The Resort has me HOOKED.
The new series has just debuted on Peacock with an exciting first three episodes that mix the genres of mystery, thriller and comedy to secure itself a place on my weekly “must watch” list. We follow Emma and Noah, a couple on an anniversary trip who find themselves drawn into a 15-year-old mystery when Emma crashes an ATV and lands next to an old cellphone.
I love a good mystery, and The Resort kind of gives off The White Lotus vibes. So I’m really excited to immerse myself in this strange island tale. The cellphone plot brings a fresh take to the island mystery concept, making it modern and fun. Emma (Cristin Millotti) and Noah (William Jackson Harper) are perfectly cast in their lead roles with great chemistry between them.
The first episode “The Disappointment of Time” presents us with the initial mystery and introduces us to Emma and Noah. We get to know their motivation for their trip and their intentions for their time on the island. Episode 2 “A Noxious Toothworm” gives us a little more insight into their relationship. There’s a little bit of strain in their relationship, but it’s clear they have a deep love for one another and they’re hoping the trip will make them stronger than ever.
We also meet Sam and Violet, played by Skyler Gisondo and Nina Bloomgarden. For a couple that didn’t arrive on the island together, their chemistry is instantly obvious from their first scene together. I can’t wait to learn more about them as Emma and Noah unravel their story.
It feels like Emma and Noah are alone on the island, though they have other guests around them. The same happens with Sam and Violet, even though Sam was travelling with his family. The camera seems to zero in on them and only them, and I like that the series follows two separate timelines: Emma and Noah in the present day, and Sam and Violet in 2007, and the show gives us a steady balance between the two.
Episode 3 “Tempus Exhaurire” focuses a little more on Sam and Violet. It’s rare to have such an instant connection between characters, so they are an excellent addition to an already great show. There are so many intriguing parallels to Emma and Noah’s relationship. Is that a coincidence, or is it fate that Emma was the one to find that cellphone?
The comedy infusion is well done, and really elevates the scripts. We find out along with our characters what’s going on as pieces of the story are discovered, and a particular highlight for me was Emma and Noah reading Sam and Violet’s texts.
The Resort delivers a unique story to the well-worn mystery genre and keeps you guessing throughout every episode. Bring on episode 4, I need to find out what happens next!
Photo Courtesy: Peacock
