Mammals (2022) User Reviews (116)

We 'ate Stoke, we' ate Stoke

[fingazmc · 7/10 · 12 November 2022]

Sorry, the Tom Jones cameo set me off (he sings Stoke's song and I'm a Vale fan).

Ignore the reviews, honestly it's just people who don't like Corden with a passion, which I don't really get tbh.

I'm not a fan of him nowadays either, I loved Gavin & Stacey and remember he's acted in a load of things back in the day, people seem to forget he was an actor and writer first, so I can't see how they can say his acting is bad.

But he's basically become a plastic yank and a caricature of an English bloke at the same time which is why I'm not a fan. I also think a lot of people don't like his political views (I don't know what they are) since a reviewer on here called him Corbyn...

Anyway back to the review; Genuinely this is pretty good, there is a few laughs and there's some proper drama and I think anyone who's in a relationship really should watch, no spoilers but honestly it will make you think and be warned it gets a bit dark and affected me in a visceral way due to past relationships.

It's filmed well, there's a good supporting cast and I prefer Corden as an actor than a telly host 100% and I think he did an above average performance in this. But there is always the essence of Smithy in there, I have to admit.

If the first episode doesn't grip you then don't bother, but I can almost guarantee it will.

Ignore the troll hate and make your own mind up, but at least give it a go.

7/10.

Great Opening. Dark Comedy. It's Decent.

[GalAlba · 6/10 · 12 November 2022]

I echo the surprise at the poor reviews. I'm guessing they're driven by Mr Cordon's media personality? But! If you dislike someone don't watch their work.

Mr Cordon, I'm sure, at times, can be disagreeable; as can we all. I'm not American, therefore don't watch his chat show, so, I've come to this untainted and think the show is okay. It's decent.

Cordon does a good job in this retelling of a story old as time. The show has that English sense of mirth in misery; which gives it a realistic touch. No insincere Hollywood dramatisation here.

It's not a jolly old comedy romp and it's not supposed to be. In my opinion, it's a dark comedy that will make you feel uneasy and occasional smile.

We forgot we live in a dream

[oyshalt · 6/10 · 11 November 2022]

...obviously so did some other people making a futile attempt to review the series. It's quite interesting, and even ironic when observing how so many of us miss the point, getting caught up in the dissolution that things must be as they are presented in form, genera, concepts and even trivial things as our subjective opinion about the actors. I was very surprised by all the negative reviews, so I decided to give a shot at balancing it out with a more objective approach. I'm still in the process of wrapping my head around the dreamlike storytelling and symbolical nature of the series, but I believe we're dealing with a profound and deeply important problem that is rooted within our collective consciousness and culture. I really love the way they address this in an almost mythological manner, and delighted by all the hints that this is something far beyond a trivial comedy surprised . On the contrary, it's touching something way way deeper than we would like to admit, and I think this is intentionally made to make us feel uncomfortable. It's really brilliant when you start to get the the idea, and the biggest clue for me, was when, and in the context Amandine mentioned Albert Camus, and of course the whale and Moby-Dick references.

PS: my native language is Norwegian, and I apologize for any misspelling and bad formulations.

Better than I expected, Colin Morgan is great

[rosemaryandthyme · 7/10 · 11 November 2022]

James Corden will always be Smithy from Gavin and Stacey to me and I did like him in that role. Then he moved to the USA, got his own show and went all "Hollywood". When I saw that he was starring in this new series on Prime I was going to give it a miss until I saw Colin Morgan's name. I held my nose and pressed play so I could at least watch Colin. I have to say it was far better than I expected. JC was ok (a more serious Smithy) and Colin didn't disappoint (a very different and cute role for him). The first episode hooked me straight away due to the small twist at the end. The scenery, countryside and homes were beautiful. The Tom Jones cameo topped it off.

An original take

[anna01010 · 9/10 · 12 November 2022]

This is well-trod subject material, but the show is quirky enough to make it seem original. The character development isn't spoon fed to the viewer. It gives us a view and asks us to dig deeper. The acting was terrific. I don't understand the criticism regarding James Corden. He gave an accurate portrayal of the spurned husband, and Colin Morgan is always an understated treat whose brilliant micro-expressions flawlessly develop interest and depth. Sally Hawkins' "Lue" was this bizarre, otherworldly character which was done to perfection, and Melia Kreiling was both charming and dastardly in turns as "Amandine". This is one of those stories which sticks with you for awhile and I actually watched the last episode twice just to take it in again.

Don't believe negative reviews

[collincb · 7/10 · 14 November 2022]

This is a really good show with really good acting. The plot line is excellent and has a nice twist at the end. I'm hoping they have a 2nd season. I think the negative reviews are because some people don't like James Corbin. Ignore them and give it a watch. I guarantee you finish the first season in one sitting. Watch this. It's good. Lead actress is very good as well. I'm eager to see what a second season will unfold as there is plenty of room for more seasons and character development. I read in one negative review that Corbin is a talk show host and not an actor. Well that person is unaware that Corbin has acted long before becoming a talk show host. Ignore the hate. Watch it it's great.

The end is a huge let down

[DutchWatch21051 · 4/10 · 8 December 2022]

Such a shame. The acting is really spot on and right until almost the end we really enjoyed it. But when the curtain is drawn and the plot is finally revealed, the story is completely shattered. And as a viewer, you are left to wonder, it retrospect, what on earth you have been watching. The story, on a superficial level at least, is about a man going insane over his wife cheating on him with 3 different men. Of which one, he can't identify. But there's a dreadful suspicion. He is going through a severe crisis and he is immensely hurt by his wife's cheating. And as a viewer, you sympathize, how could you not, right? So, spoiler alert, she only cheated on him because he had cheated on her. And in the final episode, last 5 minutes, she simply confronts him with this. And he is just as amazed as you are as a viewer, because it makes no sense.

It's like watching a movie about a man who suffers due to the murder of his dog. And you sympathize. And in the final episode and after hours of watching, you learn that he first killed the dog of the man who later murdered is dog. And the entire story doesn't make sense anymore. Why did the main character kill the other man's dog, and does he not understand that the murder of his own dog, is a simple quid pro quo.

Bad example? I dare you to watch this mini series. And then reflect on this example again.

This plot reveal is so incredibly mundane and boring, not to mention completely illogical with the actions and emotions of the main character, that the series just completely comes undone.

I'm afraid I also suffer...

[durham100 · 8/10 · 26 November 2022]

...from a totally illogical dislike of James Corden. I have no idea why. And it's been going on a long time. Long before he sort of proved me right becoming all ffar too americanny and then with the omelette incident. I've never seen Gavin and Stacey so I have no idea what he was like in that. I just saw clips of car pool karaoke and things like that which made me want to kick my TV screen in. However, he is excellent in this, as is everyone. Melia Kreiling was wonderful in Tyrant and she is equally good in this and sorry, but i have to say, she is truly beautiful to the point of taking ones breath away. I love the storyline, the Coco Chanel thread which is bonkers but works and whoever chose the music throughout has to be greatly commended. This show is really DIFFERENT and it works. I get the feeling it is what Gervais was aiming for with afterlife - the feeling, not the story - and this shows how badly he missed after series one. I put off watching this due to my Cordenophobia - I heartily reccomend you do not do the same as you will be missing a treat.

It's not a documentary about James Corden.

[Barnton_K · 7/10 · 16 November 2022]

Corden can obviously act - as several awards demonstrate. Whether or not you like Corden's acting (and I don't) isn't the point either; Jez Butterworth is one of the best writers working today and I'm interested in his work, not in James Corden.

Mammals is an attempt at something original; when it works it's excellent and while it doesn't always hit the target, its hit-rate is vastly better than most shows. I'd rather watch a flawed attempt at genuine originality than a retread of other shows, which is most TV.

I'm fascinated to see what Jez Butterworth does next. A film version of Jerusalem would be top of anybody's wish-list but whatever it is, it won't be predictable.

Every bad freshman poetry class come to life.

[starjosie · 3/10 · 28 November 2022]

As every, and I do mean every, positive reviewer laughably believes a negative review is due to a dislike of Mr. Corden, let me assure you I am barely familiar with him other from a few Carpool Karaoke episodes many years ago, which I enjoyed.

Mammals was so painfully shallow. It reminded me of an overly dramatic, shockingly immature college freshman who sits in their window at night, gazing at the moon, penning horrible poetry. The desperation to be conceived as deep and meaningful, the awkward and heavy handed use of metaphor and beat you over the head symbolism was so off putting that by the sixth episode, when it looked like a character might harm themselves, I was rooting for them to end it. I was kind of hoping there would be a spate of incidents culminating in the characters no longer existing. The lack of finesse and subtlety was astounding.

Binge worthy, beautiful deeper meanings about love, partnership, and existence

[megmerriet · 10/10 · 17 November 2022]

I don't think people should rate the show poorly just because they have mixed feelings about one of its actors. When I read an article talking about how this show provided a beautiful commentary about how monogamy can be at once essential and suffocating and it's allusions to Moby Dick and literature, I was surprised to see how low its ratings on IMDB were. I guess people don't like the male lead because of his offensive sense of humor??? That has nothing to do with this show. The writing is superb. The actors really create a spellbinding story. I watched this over the course of two nights because I could not look away. Amandine is tragic and mesmerizing. The pain of loving someone you can't trust is all too real for so many people, and this show delves into the magic of love and its horrors, drawing parallels between the sea and the unknown nature of another person. I LOVED IT. I am still trying to figure out the ending.... :\ but overall, I remain enraptured with this story. It has made me think more deeply about my former romantic relationships and how wonderful it feels when for a brief moment, you both believe in the impossible, that you and another person could love each other fully and forever.

Enjoyable, light and funny in parts...

[ijasonhyland · 6/10 · 13 November 2022]

Assuming many won't watch it because of the lead actor but this is actually quite an enjoyable and entertaining series for a Sunday afternoon in front of the TV.

It's begins with a nice story about to unfold and then bang how it can flip, then slap you in the face before giving you that one final massive and fully deserved kick in the arse .!

What ever about his kak chat show .. James Corden gives a good go in this as the lead and the Tom Jones cameo very well placed in episode one.

Difficult to see how a second series would be warranted but if there is one I am sure I'll give it a watch....

Pseudo deep story about human nature

[hannahorwath · 5/10 · 22 January 2023]

Watched it for Collin Morgan and ended up liking Sally Hawkins performance as well. I think she portrayed dissociation quite well. The side plot of their marriage was actually more interesting than the main storyline.

SPOILER ALERT: The whole "big reveal" at the end feels very fake and implausible. How big a hypocrite and detached from reality would you have to be to react the way he did to his wife's cheating when he was doing the same. Things just don't add up. Additionally, the mystery and supernatural element around Amondine just makes her seem grandiose and full of herself - her performance is superficial and unconvincing.

Less Arty More Farty

[bohemia800 · 14 November 2022]

I can't believe I wasted 3 hours on this show, I kept expecting something interesting to happen and all I got was... confused. I must be really stupid because I did not 'get' this tv show at all. It did not seem clever or intriguing. To me, it was style over substance. Wtf was up with the whole muppet thing? Why was there a whale? That whole coco chanel thing and the show generally, seemed an Amelie rip off (soundtrack?). Why was Tom Jones there?? Is it because he is from Wales (whales)? If so that is STUPID and makes no sense. Like the rest of the show. And the big reveal at the end? Disappointing. I want to unwatch it.

But I don't have a bad word to say about Colin Morgan, he is amazing, give him an Oscar. And the whale too.

It's Absurd. But I think that's the point.

[k8teeg · 7/10 · 12 November 2022]

If you watch this and fail to notice the absurdities large and small throughout, then you're not paying attention. It presents love and fidelity in the most absurd way, which is definitely something different to the usual dramedy.

My main critique is it's a huge let down on the quantity of comedy (maybe because your brain is trying to reason through the absurdity and misses some along the way.) Large portions essentially felt like all of it was written by Corden or at the very least in his comedic voice. Which I guess would be fine if he wasn't so well known for that style on a late night chat show nowadays, it takes you out of the character in several moments.

Somewhat predictable plot, but then again it was marketed as a romantic comedy and not this absurd dramedy that it really is, so I'd expect a lot of annoyance and confusion over that, including the casting choices. But ask yourself if you can think of anyone more absurd for this role than Corden.

This is eye-opening and heart-stopping and thoughtful and beautiful

[dlsaltzberg · 9/10 · 18 November 2022]

I don't know why more people don't see this.

I may have to watch it again, to catch more nuance.

The acting is superlative; James Cordon anchors a brilliant cast. Actor Melia Kreiling is impossibly beautiful, but her character is thoughtful yet passionate.

Don't watch when you're hungry. James (Chef Jamie) creates mouth-watering menus.

Basically, this film makes you feel and think and taste and imagine.

Why do other treat this series so badly? Am I seeing things not there? No...I think they are missing the reality of what monogomy can and cannot be.

This reminds me of columnist Dan Savage and his rants about "monogamish." This series is an illustration.

See it!

Rather off-the-mark 'comedy' drama

[Amadio · 6/10 · 21 November 2022]

Until I watched Mammals and read the references to James Corden, I'd never heard of him. I still don't know much so this review is based only on the show, nothing else.

The story is nothing special, boy-meets-girl, fall in love and then out of love (will they get back together?), but the low-key presentation and somewhat laconic humour make it mildly amusing. Corden's strength in Mammals is not humour though, but a searing, almost child-like, emotional honesty. This is more interesting than the somewhat 'modern' reliance on bathos (think The Office, or Fleabag). A lot of what passes for humour here is bathetic, but if comedy is the art of saying something serious in an amusing way, then there is enough here to entertain.

Where it falls down, and quite hard, is the meandering fantasy of one of the characters that doesn't seem to serve any purpose in the story arc.

No one comes out of this particularly well, and I was left a bit deflated and wondering why Mammals had been presented this way (the advertising photo is utterly meaningless). It's okay, but there is much better out there.

Momentary smiles can't undo depressing cringe.

[PlutoZoo · 4/10 · 28 November 2022]

That this is painted by some of the suspiciously higher ratings as a black comedy strikes me as a stretch. I guess such opinions are from those types who would argue that a tomatoe is a fruit or that a blank canvas is art until you eventually throw them out of a moving car and provide them with the very demise they would call comedy, apparently.

This show isn't a comedy because the comedic moments are so very few and far between that they get drowned out by the abject grim depression that the writer seems to think would add to this effort at deadpan humour. It seems as if it's trying to be similar to a well known deadpan comedy about a grieving man, but the balance is way off and it doesn't work.

James Cordon has good and bad moments, his better ones when he's remembered that he doesn't need to shout-speak and perhaps he's spent too long on his talkshow being loud and shouty. I'm neither a fan nor a hater of his and did like him in Gavin & Stacy, The History Boys and his sketch with George Michael. Problem is he's exactly the same here. If that's what they call acting, being the same in everything, then perhaps that's the problem.

The story is essentially that he discovers his wife is a three time cheating slapper but doesn't confront her. There's where the story becomes silly and stupid. He just follows her and her lovers, discovering one after the other. He breaks into one of their apartments to confront the man but can't confront his own wife. So, the plot mechanisms are naff and contrived.

One funny aspect of this British drama is it casts the cheating wife as French, which struck me as a tired stereotype, as if the British don't take lovers. They prefer car parks near where dogs are walked.

All in all, it's silly, drawn out, boring and mediocre.

Don't pay attention to the haters. It's great.

[galuwatra · 10/10 · 11 November 2022]

This show grabbed my interest within the 1st five minutes. I can only surmise that the people giving a low rating are doing so because they don't like James Corden, for some reason. I am a huge fan of his & he knocked it out of the park. He is a brilliant comedic and dramatic actor. This show is heartbreaking , interesting & quirky. I watched without any expectations & was extremely pleased with the entire series. Every character's life, in the show, is messy & complicated. All of the performances were excellent. Ignore the bad reviews, this one is definitely worth a watch. I love any show that truly surprises me & this one certainly did!

Ignore the 1 star reviews!

[sam_burgess · 7/10 · 21 November 2022]

There's a disturbing amount of one star reviews, and it makes me wonder if these reviewers have even watch the show or if they just hate James Corden.

I really enjoyed Mammals, it's not the best show but it's very watchable and there is no denying that James Corden can act. I am confused as to why it's classed as a "comedy drama" when there is very little - if any - comedy. Aside from perhaps the first episode I didn't laugh at all. The story is quite dark, and there's nothing funny about it.

The last episode is absolutely bonkers though, and I don't think it did the story justice. An easy watch, give it a go see what you think.

Corden Bleh

[nick-watson · 2/10 · 11 November 2022]

Most of us know that you can sell just about old thing as "comedy" if you put a.popular comedic actor in the leading role.

Sadly, there did not appear to be one available, so James Corden got the gig and so it became a dramedy ... which is industry slang for "not at all funny, but lacks the necessary plot, script and character depth to be considered an actual Drama" If you liked Gavin and Stacey (and your Doctor is prepared to increase your prescription dosage) then you might enjoy this .. in the same way that old people "enjoy" staring out of the window for 8 hours a day.

One has to assume that Corden got a lot of money for this, but his co-stars probably got paid a lot more knowing they had to share screen-time with him.

There is nothing . . . NOTHING else like this

[whatithinkis · 10/10 · 15 November 2022]

It is amazing and continuous in its ever evolving, entertaining, surprising and ultimately profoundly victorious story telling.

Everyone and every thing excels. No missteps. The Writing, Directing, Acting . . . Everything . . . The pacing is perfect. The DEPTH.

And it is a comedy. So subtle it's almost like whispering. It makes no sense and yet it comprehends and explains all the aspects of all the things.

This review will make no sense as well before you see the work. Then once you have experienced it, this review will make all the sense that's needed. Just like the work.

Breathtaking in its risk taking. Breathtaking in its success.

Nice Little Mini Series

[cjstanford-65097 · 6/10 · 24 November 2022]

A highly skilled chef is about to open his haute cuisine restaurant named after his wife.. He's planning and managing every thing from sourcing rare truffles, designing the menus interior and interior, to training a wholly new staff requiring expert provision required for a 3 star restaurant-his life long dream. A lot is in the line- failure would mean not just a job loss, but he and his wife's financial ruin. Amidst this crescendo in his life path, he suspects his wife is cheating on him. This concern is distracting him and consuming any remaining emotional stability. The restaurant opening is coinciding with his c confronting the wife. With a twist at the end -the very end. This feels like a 5 hour layup for a single short punchline.

Self indulgent narcissistic nonsense

[vivnista · 1/10 · 6 December 2022]

The first epidode pulled me in, I mean, who doesn't love a bit of Tom Jones. Then it got weird and pointless. There is literally nothing to like about any of the characters. Not one thing. I either wanted to slap them or shake them. To be clear, I'm not talking about the performers, I have enjoyed them in other things, but the people they portray are so insipid.

I finished the series because I'm a completist, I don't like loose ends but it got no better at all. Save yourselves and go watch literally ANYTHING else. Now, if someone could just tell me where the holiday cottage was that they filmed in, that may pacify me a smidge.....

A real look at our lives

[Ariel_ily · 14 November 2022]

Mammals is for brilliant minds It is for those who see beyond the everyday banalities Mammals is everything and the opposite of everything But it is not banal No matter how banal the haters are The cast is Mammals A small diamond: James Corden, Melia Kreiling ( I love Amandine) Sally Hawkins and Colin Morgan form a team that catapults you into their lives.

I was not swayed by opinions about Corden and I did well because I found him perfect.

Colin Morgan, what can I say, I had no doubt about him: for me he is the epitome of acting.

He manages to express every single facet of his characters I look forward to his new work.

In conclusion: Mammals are us It could be the life of any one of us, and the skill of the cast fully engages you.