Yes, the story is harsh and cold. No, there are hardly any positive notes in the show. Yes, the acting is beyond top shelf. Yes, the music and score is amplifying the depressing story. No, there almost is no redeeming quality.
But, such is life!
Life isn't always perfect and happy and rainbows and puppies.
Here we see the results of multiple generations dealing with trauma upon trauma, real people trying to move one step forward in life only to find they'll have to take two steps back. This is life, bitter and hard, but also unrelenting and strong.
This is TV at its very best. Sure, it isn't for everybody, but you can't make reality go away by pretending it doesn't exist.
Mark Ruffalo, Rob Huebel, Rosie O'Donnell, Kathryn Hahn are phenomenal.
The writing and directing by Derek Cianfrance is outstanding.
