The Diarist [Review]

Set in 1950 New York City, Andrea Davies started her life as the new secretary and personal assistant for Richard Hayes, the head of a large advertising firm in the City. Andrea got it all, the look, the manner, the wealth, all just in the right amount to find a future husband and a secure life, just like any other girl wants. Everything worked out as it should be for a lady of a class, until Andrea find herself being pulled closer into Mr. Hayes' personal life, and all the mysteries that entrail him.. 

The Diarist is an audio drama podcast created by Donna Barrow-Green. Staying true to its time and place setting, it is one in the neo noir-thriller genre. As we follow the scenes of the rolling plot, the story is narrated by the main character, Andrea Davies, who put herself as the diarist who are reading her past tales to us, the readers. 

Andrea Davies is implied to be placed in one of the usual female trope in noir story, the "good woman" type—a usual 1950s Hollywood's ideal depiction of what a lady should be. A bright eyed, and somewhat naive, kind-hearted woman with a strong moral compass. 

However, Andrea, and us, find herself steering away from this cliché, after she got into too deep with her own feeling to Richard Hayes. 

The voice acting held one of strongest point in this podcast. Beth Ricketson is amazing as Andrea Davies, the timid girl that is surrounded by shark, and my favorite is Corrine Elena, as Margaret Hayes, the questionably disturbed wife of Richard. Sound engineering is quite good, to say, the smooth difference between outdoor and indoor surroundings is probably one of the best I've ever heard. However, in some episodes, it seems like there's a technical glitch when the actors' voices suddenly sounded like it's cut out and recorded in a different time, and kinda like being rammed in the final edit. It is a noticeable flaw, but it's not something of a hindrance for the entire story.

The Diarist is the podcast that keep you aching for answers on practically everything, not just the plot of next episode, but also the motives of each character and the consequences of their action. The writing is amazingly concise, as we switched back and forth between being the listeners while Andrea contemplates her choices and in the third point of view, helplessly watching Andrea stumbles in her own desperate desires. 

Note: 

• The Diarist could be found in their official website, their feed, iTunes, and as always, any podcatcher of your choice.
• recommended if you like: neo-noir genre, psychological thriller, mystery, dark romance.
• This podcast may be not suitable for all listeners, so caution for: archaic gender roles, overtly imposing mother, mental health issues, restraint situation, potential gaslighting, exploitation, dominance, violence, sexual situations, being too in love..