Wednesday Addams is flawlessly portrayed by Jenna Ortega. Wednesday on Netflix affords Ortega a scary and bizarre playing field that she makes her own with ease.
Since Wednesday isn't quite a remake, continuation, or reboot of the Addams Family movies or television show, it has a lot of freedom to establish its own universe. With a genuine affection for outcasts on full display throughout, Charles Addams' eerie and hilarious family is given a lot of tribute.
Wednesday is sent to her parents' former school, Nevermore Academy, after killing two guys at a "regular" school. Wednesday's parents, Morticia Addams (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Gomez Addams (Luis Guzmán), are adamant that she belongs at the school for misfits. Wednesday's werewolf roommate Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers) gives us a tour of the academy. She explains that this school is home to Fangs (Vampires), Furs (Werewolves), Stoners (Gorgons), and Scales (Sirens).
However, Wednesday is an outcast among misfits, and because of her macabre visions, she can't easily fit into any of the four cliques. She is emotionally cold and dislikes what she refers to as "tribal adolescent clichés." When all the other students are wearing white to the school prom, she chooses a black gown and refuses to smile.
Her search for the truth about Jericho—a truth that involves her ancestors—leads her down a path that includes learning about local legends, romance with a barista, secret societies, a monster, lethal chemical potions, human sacrifice, absurd therapy sessions at the neighbourhood psychiatrist's office, grave-digging, and haunted house-hunting with the jumbled hand known as "Thing"
The 16-year-old is primarily the centre of Wednesday's eight episodes, as opposed to prior instalments of The Addams Family stories that focused on the entire family. Despite having less time on screen than other actors, Luis Guzmán and Catherine Zeta-Jones nevertheless make an impression on the audience. Ironically, the original Wednesday Addams, Christina Ricci, stars as a "normie" instructor in the most recent instalment, and she makes for entertaining viewing.
Larissa Weems, the principal who resembles a strict headteacher, is played by Gwendoline Christie, who is just gorgeous. The coherent animation of Thing and the ASMR-like foley that follows in its steps let us get used to the idea of a disconnected hand.
Tim Burton's direction of the first four episodes succeeds in luring casual Addams Family fans into the realm where misfits and outcasts hold the power. Teenagers are treated with kindness, sensitivity, and humour throughout the show. In true Tim Burton flair, the message of accepting those who don't fit the mould is heartwarming, pushing the bounds of acceptance until outsiders feel at home.
Wednesday is all about that human connection. Our psychic adolescent is forced to step outside of her comfort zone to reveal her emotions, largely by her goofy-eyed, glitter-loving roommate. This young gothic-fantasy drama is a fantastic complement to the world of The Addams Family since it serves as a reminder to stay true to oneself and show kindness to "others".
Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday undoubtedly contributed significantly to this achievement. It can be challenging to bring believable energy to the table given the character's disinterest and overall depressed outlook. Yet, Ortega's eye-action skills and decision to reserve the few emotional scenes for when they matter most make Wednesday a strong lead.
Wednesday is a resounding triumph. It serves as a humorous, goofy, and occasionally bloody introduction for young horror enthusiasts. Wednesday finds it challenging to prioritise her friendships, but her friendship with her new best friend Enid is realistic and endearing.
Wednesday exposes the Addams family to a whole new generation with spooky and bizarre antics and an outstanding performance from Jenna Ortega. While more intriguing individuals are kept off-screen. Certain minor characters slightly suffer due to weak writing in some areas and limited screen time. However, this is not enough to significantly slow down the series.
Performance | 4.7/5 |
Enjoyment | 4.6/5 |
Overall Rating | 4.6/5 |