On a whim, I recently decided to check out the new series on Netflix called A Series of Unfortunate Events. It is based on a books series by Lemony Snicket which also had a feature film adaption in 2004. I had not read the books or even seen the movie, so I did not know what to expect but overall I was pleased with this series.
The show revolves around 3 children whose parents are thought to have died in a fire. They are put into the custody of an evil relative who is only interesting in getting their fortune which they will inherit from their parents. The children try to get by each day under poor conditions and try to find a better living situation.
What makes this series unique is the visual styling. It has a very surreal look and feel which makes it seem like an imaginary world. The tone of the series is playfully dark with a mix of humor. The narrator is Lemony Snicket who frequently cuts away from the story to address the viewers and try to dissuade them from watching as he warns, this story is not one that will have an happy ending.
The kids in the story include Klaus who is a reader and very smart, Violet who is also smart and a gifted inventor, and their baby sister Sunny who likes to bite things. They are all great characters, especially Sunny who does not speak words, but often gets subtitles for what she wants to say which is quite funny.
The main villain of the story is Count Olaf who reinvents himself throughout the series as he tries to figure out ways to get the fortune from the kids. There are also many interesting characters they meet along the way, some of whom are helpful, most of whom are not.
Overall I enjoyed the series and watched all 8 episodes. The first season covers the first 4 books of the series. It is expected to have 2 more seasons to cover the complete set of 13 books. If you are looking for a new show to watch that is visually appealing and has a mix of wonder, humor, and mystery, I highly recommend checking out A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Check out our review of the 2nd season here.
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