9.8 / 10.0 **for the purposes of this review, it is worth noting that i first watched blackberry shortly before starting iasip and succumbing to glenn hysteria. 2023 has given us new scorsese, fincher, nolan, and gerwig, and yet blackberry remains my film of the year. upon watching this for the first time, i described it as the social network and succession and shakespeare all coming together to create something so unhinged, you almost miss how utterly profound it is. since then, i’ve had the privilege of rewatching four(?) times and while my opinion of the film remains just as lofty, i dare say “unhinged” was a mischaracterization. this is a genuine tragedy. this is cathartic and raw, an honest portrait of figures who were too savvy for their own good, too stuck in their ways. howerton is an absolute force of nature (if you’ve seen it, you can probably understand why i was quick to land on unhinged) and i’ll be HUGELY disappointed if he’s not in the oscar conversation come spring. i was embroiled in the book from which the script derives (losing the signal) when word of a miniseries finally reached me and GOD. to say i was excited would be a gross understatement. i love the original cut and maintain that the film is perfect for all it is. that said, the miniseries is an extraordinary adaptation of this story. despite more methodical pacing and inclusion of additional footage, this is no less gripping, no less a rollercoaster of emotions and relationships and consequences than the film. i sometimes think i’ll never tire of it. a disappointing day that would be. i’d encourage all to give this one your time. the film or the miniseries, your choice. each is incredible and a genuine triumph from all involved. original letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/4vY7UB