Love & Death: HBO Max’s New Series Explores the Depths of Human Desperation
HBO Max‘s new limited series, “Love & Death,” tells the true story of a small-town Texas community torn apart by an extramarital affair that culminates in a gruesome murder. While the show is classified as part of the current “true crime boom,” director and executive producer Lesli Linka Glatter stresses that it offers much more than that.
The True Crime Story at the Heart of “Love & Death”
At the story’s center is Candy Montgomery, played by Elizabeth Olsen. Montgomery is accused of and acquitted of murdering her lover’s wife with an axe. However, Glatter says the show is not just rehashing this real-life crime. Instead, “Love & Death” focuses on the “how” and “why” of the events leading up to the murder, digging deep into the psychology of the characters involved.
The Story Behind the Scenes
“Love & Death” was filmed on location in Texas, where the events took place. Glatter, born in Dallas, describes the show as a “Texas story” and emphasizes the importance of setting and location to the narrative. The show’s creator and executive producer, David E. Kelley, was inspired by the real-life events, saying that he felt more like a “stenographer” than a writer in this case.
The talented cast of “Love & Death” includes Jesse Plemons, Lily Rabe, Patrick Fugit, Krysten Ritter, Tom Pelphrey, Keir Gilchrist, and Elizabeth Marvel. Despite the focus on the crime, the actors emphasize the nuance and complexity of their characters, which they describe as struggling to make their way in a small town with limited resources and options.
What Makes “Love & Death” Stand Out?
At a time when true crime stories are ubiquitous in popular culture, “Love & Death” sets itself apart by going beyond the sensationalized details of a murder case. Instead, it explores the deeper psychological motivations of its characters and the complex web of relationships that led to the crime. By emphasizing the “how” and “why” of the story, “Love & Death” offers a compelling and nuanced look at human desperation and the lengths to which people will go to escape it.
In conclusion, “Love & Death” promises to be a gripping and thought-provoking series that goes beyond the surface-level sensationalism of the true crime genre. With its talented cast and crew, beautiful Texas setting, and emphasis on character development, it’s sure to be a standout in the crowded world of true crime television. Take advantage of the premiere on HBO Max on April 27th!
