Love & Death

By: Kemberlie Spivey

Having a significant other is one of the most powerful aspects in our lives that all wish to desire to have one day. The love that they give us is everything but is stronger than death? “Love & Death” tackles the power of temptation and the circumstances that can hurt people in the end. Each moment shows the audience what leads to the temptation, how much time goes into an affair and the effects it can cause to loved ones. This show is not your typical drama and suspense but takes you on a journey of how we get to the moment that will have everyone talking. Based on a true story, “Love & Death” gives you a glimpse of how love is stronger than death and the feelings of a small town life.

Candy (Elizabeth Olsen) is a devoted wife, mother, choir member and volleyball volunteer. During a brief encounter with her friend’s husband Allan (Jesse Plemons), it seems Candy realizes she needs some excitement in her life other than her husband Pat (Patrick Fugit). But Allan has his own problems when it comes to his wife Betty (Lily Rabe) and trying to conceive another child. Candy knows it’s wrong to ever think about stepping out on Pat, but she has devoted her marriage to taking care of everyone else other than herself. After having conversations with her best friend, who happens to be the pastor of the church, Candy decides confronting these so-called feelings for Allan could help move on. Upon gaining the courage to speak out, both Candy and Allan try to take into consideration what could happen with their marriages if they decided to take action…all of which could lead to bigger issues and consequences for the both of them.

Elizabeth Olsen will be getting all the awards next year because her performance is very moving. Olsen gives viewers insight to being a stay-at-home mom, leading the church’s choir and making time for her husband. Each scene you are wondering what leads her into having an affair. There are times when Olsen doesn’t even have to evenuse her words to explain something. She utilizes her facial expressions and that is just as powerful. I definitely also have to highlight Patrick Fugit in “Love & Death” because he has great delivery lines when it comes to playing opposite powerhouse Elizabeth Olsen. His character isn’t afraid to speak his mind even though it can come out cruel. One of my favorite scenes in the show so far was a volleyball tournament when Pat and Betty have a conversation. During their talk Pat shares about not being in the tournament. He has such a comedic line that makes you want to root for his character. 

One of the amazing aspects of this show is the fact that it was filmed in Austin, Texas. Director Lesli Linka Glatter captivates the audience with specific detail in showing us the neighborhoods, the town, the church and more. We get to experience a bit of Texas in these scenes and how close it is as a community. Glatter did a fantastic job capturing the little details in each scene. Especially the beginning of the first segment to the very last segment scene, she leaves the audiences wanting more. It will be interesting to see how the farther we go into the season and what direction as a director she takes for the characters. 

Hulu did their own take on the storyline in 2022, but “Love & Death” has its own unique way of storytelling, especially in the first episode. So many times we are used to having the crime happen in the beginning and we get the backstory of how it happens. With the show we get to the backstory first and it’s a slow burn when it comes to where an ax is raised and death occurs. We don’t get the clue of a murder until the very end and a little in the first seconds of the show. As a viewer, you have to watch the series and play attention to details. There are moments that are a bit slow in the beginning but do pick up toward the end. If you are looking for a bit of romance and suspense, then “Love & Death” is for you.