Review: Dan Levy’s Netflix Crime Comedy ‘Big Mistakes’ Lacks Logic and Heart
Netflix debuted Big Mistakes on April 9. The show is a new series from Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott.
Premise
The story unfolds in a midsize New Jersey town. Laurie Metcalf plays Linda, a hardware store owner who runs for mayor after her mother dies.
Her children drive the plot. Abby Quinn’s Natalie manages the campaign. Dan Levy plays Nicky, a closeted clergyman. Taylor Ortega plays Morgan, an ex-actor turned elementary school teacher. Jack Innanen is Max, who dates Morgan. Elizabeth Perkins plays Max’s wealthy, politically interested mother, Annette.
A small tchotchke shop run by Yusuf, played by Boran Kuzum, sets events in motion. Morgan shoplifts a necklace and angers a group of Russian criminals led by Ivan, played by Mark Ivanir. The theft drags Nicky and Morgan into a messy criminal world.
Creators and production
Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott created the series. The season runs eight episodes.
Writers include Mad Men alum Erin Levy and other experienced scribes. Dean Holland directed the first two episodes. The score comes from Peaches and Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum.
Tone and influences
The series plays as a Netflix crime comedy with broad humor and frequent surprises. It often relies on plot mechanics more than character development.
Critics and viewers may spot Weeds’ influence. Shows like Killing It, Deli Boys, and Sunny Nights occupy similar territory. Elizabeth Perkins’ presence reinforces the connection to earlier dark comedies.
Performances
Metcalf delivers strong, scene-stealing moments. When given range, she becomes a marvel.
Ortega anchors the series with a mix of charm and vulnerability. Levy charts his character’s growing exasperation. Kuzum brings danger, but his character disappears at times. Abby Quinn provides comic sparks, though her role sometimes feels underused.
Strengths and weaknesses
The show is often entertaining on the surface. Tight editing and a pulsing score keep the pace brisk.
However, plot coincidences strain credibility. Many characters act without clear motivation. The series ultimately lacks logic and heart in places, even while remaining watchable.
Final take
Big Mistakes is broadly funny and occasionally suspenseful. It is not particularly deep, but it rarely bores.
Viewers willing to suspend disbelief will likely enjoy it. Filmogaz.com sees potential for improvement in a second season.
