Cabinet of Curiosities (1×07) The Viewing Review

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

This latest instalment of Cabinet of Curiosities is a hard one to talk about without giving anything away. Directed and co-written by the director of Mandy, Panos Cosmatos, The Viewing has plenty of style but it also has plenty of substance for better or worse. A trippy experience for sure, it will definitely not be for everyone. However, no one can argue that it does not look or sound cool. Essentially a sub-1-hour experimental short film, things get philosophical and deep while setting the stage for an absolutely bonkers final act. Though the buildup may lose viewers, it does set the tone nicely even though the story as a whole doesn’t really matter all that much in the grand scheme. That final act arguably makes up for what came before it even though it will surely leave many wanting more which is unfortunately the nature of the beast as far as this series if concerned. A decent ensemble piece, the episode does have its moments. However, once again, it will leave some wanting more.

The Viewing sees an eccentric recluse collector named Lassiter (Peter Weller) invite four titans of science, art, and industry for a special viewing at his mansion. From the start, it was clear that the four strangers were in for something like no other but first, they had to get themselves ready for what they were about to see. They had no idea what to expect as things got philosophical as a means to develop the characters and explain how they all fit together through dialog as Lassiter flaunted his mansion and what he saw in his guests as he had a plan. The interactions were fun to watch as they built anticipation for what was to come. That inevitable moment did not disappoint as Lassiter’s latest mysterious acquisition was unleashed and turned the tables on everyone and where the episode was going at that point, leaving plenty of brutality and destruction in its wake. Despite being too short, it was the most exciting part of the episode. One just can’t help but want to see where it all goes from there. 

In the end, the best part of The Viewing is its performances. Aided by some strong writing, the premise was sold by the dynamic of Weller as Lassiter and Steve Agee, Charlene Yi, Michael Therriault, and Eric André as the four guests early on. While they each had their moments, no one really stood out as things devolved by the end.

The Viewing is quite the viewing. 

*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.