Just when we all thought that Netflix is out of series that would keep viewers subscribed to the streaming platform as many famed Netflix series completed their run last year, the streaming giant has managed to find new content that show a lot of promise and makes viewers want to stick around. Be it The Sandman, Dahmer or the most recent sensation of Netflix – Wednesday. Honestly, I was unaware that such a series exists, I was not up to date about anything regarding the series. The show had opened up to critical acclaim. I’d heard of the Addams Family, never watched it though but I’d heard of them. Still, Wednesday what not something I was aware of. It wasn’t until I saw the internet going crazy over Jenna Ortega’s dance sequence over Lady Gaga’s Bloody Mary.
The Thing in the series (walking hand) was also gaining popularity. These few things guided me to this new show but I didn’t pay much attention. I checked out the cast and saw many recognizable faces, especially Jenna Ortega who I’d seen in X. The show was created by industry veteran Tim Burton. Even after learning this, I didn’t pay too much heed to the show. However, everything changed when I came across numerous records that the show was breaking Netflix records in just its first season. The show is now the third on the all time list of Netflix viewership numbers just behind Stranger Things 4 and Squid Game. This was extremely intriguing to me. What does this show have that was making everyone go head over heels about it ? That too in its very first season. In order to find out, I watched the show and my thoughts are written below.
Wednesday Review: Jenna Ortega saves the predictable show?
Rating – ★★★
I want to keep this one short because the series came out in late November, so I’m not going to tell you anything that you’ve not already heard before. I simply wanted to give my blunt thoughts on the series. The world that Tim Burton is presenting to us is a fascinating one, I know it is a retelling of the world created by cartoonist Charles Addams but the Addams had adapted for the modern world is praiseworthy. There is always intrigue in us to know about this world where different kinds of almost magical creatures exist.
Honestly, I got The Umbrella Academy vibes at the start of the season. The performances from all the cast members are good, there is not a single misfire. Jenna Ortega of course, stands out as she is almost in every frame of the series. Her portrayal of Wednesday is what keeps the show alive even in its dull moments. However, the character of Wednesday is not too dissimilar than anything that we’ve not already seen. Its a combination of Sheldon Cooper and Sherlock Holmes, with some bits and pieces coming from other places.
Regardless, Ortega plays the part very well. Also, considering the amount of skills she acquired to play the part, her efforts have to be appreciated. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Gwendoline Christie are two enigmatic forces in the show. In their very limited screen time they own every scene that they’re in. The elegance in both of them is ravishing. Emma Myers is another member from the supporting cast who is praiseworthy. Her over the top performance actually neutralizes Ortega’s downplay of emotions.
Also, Myers’ part could’ve easily been annoying but she manages to keep her performance in check and she is never getting on your nerves. Now, coming to the writing. It is confusing. On one hand it is good and on the other, it is not. When it comes to the plotting part of writing, the way the episodes are written is not done well. The first five episodes are slow, where the only thing that keeps you hooked are the performances and anything else. The series does pick up pace in its final three episodes but the mystery that they’ve established can be seen through easily.
There was not a single twist that I didn’t see coming from a mile. It is extremely predictable, be it the character arcs, twists, reveals nothing was a shock to me as I’d already figured it because of the obvious clues. The visions that Wednesday has are I think lazy ways of telling a story. Especially the final vision where she learns who the real Hyde is. In conclusion, I was not impressed by the the plotting of the series. However, the emotional quotient of the show did impress me. It packs in a lot of heart and I appreciate that.
That is why I didn’t stop watching the show because it is hooked me emotionally. One thing though, you never feel as if Wednesday is actually in any real danger. The sense of dread is not such that you feel very concerned about the titular character. The climax too is not handled well as it is short and not at all the most tensed part of the show, that it should’ve been. I like how they end the show with a good tease for the second season. I wish they’d used more originality in their plot.
Verdict
Wednesday is perfectly alright horror comedy series which you can watch for some lighthearted fun. Don’t expect so much from it though. I my opinion it is definitely overhyped. However, that is not the show’s fault. I think I can easily recommend this series if they want a quick watch and don’t witness something intense. The high emotion points, funny sequences with Thing and good performances does it result in an interesting watch. If you go into the series just to witness a cute horror comedy, you won’t be disappointed.
However if you’re looking for something intense or scary, a mystery that is unsolvable then don’t watch Wednesday for that. Don’t buy into the hype and understand clearly what the series is offering you and if you’re into it only then watch it. For what it is supposed to be ignoring all the buzz around it, I think I’ll give Wednesday 3 out of 5 stars as there are no fatal mistakes committed by the show.
Jenna Ortega leads the cast with amazing support from Christian Ricci, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, Gwendoline Christie, Emma Myers, Isaac Ordonez, Hunter Doohan, Fred Armisen, Georgie Farmer and Percy Hynes White. All eight episodes of Wednesday are currently available for streaming on Netflix. Season Two doesn’t have a release date yet.
If you have any questions regarding Wednesday, feel free to ask in the comments below. For more content, stay tuned. As usual, like, subscribe and share our articles as we here are trying to build a community of people High on Cinema!
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