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Charlie Covell Brings us into a World of KAOS!
Gods, monsters, tongues being removed, women turned into bees, and is that Billie Piper?!?
Netflix’s KAOS, created by Charlie Covell, is a veritable mezze platter of Greek mythology, contentious issues, and a fantastic soundtrack. Jeff Goldblum was a bold choice for the King of Gods; Zeus, but it works. And the man is treated like a god anyway.
Goldblum treats us to a fantastic performance of a ‘man’ drunk on power who inevitably devolves into paranoia and cruelty. The rest of the cast is fantastic despite not being as instantly recognizable as Goldblum. I particularly liked Janet McTeer’s portrayal of the Queen of the Gods; Hera. She’s a straight-talking, conniving, and all-around badass bitch (if you forgive the phrasing). Zeus’s son, the demigod Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan) has quite the arc, going from a spoiled child to an emotionally vulnerable master of his own fate. Special mention goes to his sweet, sweet style.
But how does one take a mishmash of Greek myths and make them palatable for the modern world?
Well, for starters you have Prometheus (Stephen Dillane) as the story’s narrator, chained to his rock wearing only tight red undies. As some may know Prometheus famously suffered an immortal punishment meted out by Zeus. For giving fire to the humans Prometheus was chained to a mountain where Zeus sent an eagle to eat his replenishing liver for evermore. In KAOS Zeus describes Prometheus as his “best friend” whom he summons magically from Prometheus’s torture spot to have frequent tête-à-tête with the commander and chief. Guess that’s the way Zeus treats his friends.
My personal knowledge of Greek myths is mostly drawn from the Disney Hercules movie and Eddie Izzard’s sketches. This is fitting as comedienne Eddie Izzard plays one of ‘The Fates’. The Fates in Greek mythology traditionally; spin, measure, and cut human life like a thread. Izzard’s character; Lachesis who cuts the thread, oozes her trademark wit and charisma. In mythology, the entrance of the Underworld is a cave. In KAOS ‘The Cave’ is a dive bar inhabited by the pool playing Fates and instead of a cyclops guarding the entrance, an eyepatch-wearing bartender.
You don’t have to be Greek Mythology scholar to understand KAOS (though it would maybe help). There is plenty of Easter Eggs hidden for the more eagle-eyed viewer. The prominent placement of a pomegranate in episode one and episode eight (finale). In Greek mythology one of the symbols of a pomegranate is the life and death cycle, which is very fitting for this particular narrative. Some viewers have noticed that Billie Piper’s role as downtrodden prophet Cassandra (she’s looked better) hints at one of the show’s many big twists in episode one. It is clear KAOS will benefit from multiple viewings.
The best thing about KAOS is that it does stand as its own story. As a modern retelling, it fits nicely into current sociopolitical conversations. For example; Zeus and his family want the myths to be maintained in order to provide distraction to what the gods are actually doing.
When Zeus sees that the human’s fear of him is waning he summons natural disasters (fire, plagues, floods…y’know the usual stuff) to scare the humans into submission and pleading worship. As he explains to Dionysus: “And it can start as something real, real small. Like the rape of one woman, the death of one child. Because if you get it right, it can set families and continents ablaze.”
Sound familiar at all?
There is also a sad familiarity with the way the refugees of the destroyed city of Troy are marginalized and segregated in Krete. They appear to be ghettoized in ‘Troytown’ and victimized by the local police force.
Covell’s writing also gives the female characters more agency than their mythological counterparts. Eurydice ‘Riddy’ (Aurora Perrineau) is not just Orpheus’s (Killian Scott) doomed wife but a plucky main character with her own desires and failings. Even Hera is elevated from Zeus’s scorned wife to a major player.
I liked how the figures who traditionally had been screwed over by the gods such as Eurydice; left to languish in the Underworld courtesy of Hades. Medusa was punished for being assaulted by a man in a sacred temple. We already know Prometheus’s story. Daedalus (father of Icarus) was locked in the labyrinth with his son. All these characters are tasked with bringing down the gods in a truly spectacular fashion! Revenge is divine!
The design of the Underworld was initially quite disappointing after it was teased at the end of episode one. I assumed that the Underworld would be some fantastical gothic landscape complete with demons and the shambling, engorged souls of the damned. However, I appreciate Covell’s decision to go in the opposite direction. The Underworld is simply a bureaucratic hub run by a mild-mannered paper-pushing, middle-aged couple; Hades (David Thewlis) and Persephone (Rakie Ayola). This change makes the dark humor all the more poignant. Though still disappointed there was no James Woods. The Cerberus sniffer dogs were particularly cute.
I am excited to see what season two brings. More imaginings of Greek heroes? I’d be intrigued to see how the show would interpret Hercules. Please, bring on more dark humor, mythological remixes, and too much divine intervention. Vero! Three-and-a-half stars
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Movie Review: Devara Part 1 (Streaming on Netflix)
Devara Part 1 dives deep into the heart of coastal India, merging high-stakes action with rich, emotional storytelling. Directed by Koratala Siva, this movie delivers both visually arresting cinematography and a gritty, dramatic narrative that examines the impact of power, loyalty, and revenge. The film stars Jr. NTR as Devara, alongside Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, both in pivotal roles. With its mix of action, suspense, and drama, Devara has quickly become a must-watch on Netflix.
The film is set in a fictional coastal region, where Devara, played by Jr. NTR, emerges as a man caught in the crossfire of a world rife with ambition and betrayal. The narrative pivots around land issues and the power struggles within the community, which expose Devara’s journey from a common man to a feared figure within his circle. Saif Ali Khan’s antagonist is a complex and calculated character whose machinations add depth to the storyline, setting the stage for a high-stakes conflict with Devara.
The film uses classic Bollywood tropes of revenge and honor but explores them through a modern lens. Devara’s journey is marked by his raw emotional drive and relentless courage, and the character’s depth makes him a gripping protagonist. Janhvi Kapoor adds a softer, more vulnerable counterbalance as Devara’s love interest, providing relief amid the film’s intensity.
Jr. NTR shines in the title role, embodying Devara with both intensity and vulnerability. His transformation into this hardened figure is subtle and believable, allowing viewers to empathize with his struggles. Saif Ali Khan, as the antagonist, is charismatic yet menacing, bringing layers to his role that make him much more than a standard villain. Janhvi Kapoor, while not the primary focus, delivers a grounded performance, effectively conveying the emotional depth needed in a film as intense as this.
One of the strongest elements of Devara Part 1 is its cinematography. Siva and his team bring the coastal setting to life, with expansive shots that capture the rugged beauty of the region. Each scene is meticulously crafted to capture the landscape’s natural colors and textures, lending authenticity to the story. The high-quality production value, along with the tight pacing and impressive action sequences, ensures that the audience remains engaged from start to finish.
Korotala Siva’s direction keeps the narrative’s emotional core intact while focusing on action and drama. The way he layers tension and reveals character motives adds a degree of realism rarely seen in mainstream cinema.
At its core, Devara is about the moral complexities that arise when survival and loyalty collide. It tackles themes of power, corruption, and revenge, all within a tightly woven plot that never strays too far from the human element. The film also dives into social issues, shedding light on the systemic corruption affecting the lives of ordinary people in coastal India. Devara’s journey is one of self-discovery and confrontation with societal norms, and this depth keeps the film compelling beyond its action sequences.
The film also sets up exciting possibilities for Devara Part 2, hinting at an even deeper exploration of these themes, as the stakes rise and alliances shift.
Devara Part 1 combines strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and a gripping storyline. While it does lean on some familiar tropes, the story’s authenticity and Siva’s nuanced direction make it a worthwhile watch. The movie’s pacing, engaging plot twists, and character-driven drama make it hard to turn away.
Rating: 4.3/5 Devara Part 1 is a compelling drama that balances action and emotion, making it a standout in Netflix’s lineup. It’s perfect for viewers looking for a powerful storyline mixed with well-executed action. Highly recommended for fans of Bollywood cinema and anyone who appreciates stories with moral complexity.
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The Perfect Couple on Netflix – A Twisty and Engrossing Thriller
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Netflix’s The Perfect Couple offers an intriguing blend of suspense, romance, and family drama, wrapped in a murder mystery that leaves viewers guessing until the very end. Based on the best-selling novel by Elin Hilderbrand, the limited series dives deep into the complexities of relationships, secrets, and privilege in a story that pulls you in from the very first scene.
The show centers around the seemingly perfect union of Celeste and Jake, a couple whose idyllic Hamptons wedding turns nightmarish when a dead body is discovered. As tensions rise, secrets start to unravel, revealing that beneath the glamour and charm, dark truths and betrayals run deep.
Nicole Kidman delivers a magnetic performance as the matriarch, Annabelle, effortlessly conveying both vulnerability and authority. Her scenes are riveting, and she adds an underlying intensity to the family dynamics. Liev Schreiber as the groom’s father, Tag, gives a grounded and nuanced performance that complements Kidman’s. The young couple, played by Dakota Fanning as Celeste and Billy Magnussen as Jake, share a complex chemistry that evolves with each revelation, keeping viewers both captivated and unsettled.
The plot’s pacing is handled well, with each episode unveiling new layers of the story, drawing audiences deeper into the lives of these flawed characters. The series masterfully combines flashbacks and present-day scenes to reveal motives and hidden relationships, creating a web of suspense and intrigue. While the murder-mystery element drives the narrative, the story’s emotional weight rests on the characters’ strained relationships and societal pressures. This balance between mystery and drama is both compelling and refreshing.
Shot against the stunning backdrop of the Hamptons, the cinematography elevates the series, capturing the dichotomy of beauty and darkness within the affluent world of the characters. The lavish settings, paired with a haunting soundtrack, create an unsettling yet luxurious atmosphere that enhances the story’s tone.
While the series is an absorbing watch, the storyline sometimes stretches plausibility with a few twists that feel overly dramatized. At times, the show leans into melodrama, but the strong performances and complex character arcs keep it grounded enough to stay engaging. Fans of psychological thrillers might find the plot a bit predictable, but the character-driven drama and twists offer enough surprises to keep the experience fresh.
The Perfect Couple is a gripping watch for fans of high-stakes family drama and suspenseful thrillers. With a stellar cast, a visually captivating setting, and a storyline that keeps you hooked, it’s a binge-worthy series that digs deep into the layers of human relationships and the secrets we keep. This series is perfect for a weekend watch, delivering just the right amount of intrigue and emotional depth to satisfy thriller enthusiasts.
Rating: 4/5
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Dragon Ball Daima – A Fresh, Nostalgic Adventure for Dragon Ball Fans
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Dragon Ball Daima has landed on Crunchyroll, and it’s a wild, unexpected, yet nostalgic ride that blends the classic energy of Dragon Ball with some bold new twists. This latest addition to the Dragon Ball universe doesn’t just revive the beloved characters and world – it reimagines them, serving up fan-favorite elements while introducing some surprises that make it feel fresh.
In Dragon Ball Daima, the story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious magic spell transforms Goku, Vegeta, and others into children. This reversion back to childlike forms brings a fun, youthful energy to the series that harks back to Dragon Ball GT. Yet, unlike GT, which was often divisive among fans, Daima leverages the “de-aging” twist to delve into new adventures with an old-school vibe. As the characters face familiar threats with newfound challenges in their younger bodies, the plot offers a balance of high-stakes action and a humorous, nostalgic tone that longtime fans will love.
Toei Animation outdid themselves with Dragon Ball Daima. The colors are vibrant, the action sequences are fluid, and the character designs blend the retro look of Dragon Ball Z with a modern twist. The reimagined character designs – especially seeing iconic fighters like Vegeta and Goku as kids again – add a fresh visual layer that makes the series feel lighthearted yet intense, capturing the unique spirit of Dragon Ball.
One of the best aspects of Daima is how it allows fans to reconnect with the characters in a fun new context. Goku’s mischievous personality shines in his younger form, and seeing Vegeta adjusting to being small again is a constant source of amusement. Their dynamic is still strong, yet with new challenges in the mix. The voice acting is top-notch, with Masako Nozawa (Goku) and Ryo Horikawa (Vegeta) bringing the characters to life in ways that feel familiar yet fresh.
Dragon Ball Daima doesn’t hold back on the action, delivering the classic fast-paced, energy-charged battles that fans love, albeit with some interesting limitations due to the characters’ transformed states. The action scenes are a perfect blend of old and new, with each battle sequence bringing out the strategic side of the characters as they work around their changed abilities. The pacing is also well-balanced, keeping the story engaging without feeling rushed or dragging on.