Down Bad (2021– ) User Reviews

Good Stories, Low Budget

[robinbeaudoin · 8/10 · 2 January 2022]

First, I am a lover of indie film and television. I have to strain a bit to hear this show, or use captions, but the stories are relatable and appropriate to the region of the country.

It's set in Jackson, TN, I think, outside of Memphis. The messages are varied, but shared: I think it's brave of this show to portray black men experiencing and dealing with mental health issues from trauma, and recognizing that it is generational. The parenting struggles we all face either alone, with partners, or with exes can be improved or worsened through understanding and cooperation. Food is a connection we all share at the end of the day. The hustle to keep up financially and pay the bills is endless. Protect what's yours, but pick your battles.

The lighting is good, costuming is good, sets are very minimal, sound and soundtrack need a lot of improvement (budget). Would love to see a second camera angle- keep the video moving.

Still, this feels like a crossover of familiar things, the iPhone-filmed, unfiltered quality of Trailer Park Boys, mixed with a little Memphis, and a little Boyz n the Hood. The writing and acting is solid, it just doesn't come through fully without the production. Amazon, please spend some money on this show for season 2! I'd like to see more!

Thumbs up for down bad

[deltajaygo · 7/10 · 12 October 2021]

So far I like this show it puts me in the mindset of boys n the hood or menace to society definitely entertaining I cnt wait to see the story unfold...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Horrible doesn't describe this show.

[mlbatiste · 1/10 · 25 June 2022]

I attempted to watch this show. No real plot. It was like watching paint dry. It' seen that the show was just put together with no real direction. Very low budget.

Each episode tops the other

[misery1411 · 10/10 · 31 January 2022]

This is an indie show that's a delight to find. This reminded me of how me and my friends growing up and the interactions, dialogue and situations are authentic. I can see this show being a mixed bag for some people but for me it felt so real and genuine. The blend of comedy while tackling some very serious subject matter was genius by the writers of this show. I would love to see a second season.

A hidden indie gem restrained by budget

[nickeugene17 · 9/10 · 31 January 2022]

This was a great story with excellent characters that contrasted each other well. I usually rate movies on IMDB only but this show made me leave a review. This show is very niche which may cause a lot of the choices made by the production team to come across as odd or unfitting. Being originally from Mississippi myself, the slang and the way these characters did things were so real that if the director isn't from the area, someone around him is. I think if the budget was bigger this show would've been talked about by everyone. This is a real hidden gem that I'm glad I accidentally discovered.

amazing, serene camera work

[jesus-100-984521 · 9/10 · 24 May 2023]

I have never seen a camera used this way before, dwelling lovingly on each frame as though loathe to move on, creating a sense of intimate space in which real emotions can reveal themselves.

I do value the subtitles that make a pathway for me to identify with the characters. The last episode is inexplicably surreal - who is alive and who is dead? How could this or that have happened? There seems to be a missing episode.

The story as it unfolds slowly seems too real to be a tv show. But the director is on top of every shot. A joy to watch, even though the story is cruel.

All I want from this series is more of it. Every actor lives their role; there are no false notes or self-indulgent histrionics for the camera. But why....?

Really REALLY GOOD

[lamontira · 10/10 · 23 April 2022]

This show was a pleasant surprise. Something to break up the monotony of the typical series that are being streamed nowadays. Acting was good, storyline was good, and it was very addictive. WORTH EVERY MINUTE.