The Outsider

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Summary

  • Erivo’s standout performance as private detective Holly Gibney in “The Outsider” impressed viewers.
  • Holly Gibney offers a refreshing take on the thriller/horror detective stereotype.
  • Despite being underrated, “The Outsider” garnered high ratings, showcasing Erivo’s talent.

Before her sensational Oscar-nominated portrayal of Elphaba in the widely acclaimed movie version of Wicked left everyone in awe, Cynthia Erivo had already built an impressive resume in film, television, and theater. She made appearances as Ambia on an episode of AppleTV+’s anthology series Roar, Lisa in two episodes of Broad City, portrayed Harriet Tubman in the 2019 biopic Harriet, and took on the role of The Blue Fairy in 2022’s Pinocchio.

Amongst various captivating performances, Cynthia Erivo’s role in a Stephen King miniseries truly shines. Although this miniseries may not have received the same level of acclaim as some of his other works, it’s definitely worth watching. Her performance is one of its highlights and she deserves recognition equal to the praise she’s earned for her work in Wicked.

Who Did Cynthia Erivo Play In The Stephen King Miniseries The Outsider?

In the 2020 HBO miniseries, The Outsider, based on Stephen King’s 2018 novel of the same name, Cynthia Erivo masterfully portrayed the intriguing and captivating private detective Holly Gibney. Notably, this character also appears in King’s 2014 book, Mr. Mercedes. The exceptional quality of the miniseries has left fans speculating whether King’s works are best suited for television adaptation. In this series, Holly investigates the case involving Terry Maitland (played by Jason Bateman), a suspected baseball coach accused of murdering young Frankie Peterson.

Similar to the miniseries from the 1990s, “The Outsider” manages to tackle numerous aspects within ten episodes, and Cynthia Erivo brings depth to her character, Holly. As Holly investigates, she notices recurring crime patterns that make her question other possible suspects. Furthermore, Holly encounters a peculiar entity, which sets “The Outsider” apart as one of Stephen King’s finest supernatural tales. The blend of a realistic and moving crime drama with the supernatural is what truly highlights Erivo’s exceptional performance in this series. Although there have been many insightful detectives in thrillers and horror, Holly stands out due to her uniqueness.

In contrast to many TV drama/horror/thriller detectives who boast large egos, Holly stands out as confident, measured, and meticulous. She’s a delight to follow as she navigates her interactions with other characters and works diligently to uncover clues and solve the mystery at hand. Audience members find themselves rooting for her success and safety. Unlike some horror and thriller characters who may act imprudently, Holly demonstrates an understanding of the dangers inherent in her profession but remains determined to help people, pushing forward despite the risks. After enjoying series like True Detective, viewers often yearn for a fresh take on the private investigator character, and Holly serves as an excellent illustration of how captivating this type of character can be when written skillfully.

Despite less public excitement surrounding other adaptations of Stephen King’s works like “The Dark Tower” and Oz Perkins’s “The Monkey”, the miniseries “The Outsider” is still a compelling watch, thanks to Holly. The series received high praise from critics, boasting a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 81% rating on Popcornmeter – quite impressive figures. If you’re seeking a thought-provoking story with stellar performances, this is definitely worth your time. Although it’s disappointing that “The Outsider” wasn’t renewed for another season, Cynthia Erivo’s performance is exceptional and alone makes these ten episodes something to be celebrated.

What Did Cynthia Erivo Say About The Outsider?

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Holly Gibney in The Outsider. It seems like new Stephen King adaptations are popping up everywhere, but what makes The Outsider truly special is Erivo’s exceptional performance that has unfortunately gone under the radar. In an interview with Goldderby.com, she elucidated that Holly is a one-of-a-kind character and shared her thoughts on this unique role:

“I’ve never really met anyone like her. I knew she would be a challenge for me to take on.”

Erivo continued:

In my mind, she’s an outsider not only due to her origin but also because she seems to always be standing on the periphery of everything around her.

During a chat with “In The Envelope” on Backstage.com, Erivo discussed her acting journey and expressed her desire to continue growing as an artist. In her own words:

“I’m always eager to learn more about my craft and grow as an actress.

I find myself in a constant state of discovery each day, as I’m consistently faced with new situations that require me to learn and adapt. If life were always smooth sailing, there wouldn’t be much room for growth. However, when it feels like I’m walking on a tightrope, needing to rebalance myself, that’s where the learning truly happens.

Cynthia Erivo is set to appear in Wicked Part Two: For Good, a film slated for release in 2025. Additional projects she has lined up include the movies “Children of Blood and Bone”, “Blink Speed”, “Carrier”, and “Prima Facie”, as per her IMDb profile.

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2025-01-23 19:34