Robyn Cara, David Wilmot, Chris Walley, & Pom Boyd.
Released: 9th May 2024 (1 Seasons/7 Episodes)
Story of Bodkin
The story follows a journalist who is being sent to help out an American true crime podcaster called Gilbert Power. As he tries to uncover the mystery disappearance of two young people on the night of a local festival. Dove, the journalist, has been sent on this assignment to try and get out of the spotlight whilst things calm down over her last assignment, one where the subject ended up taking his own life. Dove is getting investigated and that only motivates her more to try and uncover the real mystery of Bodkin.
Dove and Gilbert are also joined by assistant – Emmy. Together the three investigate the local town, as well as the townsfolk as they try to uncover what happened 20 years ago. All the while uncovering more secrets and lies than they intended. What will come clear is surely anyone’s guess.
Analysis of Bodkin
Parody
Although Bodkin is an effective thriller drama, it is mainly a parody of true crime podcasters and their preference for drama which sometimes leads them to blending the truth with lies for a more entertaining story. These morals and ethics are explored in Bodkin to brilliant effect. Although it is done so cleverly that it can be hard to notice your watching a parody.
Stunning Cast
The cast performed perfectly. The town of Bodkin was filled to the brim with lively personalities and mysterious figures. Slowly but surely as the episodes go on more details are eked out of the townsfolk. Only that some information tends to be twisted. After all a story in Chinese whispers would always end up changing and that is no different than with gossip. The cast all fill out the town and make it feel like a real place. The whole production just feels so real its hard to accept it’s a parody. Of course, a special mention has to go to Young Offenders talent – Chris Walley. As just with every appearance of his, he put his heart and soul into the work and the result is nothing short of phenomenal acting.
Summary
The brilliantly believable cast put on one hell of a show as Bodkin, despite being a parody, manages to end every episode on a cliffhanger. Making it impossible to put down until you yourself have unraveled the mystery of Bodkin. The script, location, casting, premise, and performances are all top notch and if you watch any Netflix miniseries make sure it’s this one! As Bodkin never fails to surprise you!
Overall Rating: 9 – Outstanding!
Recommendation: YES!
- Watch Bodkin on Netflix here
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