The Boys
While it is a show about superheroes and superpowers, The Boys subverts the genre and brings in a breath of fresh air. Initially, the series may feel like a spoof of popular Marvel and DC films, characters and storylines, but as you go deeper into it, you will be surprised to see the sheer political nature of the show. Everything is deeply metaphorical and the storytelling mirrors a wide range of social and political issues that haunt us in present times. However, no matter how effectively the show highlights grim realities and harsh truths, it never loses its fun quotient and does not forget its comic-book origins.
Also, the often shocking violence gives the series an additional edge. While the storytelling is great, another USP of the show is its amazing characters, most importantly, Homelander, the primary antagonist. Homelander, played to perfection by Antony Starr, is directly inspired from Superman, but, is a bad guy for the ages. The deeply layered, invincible, megalomaniac character has really terrifying moments, and after many years, I have come across an antagonist you can really hate with your guts. Another interesting character is the foul-mouthed Butcher, played by Karl Urban. Urban shines as a vigilante who hates superheroes and is out on a quest to kill Homelander.
With brilliant VFX, gory action and kick-ass humour, The Boys is not just an entertaining watch, but is also a commentary on present-day politics and a critical reflection on the current global obsession with superhero films.
Stranger Things
This is one series that probably needs no introduction. Season 4 works primarily due to the fact that you love the wide assortment of endearing characters and have been waiting for almost three years to witness the next step in their journey. What sets the series apart is its tremendous use of ’80s nostalgia and countless tributes and pop culture references. There are moments that remind you of your favourite films like Jurassic Park and Terminator 2. Story-wise too, the series pays homage to legendary writer Stephen King, as well as iconic film-makers like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron. Stranger Things is bound to have a separate sentimental value for any ’90s kid, as we all grew up on the kind of late ’80s cultural elements that have been shown in the series, ranging from music to movies.
The story itself is dark and features a lot of dark fantasy elements. The basic premise of a bunch of ragtag youngsters and their family members forming unexpected teams to fight monsters originating from a parallel dimension, is itself bang for your buck. Amidst all the action, horror and VFX extravaganza lies the emotional core of the story, which highlights the meaning of friendship and the need to accept people for who they are. Stranger Things also highlights that being a bit ‘strange’ in a world full of normal is not only perfectly acceptable, but rather cool.
Love, Death + Robots
Love, Death + Robots is an animated anthology series created by Tim Miller. As the title suggests, the series features stories of short duration based on these three themes. The shorts involve truly breathtaking animation work of varying styles, as some of the greatest animators and creators have come together to make this visually stunning series. With stories directed by the likes of David Fincher, a wide range of genres is prevalent here. There are stories that delve into hard science fiction, there are also stories that are downright comical. The one thing common in almost all the episodes is the brilliant animation. The creators have had the opportunity to go completely wild and in many instances, they have gone beyond imagination with violence, style and beauty.
While Love, Death + Robots is a fine example of the true extent of the power of animation in present times, in many of the stories the craftsmanship does not forego or neglect the storytelling. While there is enough action-packed blockbuster entertainment, many of the stories are also soulful, deeply philosophical and haunting. A standout story in the latest season is the already viral Jibaro, which reflects upon mankind’s greed in a beautiful way. Overall, this series has something for everyone.
The Northman
The Northman is an American epic historical action-thriller film directed by Robert Eggers. Based on the legend of Amleth, the film focuses on a Viking prince’s quest for revenge against his uncle, who killed his father. The source material, a Viking legend, was the major inspiration behind Shakespeare’s Hamlet so we all know the story. However, what sets The Northman apart is its accurate depiction of the Viking age and its poetic, haunting visuals.
This is one of the most visually stunning films I have watched in a very long time. The attention to detail is striking, and Eggers has brought out the sheer brutality of the period in a highly effective way. The elements of dark fantasy add to the storytelling and make the narrative gripping. With an all-star cast, ranging from Willem Dafoe to Nicole Kidman, the performances are of course amazing. The action is a bit too realistic, and hence not like the Zack Snyder-esque stylised action pieces we have become accustomed to watch on screen. However, the climactic fight in a volcano, amidst overflowing lava, is a scene to remember for a long time.
However, the film’s artsy treatment leaves you a bit disappointed. The emotions and the drama are a bit underplayed. For a film about Vikings featuring a climax at the gates of Valhalla (hell), The Northman is a bit too subtle at times. Also, the fact that the story is extremely popular means that the plot offers zero surprises, hence, the on-screen betrayals don’t really shock or sting.
Overall, the film tells a very old, popular story in a straightforward, yet larger-than-life way, making this one of the better revenge films to have come out in recent times. However, do not watch expecting blockbuster entertainment.
The Umbrella Academy
The series revolves around a dysfunctional family of adopted sibling superheroes who reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death and the threat of an imminent apocalypse. It highlights aspects of identity crisis and the meaning of family. While the subjects may seem a bit too serious, the treatment is far from it. The series and its storytelling is high on quirks, to the extent of being completely bonkers at times. It deals with morbid topics like death and apocalypse in a tongue-in-cheek manner.
As time travel is a major part of the plot, the involvement of historical incidents in the plotting and implementation of period-specific music adds a lot to the viewing experience. The production design, VFX and cinematography create an explosion of colours on screen. At the heart of all the madness and action is a great set of quirky characters, ranging from the sardonic Number 5, an aged, time-travelling assassin stuck in the body of his 13-year-old self, to Pogo, a talking chimpanzee who trains the superheroes. The inter-character conflicts and bonding make for great banters throughout the three seasons of the show, and, you begin to care for this motley crew of super-powered people. Despite their larger-than-life superpowers and quirky personalities, their very relatable issues and humane sides make you connect with them.
Abhirup Ghosh