Saint X review: A slow-burning mystery that falls short of its promise

2/5

Story: A young woman's mysterious death creates a traumatic ripple effect that ultimately pulls her surviving sister into a dangerous pursuit of the truth.

Review: Saint X, a multi-part drama adapted from Alexis Schaitkin's novel, attempts to unravel a mysterious death at a luxurious resort. With two timelines and multiple perspectives, the series delves into the tragic demise of Alison Thomas, a young woman killed during a family vacation in the Carribeans. While the show's premise holds promise, it falls short in execution, leaving viewers wanting more.

The pacing of Saint X is a significant issue. The storylines, oscillating between the past and present, feel sluggish and unnecessarily drawn out. Excessive timelines and perspectives pad the episodes, diminishing the intrigue of the central mystery. The disjointed presentation gives the impression of a plot contrived to appear more meaningful, but it comes across as sloppy and poorly constructed.

To make matters worse, the show's slow-moving narrative stretches over unreasonably long episodes. With eight episodes at its disposal, the series fails to effectively fill gaps in the storyline or provide sufficient background information. It becomes frustratingly difficult to comprehend the events that transpired and their relevance to the murder mystery.

Claire's (Kenlee Townsend), Alison’s kid sister, obsession with uncovering the truth behind her sister’s death is another aspect that develops agonisingly slowly. Key themes and revelations emerge late in the series, leaving little impact on the plot. The exploration of toxic attitudes towards homosexuality is a prime example, introduced too late to contribute meaningfully to the story.

Amid the shortcomings, a few performances shine. Jayden Elijah and Josh Bonzie deliver compelling portrayals as Edwin and Clive, two Caribbean staff members embroiled in Alison's death. Their complex bond and the struggles they face add depth to the show. Unfortunately, the character of Alison herself, the linchpin of the series, is disappointingly one-dimensional. She embodies the clichéd image of "the dead girl" and fails to evoke genuine interest.

While Saint X attempts to challenge the perfect white victim trope, it falls into the trap of perpetuating the sexualisation of its female characters. The show raises thought-provoking questions about society's fascination with young white women but relies on leering shots and excessive focus on Alison's physical attributes, undermining its own message.

Both the writing and acting quality in Saint X leave much to be desired, resembling daytime soap operas rather than compelling dramas. The tragic tale fails to evoke sympathy for the characters, especially Alison, who lacks depth and fails to resonate emotionally. The characters' absurd actions and lack of development contribute to an overall feeling of dullness and disinterest.

Verdict: Saint X falls short of its potential. The show's pacing issues, convoluted timelines, and lack of character depth hinder its ability to captivate viewers. While it tackles relevant themes, the execution feels heavy-handed and superficial. Despite a few bright spots, the series ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying and engaging experience.