Entertainment
Netflix’s 8-Part Fantasy Series Is So Good, You’ll Finish It in One Sitting
Netflix has plenty of series that everyone talks about, but one short-lived show from the streamer deserves to be among them. Kaos only received one season, but the dark comedy is a unique series that fans want more of. Although there are only eight episodes, the 2024 series boasts an addictive story with surprising twists and compelling characters, which is part of why the series’ quick cancellation shocked viewers. Yet, even without more to the story, Kaos crafts a tale that will keep viewers pressing play on the next episode.
What Is ‘Kaos’ About?
Part of what makes Kaos great is that there are many moving parts, but none of them would matter without the gods. The series features a deeply insecure Zeus (Jeff Goldblum), who fears that he is losing power, leading to a clash between gods and humans. The god spirals, believing that a new wrinkle on his forehead is the first sign of the prophecy given by the Fates: “A line appears, the order wanes, the family falls, and Kaos reigns.” Zeus declares a state of emergency and summons Prometheus (Stephen Dillane) for guidance, who receives a brief respite from the horrific punishment Zeus had given him. Serving as the series’ narrator, Prometheus is rare among immortals because he isn’t so self-centered that he fails to notice what is going on in the rest of the story.
Much of the show’s narrative takes place elsewhere, both in the mortal world and the Underworld, as three mortals receive the same prediction that has Zeus worried. Riddy (Aurora Perrineau), Caeneus (Misia Butler), and Ari (Leila Farzad) all have stories that unexpectedly come together throughout the series. However, each faces a personal crisis, as Ari uncovers a dark family secret, Riddy’s failing marriage ends when she is sent to the Underworld, and Caeneus confronts his past in the afterlife. With these characters, Kaos explores the legends of the minotaur, Orpheus (Killian Scott), and Caeneus, but in each case, the series adds its own twist.
‘Kaos’ Takes a Creative Approach to Greek Mythology
With a wide variety of legends to choose from, Greek mythology retellings are popular. However, Kaos sets itself apart in one creative way, placing the gods in the modern world with all the technology that entails. The gods are still worshiped, and though it’s played for laughs as the all-powerful Zeus walks around in a tracksuit, the change ultimately makes the story more grounded. Kaos uses the addition of modern elements to its full advantage, reworking the gods themselves into new and deeply flawed contemporary interpretations. Zeus is an egomaniac in a midlife crisis, and the visual cues indicate this instantly in a way that would not be possible if his appearance were more traditional. Meanwhile, the way Kaos portrays the other gods adds to the show’s humor, with Poseidon (Cliff Curtis) living a laid-back life on his yacht, Hades (David Thewlis) as a stressed-out manager for the expanding Underworld, and Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan) a bored partier hoping to earn his family’s respect.
Yet, the gods are not the only ones who are changed in Kaos. The modernization of the myths creates opportunities for the human characters, like the exploration of Caeneus’ identity as a trans man and the focus on Riddy’s failing marriage to Orpheus. These modernized storylines highlight the dysfunction of various relationships, making them easily identifiable by the audience. Ultimately, there is no fantasy show like Kaos, and with so many surprises, it’s impossible for viewers to look away until the entire story unfolds.
- Release Date
-
2024 – 2024-00-00
- Directors
-
Georgi Banks-Davies, Runyararo Mapfumo
- Writers
-
Charlie Covell, Georgia Christou
You must be logged in to post a comment Login