spoilers ahead…
Written by Nynoshka Vazquez Suazo
The release of Netflix’s Wednesday was highly anticipated, especially by those who hold a love for the origin film of the character, The Addams Family. Jenna Ortega proves she has broken out of her Disney Channel kid box and is ready to tackle darker, and more adult roles.
The eight-episode series is directed by the king of the weird and freaky, Tim Burton. Wednesday focuses on the daughter of the infamous Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chicago) and Gomez Addams (Luis Guzman, Boogie Nights). After getting expelled for releasing piranhas on the water polo team in the first episode, Wednesday (Ortega, Stuck in the Middle) gets sent to Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for “troubled” kids. What could be assumed as a new telling of the beloved character’s story, actually turns into a murder mystery where Wednesday becomes the goth version of Nancy Drew.
While trying to solve the mystery and find the monster she saw in the woods, Wednesday also tries to balance friendships, her relationship with her mother, and her romantic relationships as she becomes the point of an interesting love triangle. The normie Tyler (Hunter Doohan, Your Honor), and the aura of misery that is Xavier (Percy Hynes White, The Gifted) make for satisfying eye candy and an intriguing sub-plot. Personally, I’m team Xavier, he had me at heroic chivalry, oh and that smile. This series is the Halloween version of a coming of age, an amusing balance of spooky and romantic.
Wednesday’s cinematography must be commended. While it was not filmed in black and white, Wednesday’s presence, her clothing, her skin tone, and her room all give the illusion that it could’ve been. It perfectly encapsulates the Addams Family vibe. The music adds to that ambiance, however, this writer would have preferred the classic Addams Family theme song and not the new one created for Wednesday.
The representation in the series must also be highlighted. Casting a Latinx/Hispanic Addams family was probably not what people expected, but such a power move. That being said, not only was the Latinx casting iconic, but also the casting of big names such as Luis Guzman (Journey 2), Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), and the most special of appearances by Christina Ricci, the original Wednesday Addams. Her interactions with Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday could make any true fan emotional. Honestly, the role of Ms.Thronhill feels as if Christina’s previous role in the film Penelope grew up and got a job at Nevermore. Similarly, after Tim Burton’s 2016 comments resurfaced about the lack of black actors in his films it was great to see a handful of black performers in prominent roles.
While this show is set to portray a more dark and adult version of the family classic, the use of “adult language” was laughable, and couldn’t be taken seriously. Similarly, any romantic or sexual actions were also laughable. Morticia and Gomez’s PDA was uncomfortable. Ajax (Georgie Farmer, The Evermoor Chronicles) and Enid’s (Emma Myers, Girl in the Basement) make-out sessions at the Rave’N Dance and in her dorm were both similarly hard to watch. However, Tyler and Wednesday’s first kiss was absolutely swoon-worthy regardless if I wished it were with Xavier instead.
These young actors carried a punch as well including those who aren’t as mainstream as Ortega but you should definitely be on the lookout for from now on. In particular, Joy Sunday’s performance as Bianca was extremely mesmerizing. Ortega’s performance is also one to be noted, as she proved to be more than her Disney Channel days. However, slightly disappointed she blinked in the first episode, nevertheless an impressive mannerism to add. Thing, whose movements are “puppeted” by Victor Dorobantu is one to be noted as well. For a character who had no face or voice, or even a body, it added a sense of comedic relief and comfort.
The one real flaw in the series, however, is that all the answers to the “unsolved” questions are answered within each episode. The plot can be easily read. Every “plot twist” or ounce of confusion is exposed to the viewer before Wednesday comes to the realization herself. I had a suspicion as to who the monster was by the second episode, and was correct. The attempts to throw off the lead and the viewer were underdeveloped.
Regardless, Wednesday provides a fun and binge-worthy telling of a beloved old character, I look forward to seeing what’s to follow.
Wednesday is now streaming on Netflix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q73UhUTs6y0
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