If you want to watch a show like this, only a good one, you should watch show called INSIDE No9...great british show.
76 Reviews
bad copy
afrodita_nikolic11 January 2018
Struggles for meaning
Hallelujah28920 May 2019
I have about 10 of 24 episodes (thirty minute each) between seasons 1 and 2 of HBO's "Room 104" anthology. Besides a common setting, the nondescript double-bed hotel room 104, every episode is completely disconnected from each other in cast of characters and story, so each episode is its own unit. The episodes do share common elements and one rule, that the camera never leave the room.
The common elements consist often of fantastical surrealism or extreme psychological violence and a violation of boundaries, whether they be physical or emotional, or many times both such as in the act of sex. Because of this combination of surreal and many times bizarrely violent and apathetic "Room 104" remains compelling even as it disgusts, but maintains self-awareness enough of its own psychosis with characters often vocalizing "I think there's something wrong with me" so that you want to see if some redeeming moment can occur.
From what I have watched, "Room 104" doesn't hit its stride at a particular and remains inconsistent, with a sporadic episode between the seasons being especially redeeming or conversely, especially chilling in its 2017 nihilism (in season 2 episode 4 "Hungry" two men cut off each other's genitals and eat them, arguing with police officers about their "right" to do this since it's "consensual" and not technically "illegal").
"Room 104" is very aware about being in the social media and internet age, often exploring themes involving Instagram, online dating, figuratively and literally talking to the wall (season 2 ep 5 "Woman in the Wall"). Its characters are like those you find on the internet: the needy, the angry, the hypervigilant gender studies feminist (season 2 ep 12 "Josie and Me," mentioning incel-speak "beta"), the confused about identity. Many of the characters speak like the internet too--affected, too conscious of the hip (season 2 ep 3 "Swipe Right", possibly involving Tinder).
In many ways "Room 104" reflects a fickle and disturbed social media climate in a funhouse mirror style. The series is often surprising and sometimes engaging because of how original its fantastical surreal devices are (s2 ep5 "Woman in the Wall" being one). Sometimes all the extreme violence does work to show how corrupted certain issues like what is "consensual" have become (s2 ep4 "Hungry" and s2 ep12 "Josie and Me). Perhaps the most cathartic episode is season 1 episode 5 "The Internet" which is an anomaly because of how normal it is, but it corresponds with the themes of disconnection and violation while needing for the opposite of both.
However for the most part, while highly original and promising, "Room 104" struggles for meaning and for emotional payoff, where the acts of horror have a point beyond their shock value or their inventiveness. Season 2 episode 2 "Mr. Mulvahill" (starring Rainn Wilson or Dwight Schrute of "The Office") is of the most shocking and inventive, but also effective because of its use of tension and a surprising twist.
Much of "Room 104" sounds better in retrospect than what my experience was, which was interested but generally dismal. I can partly recommend "Room 104" because of wanted to be and should've been, and sometimes for what it was. If you suffer patiently through some episodes you might get some reward, but just moderately so.
I am not sure if I will continue watching, but I believe there might be some creative genius that could still pull off a season 3. I wouldn't buy into any kind of hype though. "Room 104" is by and large indulgent and obnoxious, although sometimes mildly redemptive (season 1 episode 5 "The Internet").
I am not familiar of similar shows with an anthology structure, but if you like this kind of medley of fantasy and psychological horror and also like the theme of the internet age then I recommend tv series "American Gods" based on the books of Neil Gaiman. I do believe that "Americans Gods" offers more salve with the bruises its brutality inflicts, and more ultimate meaning beyond the violence alone.
The common elements consist often of fantastical surrealism or extreme psychological violence and a violation of boundaries, whether they be physical or emotional, or many times both such as in the act of sex. Because of this combination of surreal and many times bizarrely violent and apathetic "Room 104" remains compelling even as it disgusts, but maintains self-awareness enough of its own psychosis with characters often vocalizing "I think there's something wrong with me" so that you want to see if some redeeming moment can occur.
From what I have watched, "Room 104" doesn't hit its stride at a particular and remains inconsistent, with a sporadic episode between the seasons being especially redeeming or conversely, especially chilling in its 2017 nihilism (in season 2 episode 4 "Hungry" two men cut off each other's genitals and eat them, arguing with police officers about their "right" to do this since it's "consensual" and not technically "illegal").
"Room 104" is very aware about being in the social media and internet age, often exploring themes involving Instagram, online dating, figuratively and literally talking to the wall (season 2 ep 5 "Woman in the Wall"). Its characters are like those you find on the internet: the needy, the angry, the hypervigilant gender studies feminist (season 2 ep 12 "Josie and Me," mentioning incel-speak "beta"), the confused about identity. Many of the characters speak like the internet too--affected, too conscious of the hip (season 2 ep 3 "Swipe Right", possibly involving Tinder).
In many ways "Room 104" reflects a fickle and disturbed social media climate in a funhouse mirror style. The series is often surprising and sometimes engaging because of how original its fantastical surreal devices are (s2 ep5 "Woman in the Wall" being one). Sometimes all the extreme violence does work to show how corrupted certain issues like what is "consensual" have become (s2 ep4 "Hungry" and s2 ep12 "Josie and Me). Perhaps the most cathartic episode is season 1 episode 5 "The Internet" which is an anomaly because of how normal it is, but it corresponds with the themes of disconnection and violation while needing for the opposite of both.
However for the most part, while highly original and promising, "Room 104" struggles for meaning and for emotional payoff, where the acts of horror have a point beyond their shock value or their inventiveness. Season 2 episode 2 "Mr. Mulvahill" (starring Rainn Wilson or Dwight Schrute of "The Office") is of the most shocking and inventive, but also effective because of its use of tension and a surprising twist.
Much of "Room 104" sounds better in retrospect than what my experience was, which was interested but generally dismal. I can partly recommend "Room 104" because of wanted to be and should've been, and sometimes for what it was. If you suffer patiently through some episodes you might get some reward, but just moderately so.
I am not sure if I will continue watching, but I believe there might be some creative genius that could still pull off a season 3. I wouldn't buy into any kind of hype though. "Room 104" is by and large indulgent and obnoxious, although sometimes mildly redemptive (season 1 episode 5 "The Internet").
I am not familiar of similar shows with an anthology structure, but if you like this kind of medley of fantasy and psychological horror and also like the theme of the internet age then I recommend tv series "American Gods" based on the books of Neil Gaiman. I do believe that "Americans Gods" offers more salve with the bruises its brutality inflicts, and more ultimate meaning beyond the violence alone.
Not a bad start
bangel332230 July 2017
I wasn't sure what to expect from the show, however the first episode wasn't half bad. I know the show is mixed genre, but the first episode is more to my liking. My only criticism is that it's too short. Had they made it into a hour show, they would be able to cram in more information, create more tension, a better build up. And for that reason it felt a little rushed and I didn't feel like it was finished, hence my score of 6. This is only based on the first episode, so we shall see how the rest of the series pans out.
**UPDATE**
After watching a few more episodes, I have no desire to continue. There is no point to these 'stories'. Trying to be clever, but its absolute garbage. Go and watch Black Mirror instead.
**UPDATE**
After watching a few more episodes, I have no desire to continue. There is no point to these 'stories'. Trying to be clever, but its absolute garbage. Go and watch Black Mirror instead.
A true anthology series
NeutralWord1 August 2020
twisted, dark, claustrophobic tale
exlana25 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Room 104 is Anthological series with different story in each episode. Every episode is a dark-ish comedy-drama with twist and turn. The "comedy" is really subtle that i don't think it should be included in comedy genre ( IMDb currently label Room 104 genre as comedy,drama ). The story is really different from each episode, so you can't really expect what story gonna be in every episode. But after i watch 4 episodes , my conclusion is that every episode has some dark twist in it. Some of the twist are darker than other.
The storyline in every episode is not bad , but it's doesn't reach the expectation it should have in order to make a single-set production work. It's understandable that some people might find it "claustrophobic" to watch because literally , they shoot the whole scene in one set. That's why good screenplay is highly needed to make this series good , and sadly Room 104 can't fulfill this and make this series kinda boring. And this is probably the only problem this series has ( although it's kinda a fatal mistake ) but other than that , every aspect of this series is quite good. The Acting , cinematography, directing is fine.
I don't understand the really low rating this show has ( 6,6 out of 10 ). even that shadowhunter show has better rating than this and that show is the worst series i've ever watched . This series isn't actually that bad , and the pilot episode is actually kinda memorable. 3 out of 4 episode i've watched so far is alright , still enjoyable.
I highly recommended you watch the pilot episode ( Ralphie ) the darkest twist this series has so far , the story is really good. it's suitable for a great start and the ending best part. it's really dark that i honestly think it's a horror series
I think you should give it a try , you might gonna like it.
The storyline in every episode is not bad , but it's doesn't reach the expectation it should have in order to make a single-set production work. It's understandable that some people might find it "claustrophobic" to watch because literally , they shoot the whole scene in one set. That's why good screenplay is highly needed to make this series good , and sadly Room 104 can't fulfill this and make this series kinda boring. And this is probably the only problem this series has ( although it's kinda a fatal mistake ) but other than that , every aspect of this series is quite good. The Acting , cinematography, directing is fine.
I don't understand the really low rating this show has ( 6,6 out of 10 ). even that shadowhunter show has better rating than this and that show is the worst series i've ever watched . This series isn't actually that bad , and the pilot episode is actually kinda memorable. 3 out of 4 episode i've watched so far is alright , still enjoyable.
I highly recommended you watch the pilot episode ( Ralphie ) the darkest twist this series has so far , the story is really good. it's suitable for a great start and the ending best part. it's really dark that i honestly think it's a horror series
I think you should give it a try , you might gonna like it.
Worth a watch
thavenda4 November 2021
Some of the episodes are masterpieces. Some are hot garbage. "My love", "Mr. Mulvahill" and "Rogue" are some of my favorites. Its almost annoying because I want to get more out of these stories, rather than just 20-30 minutes. Oh and skip "a new song". That one is just annoying.
It's like if there was a 'random' button on your remote
krotkruton-447-9028278 September 2017
At first, I thought I was watching another Twilight Zone or Black Mirror, and I was excited about that. But as the series goes on, I wasn't sure what I was watching anymore. I watched episodes 1-6. These episodes ranged from pretty predictable Twilight Zone-style plots to touching dramas to whatever the hell happened with the cult episode to literally 30 minutes of interpretive dance.
So after 6 episodes, I'm calling it quits. I don't think it's a bad thing to question or be surprised about what you're watching, but there's a limit to that. If I'm in the mood for sports, I don't want to see a psychological thriller. If I'm in the mood for sci-fi action, I don't want a Charlie Chaplin silent film. The problem with Room 104 is that you don't know what you're watching until you've watched it (and with some episodes, you still don't know what you watched). It's like committing to watching whatever channel you land on after mashing the buttons on your remote.
With that said, the production values are pretty good, there are some good actors, and 1 of the 6 episodes had a twist that surprised me, so I gave it a 3/10.
So after 6 episodes, I'm calling it quits. I don't think it's a bad thing to question or be surprised about what you're watching, but there's a limit to that. If I'm in the mood for sports, I don't want to see a psychological thriller. If I'm in the mood for sci-fi action, I don't want a Charlie Chaplin silent film. The problem with Room 104 is that you don't know what you're watching until you've watched it (and with some episodes, you still don't know what you watched). It's like committing to watching whatever channel you land on after mashing the buttons on your remote.
With that said, the production values are pretty good, there are some good actors, and 1 of the 6 episodes had a twist that surprised me, so I gave it a 3/10.
Season 2 has really upped my impression of Room 104!
jenbug198021 November 2018
Season 2 has really kicked it up a notch. Last year, I watched Season 1; and although I really wasn't all that impressed, and I wouldn't bother to watch a single episode from last season a second time, there was something about the show that interested me enough to give Room 104 another try.
I'm glad I did! Season 2 has been excellent so far. Plus, there are a few stars involved this time around. Rainn Wilson kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish in episode 2, "Mr. Mulvahill."
I'm excited to see what the creators come up with next!
I'm glad I did! Season 2 has been excellent so far. Plus, there are a few stars involved this time around. Rainn Wilson kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish in episode 2, "Mr. Mulvahill."
I'm excited to see what the creators come up with next!
Terrible just terrible
JapanMovies24 August 2017
The first episode as indicator it was a disaster! It not professional it's childish and it looks more like a high school film then a major production. But then again HBO so who really cares. This is not for everybody, but then again this isn't much of anything entertainment . How did this show get on Air is beyond many peoples reasoning of thought.
But then again in this age where people don't pay to watch the shows but get it free on the Internet..... you get what you pay for nothing. They don't care they just come here comment like they really paid for this but they never do. This is just a terrible version of Albert Hitchcock's decades old TV series! They try to rip off his series much as possible. But the problem is you can't because.....Albert Hitchcock's was great! This is just the high school Movie class laughable content of all of his classic. So don't put much thought into watching this garbage. HBO will Produce anything.
I wish people stop writing 3000+ words reviews. Its doesn't mean the movie is better or etc. Its mean people ASSUME writing a lot means its believable better. But the reality is LESS IS MORE!
But then again in this age where people don't pay to watch the shows but get it free on the Internet..... you get what you pay for nothing. They don't care they just come here comment like they really paid for this but they never do. This is just a terrible version of Albert Hitchcock's decades old TV series! They try to rip off his series much as possible. But the problem is you can't because.....Albert Hitchcock's was great! This is just the high school Movie class laughable content of all of his classic. So don't put much thought into watching this garbage. HBO will Produce anything.
I wish people stop writing 3000+ words reviews. Its doesn't mean the movie is better or etc. Its mean people ASSUME writing a lot means its believable better. But the reality is LESS IS MORE!
Beginning seasons are boring, does get better though
raquel-8962018 August 2020
The first season was very dull and many of the episodes were nonsensical, maybe one or two were pretty good. I'm the type to give shows another chance to see if maybe it's not me understanding something and I'm glad I did. The second season was better, the third and fourth are a lot better. It does seem that they are now enlisting actors and directors with more credibility for the series. What is not mentioned in a lot of the reviews is that the series is an anthology series. If you enjoy something different every episode and have a hard time following along with regular shows, I would definitely recommend this one. You never know what the next episode is going to be. Excited to see more of it.
Inside Number 9
jsmith3-752-19699322 August 2017
Being on HBO sets an unusually high bar for a TV series. Had this been on SCYFY or TBS I am sure it would have been better received. As it stands in comparison to shows like Veep, Silicon Valley and GOT, this series has proved to be a big disappointment. It is mildly entertaining, just not HBO level entertaining. The one awesome thing that did come from watching this series, is that in reading the reviews I was introduced to Inside No. 9; which if you haven't watched yet stop what you're doing and watch immediately. Smart, funny and creepy, Inside No 9 is thoroughly enjoyable and so much of what this show is trying to be.
I Am The Only Person Who Likes This Series
Siebert_Tenseven7 August 2017
Why? Because so far (episode 02) the acting is tremendous, the scripts are outstanding, and the plots are completely insane. This is not cookie cutter material and I think people are expecting something familiar that they are used to having seen before. Instead, it's different and they don't get it. This series reminds me of some of the classic weird TV dramas like Twilight Zone or Alfred Hitchcock Presents, which contain slow paced but extremely original and well acted stories and plot lines, and if those series were shown today I am sure the reviewers panning Room 104 would be just as bored and confused as they are now.
HBO Cancelled Togetherness for this?
alesisqs6127 August 2017
So far out of 6 episodes I simply have to say HBO messed up by cancelling the great show Togetherness. This show started out spooky and interesting but many of the episodes have fallen flat. My expectations are now super low for this show and already miss Togetherness. Well... there is still game of thrones.
As fun as watching a Film School project
scotartsproduction29 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
HEavy handed name-branding doesn't make up for the shortcomings of this catastrophe. Overthought, overwritten, under-considered. Twilight Zone wannabee, and ain't-gonnabee.
First, it is s-l-o-w and unbelievable. Layers of closeups for no reason. How many parents leave their kid with a sitter without introducing them to the kid? None. He hides in the bathroom and refuses to come out after dad kicks off to a date?? Yeah, right. And then, the inanity of the script: paltry references to the worn-out fable of the 'deadbeat dad' -- then she's sitting 3 feet away and says, over & over 'go to bed'?? He's IN BED! And this tripe gets repeated several more times...ad nauseum. And then quelle surprise, he goads us into some dishwater story about how mom hung herself - before the ridiculous fight scene between a grown woman and a 30 kilo child, who she could break in half without even trying. And that's what's wrong with this and so much TV: all branding, all concept, no story, no legitimacy, no meat.
This is worse than a film school project. HBO is really panicking about Netflix and the others, but should instead stay the course and go back to making really good shows.
First, it is s-l-o-w and unbelievable. Layers of closeups for no reason. How many parents leave their kid with a sitter without introducing them to the kid? None. He hides in the bathroom and refuses to come out after dad kicks off to a date?? Yeah, right. And then, the inanity of the script: paltry references to the worn-out fable of the 'deadbeat dad' -- then she's sitting 3 feet away and says, over & over 'go to bed'?? He's IN BED! And this tripe gets repeated several more times...ad nauseum. And then quelle surprise, he goads us into some dishwater story about how mom hung herself - before the ridiculous fight scene between a grown woman and a 30 kilo child, who she could break in half without even trying. And that's what's wrong with this and so much TV: all branding, all concept, no story, no legitimacy, no meat.
This is worse than a film school project. HBO is really panicking about Netflix and the others, but should instead stay the course and go back to making really good shows.
You really can't summarize it
neckeevertigo30 July 2017
OK, first thing first. I picked this series for the "comedy" tag expecting to make me laugh in a "4 rooms" way and I've watched only the first episode so far so this is a review of that episode. With that out of the way here it goes. This was most definitely not a comedy. If it was then I have a very different concept of comedy. The episode was a tense thriller that kept me in suspense till the very end. Do not expect a punch line or a funny giggly sensation. I came for the comedy but the thriller hoked me for the long run.
A watered down mixed version of "The Twilight Zone" and "The Hitchhiker".
blanbrn23 September 2017
This "HBO" anthology series called "Room 104" is one that's a mix of suspense and drama as each week every episode is different and features a story with a different character. Yet each involve the character or characters entering room 104 and many episodes involve people trying to escape their current life situation or trying to get a new start and most episodes involve the meeting of new people who help move the stories along. And yet each episode seems to take a twist and spin that does sometimes surprise a viewer, and the themes and stories are mixed and blended with paranormal and horror like feel yet not always in a blood and gore sense, yet you as the viewer still get a feel of a mini and watered down "Twilight Zone" or "The Hitchhiker"(the old "HBO" classic series) taste. Overall nothing great as most episodes feature guest that are unknown or up and comers, still it's a good watch to pass a late night on a Friday.
This Is Not What You Think It Is
GhostlyAghast3 December 2018
Going in, I thought the whole series would be of the horror genre, but most definitely not. For some episodes it's horror, some thriller, a couple whatever's and WTF's, some sentimental.
Honestly I think my favorite episode was the one with Judy Greer and Michael Shannon because (somewhat abstractly/hyperbolised) that is like every disappointing date from online dating ever and all women who online date have BEEN THERE.
not what I expected
centuriontatum29 July 2017
I watched the first episode, about the babysitter and the boy. It turned out to be an episode of terror that was violent, emotional and sad. I will try watching some more in the future but not at night.Hopefully they wont be horror movies. If I had known what to expect, I would have watched it earlier in the day. It was well written, just scary and miserable. Not for kids or for the faint-hearted. Or for any parent.Or any babysitter.
From Sopranos to nothing.
winickj4 August 2017
HBO revolutionized cable with series like The Sopranos, Sex and the city and The Wire. Here we are in 2017 and they're combing YouTube for content with lame shows by two relatively untalented brothers.
As I watched the first episode I was anticipating this somehow becoming even mildly interesting. Other than making me want to order Pizza, it did nothing. The story was sophomoric and could have been written by someone in grade 5.
As I watched the first episode I was anticipating this somehow becoming even mildly interesting. Other than making me want to order Pizza, it did nothing. The story was sophomoric and could have been written by someone in grade 5.
Guilt and Confession
hoyayer30 December 2017
I'm up to Episode 5, and it appears that the room serves the function of what Catholics call a confessional. Guests appear to either confront or escape deeply concealed guilt.
The room itself appears to coerce this, whether or not the guest is willing, and in spite of all self-justification. And, so far, nobody is innocent. Very creepy invitation to leave one's defenses at the door, and subject oneself to the harshest possible scrutiny ... in private.
The room itself appears to coerce this, whether or not the guest is willing, and in spite of all self-justification. And, so far, nobody is innocent. Very creepy invitation to leave one's defenses at the door, and subject oneself to the harshest possible scrutiny ... in private.
Checking into room 104
safenoe28 May 2022
Hot off Inside No. 9, I was interested in Room 104, and some episodes stood out. The one with the actor from The Office (the American one) was outstanding, but others were kind of trying to build into a twist but just petered out a bit. Still, Room 104 is worthy in that it at least tried.
Just terrible...
huntgod10 September 2017
I've given this way more chances than I should, if it were a longer format I would have bailed by episode 3, but at 30 minutes I gave it a few more chances.
Contrived and obvious plots, old trite ideas, just terrible, I don't mind episodic TV, Twilight Zone was brilliant and I adore Black Mirror, but this just fails on every level and as mentioned by another review, it really does, at times, feel like you are watching the submissions for a film class at a local community college.
Makes me really look forward to the new season of Black Mirror though :-P
Contrived and obvious plots, old trite ideas, just terrible, I don't mind episodic TV, Twilight Zone was brilliant and I adore Black Mirror, but this just fails on every level and as mentioned by another review, it really does, at times, feel like you are watching the submissions for a film class at a local community college.
Makes me really look forward to the new season of Black Mirror though :-P
I love this show and I will miss it so much!
lrosenda20 September 2020
confusing yet very interesting
chrisdye-765887 September 2017
as of now I have watched the first 2 episodes of this show and I have been entertained no doubt yes its confusing but for some reason I like it anyway its pure hbo scares and kind of reminds you of the old tales from the crypt show only a tiny bit more raunchy but all the fun and scares of your average horror story I recommend trying this one
Complete Garbage
dean29008 October 2017
This ranks up with Perversions of Science as I one of the worst HBO series ever created.
I can put up with the genre change each week but the genre does not matter if the content is boring.
This is obviously "inspired" by the British series Inside No. 9. Unfortunately, HBO didn't improve upon that show but made this feel like a inferior clone.
Dean
I can put up with the genre change each week but the genre does not matter if the content is boring.
This is obviously "inspired" by the British series Inside No. 9. Unfortunately, HBO didn't improve upon that show but made this feel like a inferior clone.
Dean
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