The Patient
A psychotherapist is held prisoner by one of his patients who reveals himself to be a serial killer and demands he help him curb his homicidal urges.
Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg (Creators)
Domhnall Gleeson, Steve Carrell
Review
The Patient is an intense, cerebral psychological thriller that gives audiences an unusual look into the strained dynamic between therapist and patient, in this case with stakes of life and death. Steve Carell takes on the role of Alan Strauss, a psychotherapist held captive by his own patient, Sam Fortner, played by Domhnall Gleeson. Carell’s performance is remarkable, fully embodying a man who must balance his professional commitment to helping his patient while privately facing his own terror and trauma. Carell’s portrayal of this inner struggle is subtle yet powerful, as he grapples with his desire to connect with Sam therapeutically—even though his own life is on the line.
The brief, 20-30 minute episodes may be a welcome break from the usual lengthier series, making it easy to slot into shorter viewing sessions. However, for a series so introspective and slow-burning, the short format feels a bit counterproductive. The narrative might have benefitted from a more condensed structure—perhaps three longer episodes—to allow for deeper dives into its themes without interrupting the story’s flow.
While audiences may leave feeling slightly unsatisfied with some of the series’ unresolved threads, it’s a deliberate choice that aligns with Alan’s journey. This is not a story of resolution; it’s a meditation on acceptance, self-reflection, and survival strategies—like Alan’s imagined conversations with his mentor—that serve as lifelines in an otherwise hopeless situation.
What The Patient excels at is posing thought-provoking questions on empathy, culpability, and the limits of responsibility in relationships, both personal and professional. The show becomes a character study on the boundaries we set for others and the complicity that sometimes arises from compassion. Sam’s demands for Alan’s “help” push the boundaries of the therapeutic role, exploring where empathy becomes entrapment and when professional duty becomes a form of personal confinement.
Visually, the series maintains a polished aesthetic, with careful attention to setting and atmosphere that enhances the storytelling. The cinematography effectively captures the claustrophobic and tense environment of the therapist’s office and the darker corners of the characters’ psyches. The music score complements the mood, adding to the overall sense of unease and tension that permeates the series.
However, some of the show’s tension dissipates, hampered by a script that, while solid, doesn’t quite reach the heights it aims for. It’s rarely more than “top-tier serviceable,” as some of its slower beats struggle to maintain suspense. Nevertheless, The Patient achieves a unique tone, blending horror with quiet psychological reflection, making it a compelling yet challenging watch for those interested in the darker aspects of the human psyche.
Final Thoughts
The Patient offers a fascinating, if imperfect, exploration of trauma, compassion, and the limits of professional detachment. While its episodic structure may not suit every viewer, Steve Carell’s performance alone makes it worth watching. It’s a series that lingers, leaving audiences to ponder the complexities of human responsibility and the thin line between understanding and enabling—a haunting character-driven piece that may not satisfy everyone but will undoubtedly provoke thought.
