Netflix fans say heartbreaking World War Two drama is 'amazing' and 'a must-see'

Daily Record

27-05-2025

All the Light We Cannot See was developed for Netflix by Steven Knight and is based on Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller of the same name, but critics have given it a pasting
Director Shawn Levy's historical drama 'All the Light We Cannot See', which is based on Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, features Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo, Louis Hofmann, and Hugh Laurie in pivotal roles.
Adapted for Netflix by Steven Knight, this four-part miniseries premiered on November 2, 2023, narrating the poignant tale of Marie-Laure, a blind French teenager, and Werner Pfennig, a German teen soldier.
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Their fates intertwine amidst the turmoil of World War Two in Nazi-occupied France, compelling both adolescents to become reluctantly entangled with the Nazi movement.
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The production team received plaudits for their progressive choice to cast a legally blind actress (Aria Mia Loberti) as Marie-Laure, a move hailed as significant for the representation of blind and low-vision actors.
Despite this casting win, the series was not well-received by critics, enduring a paltry 27 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes accompanied by a barrage of negative critiques, reports Surrey Live.
One reviewer said: "Knight and Levy aim for an uplifting, inspirational tale of connection that transcends division, distance and prejudice, but instead deliver a flat, jumbled story that lacks the desired effect."
Meanwhile, another wrote: "This is Netflix at its most awards baiting. Which is why it is symptomatic too of the decline in quality of the service's output, because All the Light We Cannot See is a dud."
One reviewer was less than impressed, saying: "You don't really want to dump on a story about a blind girl hiding from the Nazis, but All the Light We Cannot See doesn't deserve that grace. It's a nauseatingly sentimental, droopy and punishing adaptation."
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Another critic was equally scathing, adding: "Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of wartime courage under fire has been turned into a botch job of epic proportions, a shockingly shallow drama series that dims the light of everyone involved in its misbegotten creation."
A different critic also shared their disapproval, saying: "[It] isn't just inferior to the book; it's a schmaltzy, incompetent, borderline offensive mess whose mere existence tarnishes the book's legacy."
However, the show resonated positively with viewers, as one review said: "One of the most amazing war related TV shows out there. I wish more people knew of it. It has a beautiful, moving storyline, wonderful actors portraying strong and thoughtful characters. The atmosphere of war, the dressing, the music set the right mood for the viewer to enjoy. And it's got deep messages, love, care, light in it. I highly recommend."
Another added: "It was so good to see a show with substance and depth! Was it perfect? No. Was it totally realistic? Probably not. Were there clichés in it? Yes. And in spite of that it was moving and beautiful and a testament to the best of the human soul. Its imperfections almost made it more touching. I would totally recommend this to any of my friends. It is a must see."
Meanwhile, another viewer leapt to the defence of the programme, countering negative reviews by writing: "This show was absolutely amazing. Please disregard any negative feedback that this show received. It was intelligent, and engaging, it focused on more than the obvious negatives of the war. Learning more about how locals helped with messages and codes, and how there were different departments under the regime was fascinating. The writing and soundtrack were excellent and the entire show was well written and engaging. I highly recommend this!".
All The Light We Cannot See is streaming now on Netflix.