Netflix’s latest original Maniac is as experimental in its storytelling as it is in its craziness. An adaptation of the Norwegian series of the same name, it follows an aimless and guilt-ridden Annie Landsberg and a rich, down on confidence and delusional Owen Milgrim who both end up volunteering as test subjects for a new drug experiment at a pharmaceutical company headed by Dr. Muramoto in association with Azumi Fujitsa. Things go unexpectedly wrong and Justin Thereux’s James Mantleray is brought in to oversee the remaining operation although the lines between fantasy and reality begin blurring.
The show’s unique nature towards storytelling makes for some intriguing plot development even though it’s not the most briskly paced of all shows. The narrative goes all over the place at times and the writers are too caught up in having fun with creating highly detailed alter-universes to the extent that focus on the real-world plot is often lost. Even so, the avant garde cinematography, highly addictive music and excellent performances by Emma Stone and Jonah Hill shine under the fine direction of Cary Joji Fukunaga resulting in a show that’s at least worth a one time watch, if not something to devour time and again.
To check our complete review of the show, follow the links below to read our individual episode reviews / recaps.
Netflix’s Maniac Season 1 Episode 1 Review: The Chosen One
Netflix’s Maniac Season 1 Episode 2 Review: Windmills
Netflix’s Maniac Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Having A Day
Netflix’s Maniac Season 1 Episode 4 Review: Furs By Sebastian
Netflix’s Maniac Season 1 Episode 5 Review: Exactly Like You
Netflix’s Maniac Season 1 Episode 6 Review: Larger Structural Issues
Netflix’s Maniac Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Ceci N’est Pas Une Drill
Netflix’s Maniac Season 1 Episode 8 Review: The Lake Of The Clouds
Netflix’s Maniac Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Utangatta
Netflix’s Maniac Season 1 Episode 10 Review: Option C
Overall Season 1 Score: 7.5 out of 10.0
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