I saw quite a few Steve Martin films as I was growing up. I have fond memories of his performances in family films that are generally fun and wholesome. While I have always looked at Steve Martin as an actor that has always been relatively old, an outcome of his white hair throughout much of his career and father roles, I was actually a bit surprised to see that he was still active as an actor. Typically, actors that reach a certain age tend to step away from the camera and move more to a director or producer role, something a little less intensive. What made me more curious was how this most recent production of his had received a very high rating of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Usually I avoid these ratings and don't feel they are all that accurate these days, but an older Steve Martin had me find the show on Disney+ and start watching.
I expected something, well, a little less active. If I have to admit. And I've been really surprised at how well his health is, allowing him to not just perform, but perform very well. This is also the case alongside his career colleague and friend Martin Short, who has also reached the 70s. Seeing them both remain so energetic only made me more interested in the show, curious as to where it was heading. It has been a long time since I last found a show that I could actually binge. Something I found myself heavily enjoying and watching episode after episode and not even realising the time passing. I'm surprised that it came from such a modern production. But so far, I have to say that Only Murders in the Building is a very fun show to watch. Simple, engaging, and so far free of the cheapness that typically plagues a television show that ends up on a streaming service. I suspect that this is much to the demands of Steve Martin and Martin Short, who must've had a deeper position in the production and ensured it was given what it needed to be of quality.
Only Murders in the Building
I have never been a fan of true crime, I find the documentaries to be a bit out of taste for a number of reasons. But sometimes I can enjoy some fictional detective and murder mystery stories. A problem with the fictional genre is that there isn't a lot of it, and it's generally quite a difficult thing to pull off well. There's been a few films as of late that have managed to have some success, but the television side seems a bit lacking. Only Murders in the Building seems to be one of the few, and one that really manages to pursue this idea well. With three main characters, two of which are two men in their 70s and from the arts, the third character being a younger woman played by Selena Gomez, each of them share a common theme: they love true crime, and are addicted to a particular true crime podcast. This podcast unexpectedly brings them together when a sudden death takes place within their luxurious apartment building in New York City.
Everyone, including the police, believes there's sufficient evidence to back a suicide. Though our three characters are hesitant to believe it, with their knowledge of murder mysteries and true crime, they join forces and begin a plan to solve the crime themselves, all while attempting to create their own podcast on the process. This is a fun setup for a show, but the true shine comes from the character development as we are introduced to each of these three characters. We can see how their love for the podcast is essentially escapism from their own hardships in life as they pursue thrills through stories. It makes the show a lot more interesting and paces things as we see a deeper look into each of these characters, but also their lives within the building that the alleged crime took place in. After all, as long-term residents, they must have a lot of history with the building and other residents that can be explored in pursuit of the truth.
The show mixes up the character development with the aspects of investigation quite well. We see how they enter different parts of the community within the building while parts of their personal lives inevitably follow. For instance, the character played by Martin Short is suffering greatly from financial issues, his apartment is all he has left as his career in theatre failed. He's left with many bills and of course desperate to try to find work and money, but this remains a secret from the rest. It serves as his motivation to produce something of value with the investigation, while that very investigation results in him trying his luck to essentially beg for financial help from other residents. Little bits of dialogue enter to promote this aspect of the story, and rarely does it break away from the focus of the murder to tell us this. The same can be said regarding the other characters, also. Their personal problems all find a way to be connected somehow.
Enough about the story and characters, however. I'm heavily impressed at the performances by Steve Martin and Martin Short. For two men nearing their mid 70s, they move around like they're in their 50s. And this obviously adds a lot of energy to their performances. As frantic, aged men that both work in the arts, they're naturally very charismatic and fluid in their movements. An actor needs to be able to be gestural and show body language, for instance. And there's plenty of that in this. Martin Short in particular barely seems like he's aged at all. And with these performances come very enjoyable characters to watch. Especially with how well Steve Martin and Martin Short work together. Steve Martin is the witty one, and Martin Short is the one with all the movement. Their characters are very believable, certainly the type you'd be able to picture having such a fascination, living in this luxurious building and being driven by a mutual goal, albeit for their own individual causes.
One thing I really like is how often the show seems to utilise few spaces. A lot of the events take place within the building, in different apartments and around the residents. But it doesn't grow stale. Perhaps because it still ensures it shows some other locations every so often, as to mix it up and find ways to connect every day aspects of life with the story and character development. It makes the building look large, capable of mystery with the many rooms it holds and the many potential suspects due to the large number of residents.
I'm not really sure where the story will go, it seems there are three seasons. Currently I'm on the first, so anything could happen. I'm hoping it can hold this momentum, though. In terms of quality in the visuals, it's definitely holding up. A nice blend of creative editing and cinematography, while not going overboard with it. Fixed perspectives when there is dialogue, camera movements when the scene calls for it.
But one of the strangest things for me, is that I don't find Selena Gomez insufferable! I had the feeling that I wouldn't be able to watch the show due to not really liking her performances. I haven't seen a lot with her, but I've never really been pulled in by anything that seems to have her cast. But she does a good job here. And she isn't the main focus, so even if you also aren't quite a fan of her, the whole appeal really is Steve Martin and Martin Short. So maybe give this a go if you're looking for a cozy entry into October, where the spooky month begins and that atsmophere can be enjoyed. This has the mystery, but plenty of comedy to keep it lighthearted.
