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- Cinemax
- May 20, 2016
- Cinemax
- May 20, 2016
- Cinemax
- May 20, 2016
- Cinemax
- May 20, 2016
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 28 Critic Reviews
70
64% Positive
18 Reviews
18 Reviews
36% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 28 Critic Reviews
70
64% Positive
18 Reviews
18 Reviews
36% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Outcast is incredibly visceral, both in its scenes of demonic possession and in the punch-happy tactics of the titular amateur exorcist. But it's also a tense, meditative psychological drama about trauma, redemption and belief, with nuanced performances throughout and a grim but arresting visual style that is not without flashes of humor.
Fugit is great as Kyle, the character around whom Outcast pivots. You've got to believe this guy is real to buy into the series, and the Utah native delivers a performance that makes the series work.
It isn't for everyone, but Outcast is likely to satisfy fans of horror done well.
In its second and third episodes, the material periodically drags to a crawl while laying the bedrock foundation for forthcoming action. And its habit of leaving key details and interpersonal dynamics vague borders on irritating. Though it resumes building momentum by the end of its fourth chapter, there’s a sense that the show requires somewhat more vigorous storytelling.
This is the sort of unrelenting frightfest that finds menace in objects as ordinary as a Hummel figurine. Before long, you may cringe whenever anyone goes to open a closet or pantry door. [6-19 Jun 2016, p.19]
Kyle gives Outcast dimension, but Anderson makes it vital. Unfortunately, the crowded script slows them down. Too often, Outcast, like it’s demons, depends on the terrifying seductions of possession to hold our attention.
With all this time spent checking off genre boxes, there’s scant space for the narrative to breathe beyond them.