Kaosthe new Netflix original series, stands out for its audacity and originality. Created by Charlie Covell, to whom we already owe The End of the F***ing Worldthis work offers a modern reinterpretation of Greek myths, plunging viewers into a universe where gods and mortals intertwine in a dense web of power, intrigue, and destiny. While some adaptations of mythology may seem trite or derivative, Kaos succeeds in transforming ancestral stories into a captivating contemporary saga, rich in humor, emotion and deep reflections. It is undeniable that Kaos has provoked varied reactions. For purists of Greek mythology, any deviation from the original stories can be seen as heresy. However, it is important to remember that myths, since Antiquity, have continued to evolve and metamorphose according to the narrative needs of each era.
As discord rages on Mount Olympus and the almighty Zeus descends into paranoia, three mortals are destined to redefine the future of humanity.
As Homer, Euripides and Sophocles themselves adapted these legends to their own ends, Covell does the same with Kaosoffering a version that not only reflects modern concerns, but also questions the power of stories themselves. The series highlights the role that myths play in constructing collective identity. Who tells the story? Who benefits from it? What elements are omitted or changed? These questions are at the heart of Kaoswhere Zeus, played by the excellent Jeff Goldblum, is presented as a god in the midst of an existential crisis. His autocratic rule is challenged not only by external forces, but also by his own insecurities and doubts about his divinity. This modern interpretation of Zeus, which mixes his capricious and angry nature with a palpable inferiority complex, resonates with the power dynamics that we can observe today, making this mythical character more human than ever.
One of the highlights of Kaos is undoubtedly its gallery of characters, each more complex than the last. Each protagonist, whether god or mortal, is carefully developed, without any of them seeming secondary or useless. The character of Dionysus, for example, is not content to be the god of festivities; he aspires to something deeper, to a meaning that goes beyond superficial pleasures. This quest for meaning is also found in Eurydice, who, far from being the passive muse of Orpheus, fights to exist as an individual in her own right. Where Kaos shines in particular, is its ability to reinvent some of the most well-known myths while retaining their essence. Eurydice, played by Aurora Perrineau, exemplifies this approach. Unlike traditional versions where she is simply a victim to be saved, here she becomes an active character, questioning her role in her own story and forging new alliances in the Afterlife.
This retelling is not only refreshing, but also deeply modern, in an era where female narratives are being revisited to give them a more powerful and autonomous voice. Other mythical characters, such as Hades (David Thewlis) and Prometheus (Stephen Dillane), bring an additional dimension to this plot. Hades, often relegated to the role of simple guardian of the Underworld, is here presented as a subtle manipulator, pulling the strings in the shadows, while Prometheus, narrator and tragic figure par excellence, serves as a link between the gods and humans, adding a philosophical layer to the series. On a visual level, Kaos is a feast for the eyes. The sumptuous settings of Mount Olympus, the mysterious Underworld and the lush earthly landscapes provide an immersive framework for the plot. The saturated colors, dynamic camera movements and fluid transitions sometimes recall the baroque and exuberant aesthetic of films like Romeo + Juliet by Baz Luhrmann.
This stylistic choice contributes to the unique atmosphere of the series, which manages to be both modern and rooted in an ancient mythology. However, beyond the visual aspect, it is the tone of the series that stands out. Oscillating between comedy, drama and moments of deep reflection, Kaos manages to capture the essence of Greek tragedies while adapting them for a contemporary audience. The series never takes itself too seriously, allowing viewers to appreciate the humor and irony that is ever-present, while also being touched by moments of vulnerability and emotional truth. Jeff Goldblum, in particular, embodies a charismatic yet vulnerable Zeus, delivering a performance that oscillates between lightness and intensity. Despite its air of a light and entertaining series, Kaos addresses universal themes that resonate particularly in our times. Power, freedom, destiny and free will are concepts that are omnipresent in the series.
Zeus’s struggle to maintain his power, Eurydice’s quest for freedom, and Prometheus’s manipulations raise questions about the very nature of authority and control, both in the divine sphere and in the mortal world. Moreover, Kaos is part of a current trend that revisits myths through a feminist lens. Unlike some recent works that radically change the genders of the characters to highlight women’s struggles, Kaos chooses to reinterpret the myths in a more subtle way. For example, the character of Medusa is no longer simply a monstrous creature, but a complex woman with her own story and motivations. Similarly, Hera, although tormented by Zeus’ infidelities, is not a victim figure, but a powerful queen who wields her authority with an iron fist. Finally, the series also addresses issues of gender and identity with the character of Caneus, a transgender man, whose story is sensitively rewritten, thus avoiding the violence often associated with his story in classic versions.
In conclusion, Kaos is a series that brilliantly succeeds in reinventing Greek myths while maintaining their relevance and emotional impact. With intelligent writing, remarkable acting performances and careful direction, it manages to combine humor, drama and philosophical reflection. If you are looking for a series that is both entertaining and profound, capable of transporting you to a world where the gods still reign, Kaos is a work not to be missed. Certainly, this series can divide opinions, especially for those who cling to traditional versions of myths. But it is precisely this audacity to revisit and question these thousand-year-old stories that makes the strength of Kaos. In an era where reinterpretations are commonplace, she manages to offer something new, fresh and, above all, captivating. A true triumph in the world of modern mythological adaptations.
Rating: 9/10In short, it is delicious and successful.
Available on Netflix
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