Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 24, 2025 · Entertainment

From Critic Punchline to Netflix Gem: 'All the Light We Cannot See' Wins Over Fans

Netflix fans have been raving over a 'simply fantastic' hidden gem series featuring huge Hollywood stars

NETFLIX SHOCKER: Critics Trash "All The Light We Cannot See" But Fans Go Wild for Hidden Gem Series

In a jaw-dropping case of audience vs. critics, the latest Netflix series "All The Light We Cannot See" has sparked a heated debate about its merits. While some reviewers slammed it as a "ghastly failure," fans are singing its praises, calling it a "beautiful piece of storytelling" and "perfection."

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Anthony Doerr, this four-part series has taken viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride through World War II. The show follows two opposing characters: Marie-Laure, a blind French girl who flees Paris with her father to live in St Malo, Brittany; and Werner, a German teenager forced to hunt down pirate broadcasters for the Nazis.

All The Light We Cannot See, an adaptation of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Anthony Doerr, was initially blasted by critics when it landed on the streamer in 2023

The story is a tender tale of humanity amidst horror, as Marie-Laure's family struggles to survive in occupied France. Meanwhile, Werner's transformation from a gifted radio mechanic to a soldier exposes him to the harsh realities of war. The series masterfully weaves their stories together, highlighting the resilience and hope that defined the human spirit during this tumultuous period.

Fans on Rotten Tomatoes have praised the show for its beautiful cinematography, poignant storyline, and outstanding performances from Mark Ruffalo (Daniel LeBlanc) and Louis Hofmann (Werner). However, critics were less than impressed. The Guardian's Lucy Mangan scathingly wrote that the show had "all the subtlety of 'Allo, 'Allo!'" while Michael Hogan at The Telegraph called it a "sanitised" adaptation. Nick Hilton in The Independent was even harsher, criticizing its "tweeification of horror."

But don't just take their word for it – fans are begging to differ. One viewer wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: "I was lost in this movie. The characters and the actors who played them are wonderful. I have no idea why the rating is so low because it's simply fantastic!" Another fan gushed: "Even after all the war she's been through, she's still standing... This made me sob like a child deep inside my soul, just wow it's perfection!"

But the series received a very different response from viewers, with some even deeming it 'perfection'

The stark contrast between critics and fans' reviews has left many wondering what went wrong. Did the show's creators fail to capture the complexity of World War II, or did they simply not appeal to the critics' sensibilities? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: "All The Light We Cannot See" has become a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas.

So, are you ready to take on the challenge and watch this critically-bashed but fan-favorite series? With its poignant storyline, stunning cinematography, and outstanding performances, it's an experience you won't soon forget. And who knows – you might just find yourself sobbing like a child deep inside your soul.

Rotten Tomatoes Stats:

Marie-Laure, flees Paris with her widowed father, Daniel LeBlanc (Mark Ruffalo), for St Malo in Brittany to live with reclusive uncle Etienne (Hugh Laurie)

  • Critic score: 28%
  • Audience rating: 81%

What do you think? Will you give "All The Light We Cannot See" a chance, despite the mixed reviews? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

While critics have panned the show for its perceived shortcomings, fans are singing its praises. With over 15 million copies sold worldwide (and counting), it's clear that this series has captured the hearts of audiences everywhere.

This tender tale, set between 1934 and 1944, interweaves the stories of the two children who find ways to hold on to their humanity amidst the horrors of World War Two

So, will you be joining the ranks of those who have fallen in love with "All The Light We Cannot See"?

The second strand follows German teenager Werner (Louis Hofmann), who has a gift for radio mechanics and is forced by the Nazis to hunt down pirate broadcasters

The novel, written by American author Anthony Doerr, was a hit with critics, who applauded his lyrical writing style