Critic Reviews

Rare is the movie adaptation that is not just excellent, but which becomes its own radiant achievement. It doesn’t seem too early to bestow that praise upon Bates Motel.

Everything that makes Bates Motel great connects to what initially fascinated us about “Psycho.”

A compelling thriller.

A&E's Bates Motel is both mesmerizing and sometimes absurd in its rewind to Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) as a repressed 17-year-old.

The most believable character--and the real reason to check in to Bates Motel--is undoubtedly Farmiga's Norma.

The show satisfyingly keeps up that ultra-creepy vibe. [24 Feb/3 Mar 2017, p.90]

Expect a slow(ish) rollout for Bates Motel, as the first couple of episodes establish character and location, before things take an uptick during episode three. But there’s more than enough intrigue and entertainment--on top of Farmiga’s outstanding turn--to keep viewers wanting more of this new-style nonhomage to Psycho.

As odd as poor Norman is, there's something about Norma that gives Bates Motel its true, and truly frightening, center. Vulnerable and malign, Ms. Farmiga pretty much nails it.

Bates Motel turns out to be a worthy reimagining of the Norman Bates story.

All in all, its assured storytelling and fine performances give a worthy contemporary spin to a classic.