Belligerent braids and mysterious monsters
GRAPHIC BY ZOE LAW
December 16, 2022
New Netflix series “Wednesday,” a must watch this winter
“Wednesday,” the new Netflix hit series by Tim Burton does not disappoint. For as long as I can remember, Tim Burton’s films have always been some of my favorites; like “Corpse Bride” and “Edward Scissorhands.” “Wednesday” is no different.
This comedic yet frightening tale follows the story of a young Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega, the character that was first introduced in “The Addams Family” franchise. Throughout the new series, the focus is on Wednesday herself as she navigates through the world of adolescence in this coming-of-age tale.
Wednesday Addams has always been portrayed as a spooky and quirky character, and she holds onto her identity throughout this series.
Wednesday is first introduced through an internal monologue, which clearly reflects her stand-offish behavior through her sharp tongue and permeating words. The series opens with one of the most common cliches portrayed; high school jocks bullying the nerd. Wednesday breaks this cliché.
In “The Addams Family,” Wednesday was merely a child, so her behavior that was strange to normal families upheld “The Addams Family” values.
Having Wednesday Addams represented as a teenager means that there were several changes that needed to be made to her character while still upholding her original values. These parts of her character development were necessary to the progression of her story.
After Wednesday gets expelled from her “normie” school, her parents decide to send her to Nevermore, a school specifically designed for outcasts.
Upon arriving at Nevermore, Wednesday is introduced to the unsettling headteacher, Larissa Weems, played by Gwendoline Christie.
Weems holds a grudge against Wednesday’s mother, Morticia, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, because of an incident that happened when they were students together at Nevermore.
Weems shows Wednesday to her new roommate, Enid Sinclair, played by Emma Myers, a peppy and energetic werewolf. Enid and Wednesday could not be any more different.
The way Enid gave Wednesday a tour of Nevermore vividly reminded me of the iconic scene in “Mean Girls” when Damian showed Cady Heron around campus for the first time. Enid explains the cliques that run Nevermore and offers tips on how to navigate her new school. The beginning introductions that Enid made prove to be useful when a mystery unfolds and Wednesday needs help investigating.
Several mysteries happening at the same time makes “Wednesday” even more enticing. Between multiple murders that occur in the woods surrounding Nevermore, tries on Wednesday’s life, the discovery of a possible Addams family killer.
Wednesday’s visions are trying to warn her of dangers ahead. This series is not lacking in spook or bloodshed.
I could not stop watching the show and binge watched it in one day. There were so many mysteries that it always leaves the audience looking for the next clue.
Of course, since this is a coming-of-age series, between all the mysteries and drama, there are also teenage crushes, secret relationships and prom drama throughout the show. By showing these high school experiences, it makes it much easier to relate to “Wednesday.”
This series was heartwarming, while also having the perfect amount of gothic horror.
The entire show is incredibly engaging, and I could not stop watching it. The series earns 5/5 pigtails, and I suggest everyone watch it.
