“Wednesday” on Netflix is a fun spooky twist on the old classic Addams Family with Jenna Ortega playing our dark and twisted little girl, Wednesday Addams. Directed by Tim Burton, “Wednsday” holds many subtle hints and add-ons that show that this classic is here to stay. The plot gives off the vibes of Harry Potter meeting Scooby Doo with Addams family twists. So if any of that is your cup of tea, this show is needs to go on your must watch list on Netflix!
The show is centered around, of course, Wednesday Addams who gets sent to a strange school for “outcasts,” Nevermoore, where her parents originally met. On this adventure, Wednesday is determined to run away. In attempting to do so, she discovers there are many secrets behind their walls as well as outside of them. Lurking in the woods is a mysterious creature. Determined to find out what is going on, Wednesday makes it her personal task to discover who or what is causing harm to her classmates, the school and the town, making some unique friends along the way and bringing back old ones in the meantime. The storyline is clear and easy to follow, but keeps things interesting, leading you to question your own intuitions and thoughts.
This show was great for those who love adventure, friendship and fun takes on an old classic favorite with great choices in actors who knew how to play their characters well. If someone had asked me who I would imagine playing Wednesday Addams in this series, the last person I would have imagined would have been Jenna Ortega. Growing up, I remember watching her as the goofy little girl on the Disney Channels series Stuck in the Middle where she played a cute, creative kid stuck as a middle child of seven kids. However, this “little girl” took a dark turn as our very own Wednesday and man, does she take this dark turn well. Her flat affect and deep Wednesday stare really pinpoints the unique desire for everything Addams family. She really hits the nail on the head with the dance that has been made popular on TikTok that she choreographed herself.
In this storyline, another important character to note is Enid Sinclair played by Emma Myers. This actress plays Wednesday’s roommate at the school of Nevermoore. She plays a bright, bubbly werewolf student, the opposite of Wednesday. Even if she is a 20-year-old actress, she plays a very convincing spunky and innocent 16-year-old girl who just wants to share joy and color to those around her.
Tim Burton’s choice of camera angles are sure to hold attention. As are the incredible costumes, each displaying the uniqueness of the characters. My favorite costume being Wednesday’s incredible dress at the Nevermore dance that is an absolute must-see. This dress is a twist of her original schoolgirl dress from the 1964 style. A floor-length gown with its many layers shows the dark beauty that is Wednesday. Enid also holds some of my favorite costumes, full of lots of fun colors and unique-fitting styles.
This show is incredible, but, of course, it has its flaws. For starters, while the soundtrack is an incredible mix of beautiful, dark and mysterious, there are definitely some strange moments. Specifically, when the music and the acting correlate. In a few of the scenes, Wednesday plays the cello on the roof. However, her playing and the music definitely do not line up. However, that is just the old orchestra player in me coming out. It is completely unrecognizable by most others.
The season ends with questions left unanswered. So, it should be no surprise when I say I cannot wait to see how these questions will be answered in Season 2, and I cannot wait to see what Tim Burton does with the show. Ultimately, while this show has its occasional error in filmmaking, I would say that if you love mystery and adventure, it is a show worth watching. “Wednesday” is sure to keep your attention and leave you desiring more of this dark young girl and her adventurous friends.
