Critics Gave This Family Dramedy 94% on RT for Its Brutally Honest Take On Love
This is one of the most realistic series about relationships that will keep you hooked until the finale.
State of the Union, a ten-minute comedy drama created by Stephen Frears and Nick Hornby, packs a universe of marital emotions, grievances, and hopes into its short runtime.
It's a must-see for fans of witty humor, brilliant acting, and honest conversations about relationships.
What Is 'State of the Union' About?
Each episode is exactly ten minutes long – the same amount of time the main characters spend at a pub or coffee shop table before a couples therapy session.
The first season, starring Rosamund Pike and Chris O'Dowd, follows a couple talking in a London pub before going to their sessions to save their marriage. The second season, starring Brendan Gleeson and Patricia Clarkson, is set in a coffee shop, but the essence remains unchanged.
Instead of showing the therapy sessions themselves, the camera observes the intimate and tense ten minutes beforehand, during which the couple shares fears, airs grievances, and tries to find common ground.
'State of the Union' Is a Conversational Drama That Will Keep You Glued to the Screen
The creators hold the viewer's attention, despite the fact that virtually nothing happens except conversation. It's a prime example of conversational drama, where the dialogue drives the action.
Rather than lengthy introductions and a multitude of details, it throws us straight into the thick of things. There's no time for secondary characters or lengthy descriptions – only the essence.
Witty one-liners, caustic remarks, meaningful pauses, and sudden confessions create a tense yet comedic atmosphere. And the minimalist set design enhances immersion into the characters' inner worlds.
'State of the Union' Is an In-Depth Exploration of Married Couples & Their Relationships
Beneath its light and humorous surface lies a serious and profound exploration of marriage. State of the Union is an encyclopedia of midlife crises and the challenges couples face after turning forty.
The series masterfully reveals how existential fears, self-doubt, and repressed resentment lurk beneath domestic squabbles.
The second season, starring Gleeson and Clarkson, subtly explores toxic masculinity: its protagonist, Scott, is a traditional man who cannot allow himself to be weak.
It's a story about the difficulty of breaking generational stereotypes and learning to talk about feelings.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'State of the Union'?
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State of the Union has 94% from critics and 76% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.7/10.
Where to Watch 'State of the Union'?
State of the Union is available to stream on AMC+.
