4 Reasons Why 'The Sinner' Will Be Your Next Bingeing Obsession

The show revolves around a mysterious murder, a murder that is so brutally depicted in the first episode, that it will leave your mouth hanging open.

Jessica Biel stars as the main character, Cora, who commits this crime. As the viewer, you don't know why she does what she does and that is what the story focuses on, finding out the why and not the who. The show also stars Bill Pullman and Nadia Alexander as the lead detective on the case and Cora's sister, respectively.

With the use of flashbacks, we're told this story from two different timelines. Cora's past and Cora's present. The audience aren't the only ones to not know why she killed this man. Cora doesn't know why she did it either. The Sinner will have you gripped from the very first episode. Here are Four reasons why it will become your next obsession.

1. Storyline And Narrative Structure

With the crime happening in the first episode, you're instantly left with the question of why she killed him. That leaves you hooked. The present-day timeline tells the tale of Cora being arrested for the crime and the consequences she faces. The flashbacks tell the tale of Cora's past and home life as a child growing up. These flashbacks are quicker than the present time as they start off with Cora as a child and follow her through to her teenage years and into adulthood.

Her home life as a child is very disturbing. There are some shocking scenes that will leave you feeling sick. One of the most shocking scenes involves incest between Cora and her sister, Phoebe. Their parents are very strict which causes them to rebel. This scene will leave you shocked but there is a much deeper story there. Cora is vulnerable and she doesn't know what she's doing, she wants to please Phoebe because she is very ill and unable to leave the house.

The main reason the show stands out is because it focuses on the why and the motive of the murderer. It also stands out because it depicts shocking issues and takes some dark turns that certain audiences wouldn't have seen before.

You're in the dark as much as the main character about why she did what she did and that makes it a more thrilling watch. Everything Cora finds out, you find out at the same time. The only frustrating aspect about the show is that you're dying to find out why.

The way the story is structured is unique because it's got different timelines and it delves into the personal lives of characters that you wouldn't think the show would delve into. It follows different characters, Cora being the main one, and it includes a detailed past of her life. The best part is, it's not complicated, the timelines are easy to understand and it's easy to keep up with everything that is happening.

Even though flashbacks are a common use of narrative structure, it works for this story and allows the show to be more unique because the show delves into the twisted upbringing of Cora and Phoebe and also into the twisted lives of their parents. The parents aren't featured much in the present timeline so these flashbacks gives us insight into their lives and why their children act the way they do.

The flashbacks paint a visual picture for the main character's background. If there weren't any flashbacks, we would be told this information rather than shown. Showing this information is more powerful because you see all the events unfold in detail. This structure is the best for this show because there is so much information that the audience need to see, in order to understand Cora and this was the easiest way to do it.

2. Superbly Executed

The show is beautifully shot. Its got strong cinematography. Every shot has been carefully picked and executed. There is an eye for detail, which is evident in these shots. The gif above shows the main character Cora, floating in a lake. She swims out where nobody can see her. The shots in this scene are stunning. There are long landscapes and then there are some close ups. This scene takes place just before Cora commits the murder.

The shots chosen for this scene create a disoriented look. You know the character is feeling something because she's acting different. She's displaying worrying behaviour because she sinks under the water for a really long time. It's obvious something is wrong with her. Why else would you swim right out into the middle of a lake where nobody can see you? What is happening to her in this moment? The answer to this question is revealed in the finale.

Along with the beautiful cinematography, there is an unsettling soundtrack. The show feels eerie and sinister which is perfect because the story is very sinister. You can listen to the full soundtrack above. The songs on their own may not sound sinister but when you watch the images on screen against these songs, it creates a very distressing feeling.

Capsize by Big Black Delta, is a song that's used more than once. The start of the song sounds very creepy. It is first used when Cora and her family are sat by the lake, just before she commits an unspeakable crime. It creates a disconcerting feeling because you know something is going to happen and the music puts you on the edge of your seat.

You may be thinking, is there any point in watching it if you know who did it but there is so much suspense that you won't be able to turn it off. This suspense is created by superb acting, by the whole cast, the shots and the incredible sound score. There are no wasted scenes or shots in this show. Everything is structured well and fits together nicely.

3. Realistic Characters

With the use of flashbacks, we're able to get an insight into Cora's past life and what it was like for her growing up. It's shown early on that she's had a strict and disturbing upbringing. However, her past still doesn't reveal why she's lashed out in the present time. Each passing episode reveals something more about Cora's past.

The show slowly reveals everything about Cora's life and how she's come to be who she is in the present time. One of these things is that her mother makes her believe that she's the reason that her sister phoebe, is so sick. Cora's mother tells her that she used up all her energy when she was pregnant with her, that she had nothing left when she was carrying Phoebe and that's why she's ill. It's Cora's fault Phoebe is ill. Cora is very young when she is told this and it's a horrible and disturbing burden to put on a young child.

Her mother also tells her that every time she does something wrong, her sister will pay for it. This includes eating chocolate. Her mother doesn't want Cora eating chocolate, so tells Cora that if she does eat the chocolate, that God will punish Phoebe for it. It's sad really. Cora is put under extreme pressure by her own parents to be well behaved, she barely has a childhood. She's not allowed to have any fun.

Cora is a well-developed character because there is a lot of background information. You learn what she's been through and you're able to sympathise with her and ultimately, root for her, in the end.

Bill Pullman plays the lead detective on the case, Harry Ambrose, and the show also delves into his personal life, where he is involved in a sadomasochistic relationship. This is a good thing because it allows the audience to see what is going on in his life and why he cares so much about solving this case. We see his problems and it allows people to connect with the character. He is an unusual character and his issues are something that may surprise some audiences. He is also a very likeable character.

By giving the audience so much information on these characters, it allows for them to come across as more believable. The show cares about its characters and shows them realistically and with real life issues, that people can relate to.

4. Portrayal of Psychological Abuse

One of the main issues in the show is the examination of abuse. As said in an earlier paragraph, Cora's mother manipulates her. This happens throughout Cora's childhood and it leaves her damaged and longing for freedom, away from her strict religious parents.

Once Cora becomes a young adult she explores her sexuality and goes out to meet men. Phoebe is jealous of this and wants to know what it's like to be with a man. One night, by much persuasion from Phoebe, Cora kisses her own sister, which then leads to Cora performing a sex act on Phoebe. This will disturb many viewers. It is evident that Cora doesn't want to do this, as she refuses many times but Phoebe manipulates her and Cora eventually, gives in.

Cora doesn't know how to stand up for herself. She grew up being controlled by an overbearing mother and now her own sister has started to abuse her trust. Cora knows it's wrong, to do what she did to Phoebe, but she doesn't know how to say no, she feels obliged to do it. The show treats incest as a serious form of abuse. Cora doesn't have a healthy mentality because of all the phycological abuse she has sustained.

As it's not physical abuse, it's harder to notice that what was going on in Cora's home when she was younger, was wrong. It's harder to see abuse that doesn't leave physical bruises but the flashbacks depict it brilliantly, that you see the horror that Cora faces every day. The show is important because it raises awareness of other types of abuse that is out there. What Cora goes through is harrowing and it will grip you. Cora's troublesome upbringing leads to her damaged psyche in present time.

Final Thoughts

The show is wrapped up in the final episode so it won't leave you feeling frustrated when it finishes. You will feel satisfied.

People around the world love it so if you haven't watched it yet, then get watching. The show consists of only eight episodes so you can easily get through them in one day. It's dark, it's twisted, it's mysterious and it's entertaining. What more could you want?