Bates Motel

2013

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Vera Farmiga

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Summary

A contemporary prequel to Psycho, giving a portrayal of how Norman Bates' psyche unravels through his teenage years, and how deeply intricate his relationship with his mother, Norma, truly is.

Community Reviews

Public Opinion

1.9k reviews

8.3/10

8.1/10

Viewers are captivated by 'Bates Motel', particularly praising the stellar performances of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore. The series is lauded for its gripping narrative and emotional depth, though some find the pacing uneven across its five seasons. The portrayal of Norman's descent into madness and his complex relationship with his mother is a highlight, despite some feeling that the plot occasionally stretches credibility.

👍 Stellar performances and emotional depth.

👎 Uneven pacing and stretched credibility.

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Reviews and Comments

478 reviews

indria nayrarated ★ 8/10

November 11, 2025

I’ve watched all the seasons, and I honestly love the story and the characters. The acting is incredible, especially Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga, both absolutely nailed their roles! I also really liked Alex’s character, even though his story with Norma didn’t go the way I hoped. Their chemistry and interactions are still some of my favorite parts of the whole series. The plot is complicated and terrifying at the same time. It’s so creepy that I actually watched the bloopers just to remind myself it’s all acting. Honestly, it felt even more intense than a horror movie! I also can’t help but feel both pity and frustration toward Norma. From the start, she kept denying that Norman had serious issues. If only she’d gotten him checked earlier, maybe things could’ve turned out differently. But then again, Norma herself was a victim cause her past was full of pain and trauma. As for Norman, he started off as such a sweet, genuine guy, but slowly turned into a cold-blooded killer. Sadly, the last season felt a bit rushed. There were so many moments that left me wondering: What really happened to Norma? Why did Dylan leave them? What was Norma’s life like after marrying Alex? I kinda wish those questions were answered in a few extra episodes of season 5, but unfortunately, we just have to piece it all together from the dialogue and small hints. Even though the ending was pretty tragic, there’s still a tiny bit of bittersweet happiness at the end. Overall: a powerful, emotional, and unforgettable story. Rating: 8.5/10.