Watch Homecoming

Homecoming is a psychological thriller series from Amazon, based on the podcast with the same name by Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg. The show is directed by Sam Esmail, known for his work on Mr. Robot, and stars Stephan James, Bobby Cannavale, and Hong Chau in the lead roles.

The story revolves around a facility called the Homecoming Transitional Support Center, where soldiers are brought for therapy to help them transition back into civilian life. The program is run by a company called Geist, and the lead therapist is a woman named Heidi Bergman (played by Julia Roberts in the first season). However, the show primarily focuses on the experiences of one particular soldier, Walter Cruz (played by Stephan James), and his interactions with Heidi.

The show starts off with an intriguing premise but quickly evolves into a complex mystery that keeps the audience guessing right until the end. As the story unfolds, we learn that there are some dark secrets hiding behind the cheerful facade of the Homecoming facility, and that Heidi may know more than she's letting on. At the same time, we see Walter struggling to piece together his fragmented memories, as he gradually remembers more about his time at the facility and the events that led up to his discharge from the army.

The show has a unique visual style, with the first season shot in a boxy aspect ratio that's reminiscent of old TV shows from the 1960s. This gives the show a distinct retro feel and helps to build tension and suspense. The cinematography is also top-notch, with long, tracking shots that keep the audience on edge and create a sense of unease.

In addition to Stephan James, Bobby Cannavale and Hong Chau also give standout performances in their roles. Cannavale plays Colin Belfast, a slick and ruthless executive at Geist who oversees the Homecoming program. Chau plays Audrey Temple, a low-level employee at Geist who becomes more involved in the conspiracy as the story unfolds. Both actors bring nuance and depth to their characters, making them feel more like real people than just plot devices.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Homecoming is how it uses sound to tell its story. The show's score, composed by musician and producer Emile Haynie, is haunting and eerie, and perfectly captures the tension and unease of the story. But it's not just the music that's notable - the show also uses sound design in a creative way to convey information to the audience. For example, we hear snippets of past conversations and events when Heidi listens to old therapy sessions, which helps to build a sense of foreboding.

Overall, Homecoming is an excellent show that's well worth watching. Its unique visual style, strong performances, and intriguing story make it stand out from other TV shows. It's a tense and gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing right until the end.

Homecoming is a series that ran for 2 seasons (17 episodes) between November 2, 2018 and on Amazon