Skip appointment with creepy therapist in ‘Gypsy’
Shrink is the new Psycho. Naomi Watts (“Twin Peaks”) stars in Netflix’s newest drama “Gypsy,” an alleged psychological thriller about a therapist who is all about boundaries — she has none.
Jean Holloway (Watts) is a Manhattan counselor who seems to have it all — a thriving practice, a gorgeous home and a loving husband, Michael (Billy Crudup, “Spotlight”), and an adorable 8-year-old daughter, Dolly (Maren Heary).
But as she grows frustrated with two clients who seemingly aren’t making the progress she thinks they should be making, she decides to infiltrate their lives.
The deceptions tease the unraveling of her own personal and professional personas.
Sam (Karl Glusman, “Nocturnal Animals”) is a nice schlub who can’t get over a breakup with Sidney (Sophie Cookson, “Kingsman: The Secret Service”), a barista by day, rocker by night.
Jean drops by the coffee shop to check up on her as “Diane,” and sooner than you can say grande skinny latte, the two are playing handsy.
Claire (Brenda Vaccaro) is a mother who wishes her grown daughter Rebecca would just pick up the phone and call her once in a blue moon.
“I cannot let go,” Claire vows in a session.
So what is Jean to do but start getting her hair done at the same salon as the daughter?
What drives Jean to such lengths? Is she fact-checking her clients’ stories, or is something more nefarious happening?
There are intimations that Jean has behaved like this in the past with another patient, who is looking for payback.
Jean’s home life is not so settled. Hubby has a beautiful assistant. Dolly seems to be transgender, and while her behavior alarms her school, Dolly’s parents seem mostly amused.
“50 Shades of Grey” director Sam Taylor-Johnson helms the first two episodes and plays with mirrors. Characters are framed talking to them, walking by them, practically disappearing in them. It’s a visual tick that reaches its zenith in the second episode when Jean and Sidney flirt with each other while looking in separate mirrors. You might find it precious. Or not.
Here, Sidney drops the money quote that underlies the series: “You shouldn’t believe everything you hear. People tell stories that aren’t true. We all pretend, don’t we? Some of us are just more honest about it.”
For anyone engaged in psychotherapy, “Gypsy” presents a nightmare, but its lazy execution is not worth the time commitment.
Unless Netflix is willing to pay your therapy copays, you should drop this series from your coverage.