Darkly Comedic Gem Tackles Stan Culture With Unprecedented Brilliance

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MOVIE REVIEW
Swarm
(adult content) –

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 7, ≈30m episodes
Showrunner(s): Janine Nabers
Writer(s): Janine Nabers
Cast: Dominique Fishback, Chloë Bailey, Damson Idris
Where To Watch: Premieres on Prime Video March 17, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: SWARM, an innovative television series created by Janine Nabers and Donald Glover, boldly steps into the life of a dedicated fan of a famous pop star, addressing themes like race, queerness, and stan culture. The show's ambitious nature is praiseworthy, taking chance after chance in an experience, unlike anything I’ve had before.

With a darkly comedic tone, SWARM skillfully weaves together a sense of discomfort and laughter, drawing its audience into Dominique Fishback’s fantastic portrayal of Dre. I found the narrative brilliant (which isn’t much of a shock to those behind the scene, including one of the writers Malia Obama.) Not to mention the list of guest appearances from Paris Jackson, Rory Culkin, and Billie Eilish! Any criticism of the series narrative doesn’t understand what they’re doing; while I know that shock factor, it’s hard to criticize something just because you don’t understand it.

The series, consisting of seven episodes averaging thirty minutes each, is perfect for binge-watching. The cinematography, writing and more add to the series' ethereal atmosphere. The episodes are presented with time lapses, leaving the viewer guessing where/when they’ll end up next, but it works beautifully, making for an almost interactive experience. The cinematography, writing and more add to the series' ethereal atmosphere.

SWARM fearlessly explores stan culture and its effects on mental well-being, looking into how fans connect with and defend their idols. The series is a play from Beyoncé’s fan base known as the ‘Bey Hive.’ Dre is portrayed as a diehard fan looking for acceptance, which strikes a chord with viewers, making her character relatable. This complex portrayal enables the audience to empathize with her unconventional actions.

The show's design shows meticulous attention to detail. A rich cast of characters further immerses the audience in the protagonist's distorted reality. SWARM intriguingly incorporates a meta-narrative that draws viewers into the experience without realizing it—the portrayal of Dre by Fishback resonates with viewers who may have experienced moments of intense fandom.

It offers a captivating and thought-provoking experience. The series ambitiously delves into the intricate relationship between a celebrity and their passionate fan, tackling themes like adoration, heartbreak, and toxicity. Ultimately, the series encourages viewers to reflect on how devotion to an idol can influence one's actions and convictions.

To conclude, SWARM represents a daring exploration of fandom and its consequences, masterfully brought to life by Janine Nabers and Donald Glover. Even though it wrestles with a cohesive narrative, it delivers a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. Boasting a refined aesthetic, exceptional performances, and engaging themes, SWARM serves as a shining example of television's limitless creativity.

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[photo courtesy of QUANTRELL D. COLBERT/PRIME VIDEO]