Based on Gillian Flynn’s bestselling book, HBO released a disturbing yet addictive series — “Sharp Objects.” With only one episode left to air, viewers — myself included — are absolutely hooked. “Sharp Objects” features troubled journalist Camille Preaker (Amy Adams) who is assigned to return to her hometown to cover the murders of two young girls. Camille possesses no relationship to her family following the death of younger sister, and is forced with the task of facing her destructive and disturbing past to solve the murders haunting the eerie town of Wind Gap, Missouri.
Flynn, notorious for her dark and edgy writing style, also wrote Gone Girl which was later turned into the popular blockbuster movie. You can guess from the plot twist that “Sharp Objects” will be no different. Needless to say, if you haven’t read the book or someone hasn’t already spoiled it for you, you probably have no idea what to expect from the season finale. In my case, I spoiled it for myself. Google’s rapid delivery of information combined with my impatience is a very dangerous combination. Regardless, I quickly finished the book and religiously watched the HBO series every Sunday because I was absolutely fascinated by every aspect of the plot. It truly is like nothing I have ever seen before.
The central and overwhelming theme of Flynn’s novels in the female antihero. But the villains in Flynn’s novels are so unique and intriguing that you find yourself relating to their devious personalities. And this is no accident. Flynn perfectly constructs the addictive female characters so that you do feel a personal connection with them. No woman in “Sharp Objects” is inherently morally good, but they all have some quality every reader can relate to.
Camille’s self-harming nature is a direct result of her mother’s fear of love and nurture. And for that reason, she requires excess amounts of alcohol and some form of a literal “sharp object” to get through the day. Flynn speaks about how the female anti-heroes in her novels are a direct reflection of herself. Flynn describes herself as an odd child with a distinct curiosity for all the “wrong” things. She portrayed violent behavior with her dolls starting at a young age and was often found playing with ants and spiders in her backyard. Flynn does not consider her childhood traumatizing or horrific in any way and says she was a happy child who came from a loving family.
She channels her childhood behavior and writes in hopes of encouraging her readers to change their regular mindset and explore their dark side. Flynn feels her books are taking feminism to a whole new level, and I admire her for that. She always questioned why boys were praised for their aggression and foul language but girls were frowned upon for such actions.
“Sharp Objects” received major applause and acclamation following its release. I think everyone can interpret and relate to Flynn’s work in some way, while still being disturbed and scared at the same time, which was Flynn’s ultimate goal. I highly recommend everyone check out this series — you don’t want to miss the end.
