Laughing in the Face of Crime: 'Based on a True Story' Review Unleashes an Uproarious Assault on Shameless True-Crime Fanatics

“Based on a True Story” (Sky Max) Boarding the rollercoaster, we find ourselves immersed in a darkly comic exploration of the graphic business of murder. The series opens with a scene reminiscent of Psycho – a young woman is brutally stabbed by an intruder, setting the stage for what unfolds as a furious attack on the true crime genre.

Enter charming plumber Matt (Tom Bateman), who is the elusive serial killer on the loose in Southern California. Nathan (Chris Messina), a ho-hum tennis coach, and Ava (Kaley Cuoco), a true-crime obsessive, fall into his trap when he fixes their leaky toilet. Struggling financially and expecting their first child, the couple hatch an unconventional plan – blackmailing Matt into collaborating on a mega-hit podcast, in order to avoid any more murders. Of course, in the world of dark comedy, control over the narrative is a fleeting concept.

The series, created by Craig Rosenberg, known for his work on "The Boys" and "Gen V," strikes a balance between the tones of "The Tragedy Girls" and "Scream." It skillfully satirizes the superficial nature of society and the terrifying obsession with true crime that has increased in recent years. The screenplay, well-served by a cast with reliably funny bones, sharpens its wit to expose the immoral and mercurial obsession with true crime, humorously labeling it "the great American art form." Gives.

A notable moment occurs when the Bartletts, Ava and Nathan discover that their podcast has been "cancelled" by unexpected people, including Judi Dench. An unspoken and perhaps accidental celebrity gag has emerged as Matt, the knife-wielding killer, bears a striking resemblance to none other than tennis legend Roger Federer. A chilling echo echoes when Tom Bateman and executive producer Jason Bateman, despite no relation, share a surname with Bret Easton Ellis's most American psychologist, Patrick Bateman.

The series emerges as a guilty pleasure, drawing parallels with the comedic cousin Barry, known for his ability to scare and entertain with contract killing. However, in this narrative, the victims are not just men; They are female, young and beautiful, which adds a sinister twist. One is hung on an umbrella, another is cut into imaginary sequences, and the body of a third is put in the trunk of a car. To satirize true crime is to mimic its enthusiasm for gore, and yet, its worst crime lies in an unsatisfying midpoint ending, which leaves the audience in suspense with no resolution.

Switching gears, we move on to Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina's portrayal of down-on-luck couple Ava and Nathan in the sitcom "Based on a True Story." Nathan's dismissal as tennis coach and Ava's struggle to sell an expensive property push them into a financial quagmire. However, Ava's true crime obsession takes center stage when she reveals that their new plumber, handsome Matt (Tom Bateman), is the infamous Westside Ripper serial killer.

Instead of taking the traditional route of reporting him to the police, Ava and Nathan chose a unique strategy – featuring Matt on the podcast, convinced it was a recipe for success. Created by Craig Rosenberg, the series occupies a space between "The Tragedy Girls" and "Scream," offering a satirical take on society's superficiality and growing fascination with true crime. The heroes' fear of becoming the next victim is a stark contrast to their friends' preoccupation with promiscuous plans and scandalous affairs.

Despite its entertaining premise, the series faces challenges in balancing social commentary, gruesome violence, and its glossy sitcom vibe. The intention of deriving humor from a live performance clashing with serious violence is not as effective as Jane V's puppet sequences. The series relies too heavily on its sitcom aesthetics, which diminishes the impact of its more shocking moments.

However, amidst this tonal mix, an exciting crime thriller plot unfolds. As bodies pile up, Ava and Nathan find themselves in a psychological game of cat-and-mouse with the killer while the police investigation winds down. Tom Bateman's genuinely menacing presence keeps the audience guessing, adding an unexpected edge to each situation.

In short, “Based on a True Story” weaves a narrative tapestry that crosses the lines of dark humor, true crime satire, and engaging plot. It highlights the true crime genre's fascination with gore, balancing laughs and chills. As it is set to release on Sky on December 29, 2023, viewers can expect a journey filled with mystery, laughs and unexpected twists in this unique take on the true crime phenomenon. Whether it's a searing attack on the true crime industry or a sitcom's entertaining dance with a murderous plumber, audiences will be treated to an immersive experience that challenges the norms of traditional storytelling.