Netflix reviews straight to your screen: ‘Sense8’
This is part 5 of a 6-part series. Reviews reflect the pilot episode of each series.
The Wachowskis, the creators/writers/producers of “Sense8,” seem to be the poster children for throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks; problem is, they don’t sweep away the stuff that doesn’t stick, and that’s most of it. “Sense8” is pure Wachowski, for better or worse. It’s weird, the dialogue is sometimes atrocious, and it’s underlined with themes of spirituality and individuality.
“Sense8” revolves around eight, diverse individuals who are telepathically connected, and it has something to do with Daryl Hannah shooting herself. That’s about all the information the pilot offers. Considering that this is a drama designed for Netflix — thus designed to be watched several episodes at a time — it’s almost unfair to judge the pilot, as it’s all setup and no payoff. So I can’t harp too much on the pacing or the scattershot plot. I can say, however, that the set-up didn’t pique my interest enough to keep me watching.
As past shows have taught us, it’s incredibly hard to juggle an ensemble cast, especially when most don’t come into contact with each other. The pilot, I felt, juggled a few too many balls at once when it wasn’t necessary, like a cocksure clown. Also, when a show is chopped up into little individual stories, naturally some are better than others. The only character that grabbed me was Capheus, a van driver in Africa, where the success of your business relies on the strength of your “van” pun.
Also, it’s hard not to notice the similarities with one of the Wachowski’s recent films, “Cloud Atlas,” which also revolved around a diverse collection of people mysteriously connected.
Verdict: Not worth taking the time out of your day. Good for the treadmill.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9c_KSZ6zMk
OTHER REVIEWS IN THE SERIES
Netflix reviews straight to your screen
Written by: Hunter Lanier
Not since the prehistoric era have there been as many reasons to stay inside as there are today. READ MORE
‘Bloodline’
Written by: Hunter Lanier
As the title suggests, “Bloodline” is all about family; the Rayburn family, specifically. READ MORE
‘Master of None’
Written by: Hunter Lanier
Ever since Woody Allen did “Annie Hall,” fusing his “playing all of the Marx brothers” brand of humor with his love of existential European cinema, other comedians have followed suit. READ MORE
‘Narcos’
Written by: Hunter Lanier
The “Narcos” pilot is set up like the prelude to a prize fight. READ MORE
