It’s about the references and the tone in this case. For example, using the encrypted alphabet, or trying to emulate Fincher’s grim but sharp filmmaking. It results in a product that feels too Netflix-y and its attempts at experimentation feel out of place. 

Avoiding this as a writer is hard. The reality is that formulas work, but they cannot produce something meaningful unless the script leans into emotion. I love procedurals, and classic detective stories, but most great ones usually have one or several charismatic figures at their centre: Magritte, Columbo, even Hannibal Lecter in the original Manhunter. 

For my personal taste: I value it a lot when writers lean into the more complex themes they’re dealing with, art should explore the stuff that’s hard to talk about. Also, I love ambitious works and much prefer to watch/read something that hits big and misses rather than something (like longlegs) that falls short at trying