In Netflix’s latest original series Gypsy, Naomi Watts plays cognitive behavioural therapist Jean Holloway.
For someone who’s supposed to help other people with their problems, Jean has far too many demons of her own.
Jean is bored and dissatisfied with her career, her husband Michael (played by Billy Crudup) and her responsibilities as a mother. She decides to spice things up by pretending to be a journalist called Diane in order to infiltrate the lives of her patients.
The thrill of pretending becomes addictive and Jean swiftly crosses all kinds of professional and personal boundaries.
Her first target is Sydney (Sophie Cookson), a singer, waitress and ex-girlfriend of a patient Sam (Karl Glusman).
Billy Crudup and Naomi Watts in Gypsy.
It’s clear from the outset that things are not going to end well for Jean and that her double life can’t possibly last long, but as her risk taking increases, so does our investment in her character, despite her being far from likeable. How much will she get away with? How much is she willing to lose?
While it’s sold as a psychological thriller, Gypsy is not necessarily thrilling. The pace is very slow, the episode feels like a long hour and you may find your focus straying every now and then.
Naomi Watts as Jean Holloway.
However, there are some strong moments that will leave you wanting more. And the idea of watching Jean’s almost perfect Stepford Wife-like life implode is intriguing. But you get the feeling it’s going to be a glacial unravelling. Hopefully it’s worth the wait.
Gypsy is available for streaming on Netflix from June 30.
