Cabinet of Curiosities (1×04) The Outside Review

For our review of the last episode of Cabinet of Curiosities, click here.

With the previous episode dealing with matters on the inside, it only makes sense for the next one to deal with matters on the outside, even going as far as being named The Outside. The longest episode to date, it is yet another stellar character study that rests firmly on the shoulders of Kate Micucci who delivers a phenomenal performance as a woman who goes to incredible lengths and found herself on a downward spiral psychologically in order to improve her appearance as she believed it to be what held her back from belonging with her coworkers. A tragic tale for sure, the episode and Micucci do a great job at pulling viewers in and allowing them to empathize with the story. Meanwhile, the messaging may be clear but it doesn’t make it any less impactful. Now it wouldn’t be an episode of Cabinet of Curiosities unless there was more to that story and more to it there was. Thankfully, it plays more of a supporting role here rather than distract from the strong character study at its core.

The Outside centers around a woman named Stacey (Micucci), an awkward bank teller who found herself on the periphery of her pretty and gossipy female colleagues. Looking to fit in, she comes across an expensive “miracle” lotion with the alleged power to solve all her woes in spite of her police officer husband Keith (Martin Starr) who didn’t believe anything to be wrong with her. What seemed too good to be true, Stacey was blinded by her ambition to be beautiful, misguided or not. Trying to support his wife in spite of his better judgement, Keith could do nothing but watch over the course of his wife’s transformation which went more than physical. As Stacey continued to spiral, the more unpredictable she became as the outcome was still a question as the truth behind the other half of the equation being the lotion was revealed which will be quite a sight. While the reveal shouldn’t come as that much as a surprise, where the story goes with it will be. From there, the only remaining question is that is it really worth it?

The best part of The Outside is the aforementioned phenomenal performance from Micucci as Stacey. Her likeability and relatability go a long way at making her a character who is easy to empathize with and connect with on an emotional level over her arc. She may not always go about things the right way, one could still understand why. The episode would not work if not for her as her range sells that journey. Her chemistry with Starr as Keith is also a highlight as the latter serves as a humanizing presence. Besides Micucci, Dan Stevens once again delivers a scene-stealing turn as a flamboyant lotion pitch man.

The Outside is a great episode that excels as strong character study above all else rather than a means to push a particular supernatural premise.

*still courtesy of Netflix*

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.