Gypsy (TV Series 2017)
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Drama
Created by: Lisa Rubin
Starring: Naomi Watts, Billy Crudup, Sophie Cookson, Karl Glusman, Melanie Liburd
Gypsy is a moody and seductive psychological thriller that delves into identity, desire, and the boundaries between therapist and patient. Created by Lisa Rubin and starring Naomi Watts, the series follows Jean Holloway, a successful Manhattan therapist who secretly infiltrates the private lives of her patients, blurring the lines between her professional responsibilities and her own hidden fantasies.
Jean’s journey is one of duality—by day, she’s a composed, insightful counselor; by night, she morphs into “Diane,” a mysterious alter ego who manipulates her patients’ worlds and pursues her own personal obsessions. Her descent into this dangerous double life begins with Sidney (Sophie Cookson), a magnetic barista and ex-girlfriend of one of Jean’s patients, sparking a seductive and increasingly risky relationship.
Naomi Watts delivers a compelling performance, effortlessly portraying Jean’s fragility, control, and increasingly unraveling psyche. Her chemistry with Cookson adds an electric tension to the series, while Billy Crudup plays her husband Michael, whose own sense of normalcy begins to fracture under the weight of Jean’s deception.
Visually, Gypsy is polished and stylish, with moody lighting, upscale Manhattan settings, and a slow-burn atmosphere that complements its psychological themes. The show’s pacing is deliberate, leaning heavily into introspective monologues and character-driven tension rather than traditional thriller beats.
Despite its sleek production and nuanced performances, Gypsy received mixed reviews. Critics pointed to its lack of narrative momentum and overly subdued storytelling, though many praised Watts’s performance and the show’s bold exploration of female desire and identity. It was canceled after one season, leaving many plotlines unresolved but securing a cult following intrigued by its dark elegance.
In summary, Gypsy is a provocative and introspective psychological drama that explores the dangerous allure of living a double life. While not for everyone, its hypnotic mood, strong performances, and psychological complexity make it a fascinating, if flawed, character study.
