Sheridan Strikes Again With Intense Series

Read Time:4 Minute, 13 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Special Ops: Lioness – Season 1
–

Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2023, 2024 Blu-ray
Runtime: 8 x 42m episodes
Creator: Taylor Sheridan
Director(s): John Hillcoat, Anthony Byrne, Paul Cameron
Writer(s): Taylor Sheridan
Cast: Zoe Saldana, Laysla De Oliveira, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Stephanie Nur, Hannah Love Lanier, Nicole Kidman
Where To Watch: available now on Blu-ray™ and DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment; order here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS delivers an exhilarating mix of espionage, action, and personal drama that's impossible to resist. With his golden touch, Taylor Sheridan has crafted an eight-episode saga that brings the action-filled narrative to a new level. Sheridan has a remarkable track record of creating incredible stories within universes filled with authentic stories of drama and heartfelt passion that allow you to connect to these characters on a core level.

The story at the heart of SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS is inspired by real-life events revolving around CIA agent Joe, portrayed by Zoe Saldaña. She's on the frontline battling terrorism while also striving to keep her world from unraveling. Alongside her, the Lioness Program, spearheaded by Kaitlyn Meade (Nicole Kidman), enlists Cruz Manuelos (Laysla De Oliveira) for covert operations that are as nerve-wracking as they are critical.

The narrative backdrop is the volatile Middle East, where the series begins with an intense scene in northern Syria. This opening sets the stage for a story that blends high-stakes espionage with intricate personal stories. With a cast that includes heavyweights like Saldaña and Kidman, SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS delivers performances that pull you into the complex web of undercover operations.

Sheridan's storytelling prowess shines throughout the series, presenting a straightforward yet character-rich plot offering a refreshing departure from typical wartime TV tropes. Directors John Hillcoat, Anthony Byrne, and Paul Cameron bring significant depth to the series, offering a unique take on the process of these units; the series has an authenticity that makes you feel like you’re along for each mission.

One of the series' crowning achievements is its portrayal of strong, multi-dimensional female characters. Saldaña's Joe is a compelling figure, navigating the challenges of her life and the struggles she is battling. The character of Cruz, brought to life by De Oliveira, stands out as a beacon of depth and complexity, adding a powerful and heartfelt twist to the story.

While SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS occasionally suffers from predictability in some plot twists, it excels in depicting its characters' struggles and moral quandaries. The show's exploration of the psychological and ethical dimensions of undercover operations, mainly through Cruz's mission, adds a poignant journey to the story.

Furthermore, the series doesn't shy away from casting a critical eye on broader political and economic issues related to the 'War on Terror.' This adds a layer of realism to the drama, grounding the high-octane action in a relatable and deeply complex world.

SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS is a robust mix of action, character-driven storytelling, and high-quality production. Its exploration of personal and professional conflicts, notably among its female protagonists, is a welcome and noteworthy addition. The series is a compelling example of television's power to weave intricate, resonant narratives.

Special Features:
Go undercover with the stars of Special Ops: Lioness with a behind-the-scenes look into the heart of The Lioness program, inspired by an actual US Military program. Special Ops: Lioness includes behind-the-scenes episodes and two brand-new featurettes. Dive into interviews with the star-studded cast, get an immersive glimpse into the intricate world of the Lioness program, and explore the rigorous training required to make the series as authentic as possible.
– Embedded With Special Ops: Lioness
– Battle Forged Calm: Tactics & Training

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.