[REVIEW] Wednesday: Kooky, Creepy, and Hell Load Of Maniacal Fun
The greatest moments in 90s’ horror television were those spent watching creepy, kooky families and their chaotic dynamics. Families like the Addams Family symbolically taught a generation of weirdos that being an outcast didn’t mean you didn’t belong; that being the morbid reject meant you had a place in another family. This family comprised bonkers, axe-wielding, guillotine loving, homicidal maniac psychopaths who just so happen to be one of the most loving families on television—the Addams had a place for you. Whilst many connected with the romantic Gomez, the supernatural Morticia, crash test demon Pugsly; it was Wednesday Addams that a generation of weirdos connected to spiritually. The young apathetic teen Wednesday taught us—through actresses like Lisa Lorig and Christinia Ricci—that we could laugh at the bleaker side of life, that we could embrace the darkness that some of us had found, and snarl at those who made themselves an inconvenience to our existences.
Most 90s’ children were babysat by movies such as The Addams Family: Family Values, a film that has transcended time and has had a significant impact on up-and-coming horror lovers. The family has left behind a legacy that has influenced the genre since it’s first time on television throughout the mid-60s’. It is the significance of characters like Wednesday Addams that inspired the Netflix adaptation series ‘Wednesday’. The series is dedicated solely to Wednesday and her life as a teen; navigating her way through Nevermore College, a highschool for outcast teens—werewolves, sirens, golems, and more, and solving the mystery of the monster that terrorises the woods around Jerricho. Wednesday almost feels like a gothic Nancy Drew as she unlocks the truth behind a family secret that has haunted Morticia and Gomez since their teenage years. A secret that not even the normies living in Jerricho could solve. These moments feel like a massive victory to Wednesday and to us as the viewer; many of us having experienced isolation, exclusion, and torment for being different. Viewing Wednesday overcome the adversity of these elements is awe-inspiring for the outcasts both on the screen and in the audience.
The series does not fall short on the moments that make Wednesday Addams one of the most loved Addams family members. The script written for the character is one of the most deep and dark scripts written for the character of Wednesday and we’re lucky to have Ortega deliver this script with the deadpan emotion that we know the character to be. It doesn’t stop there. The dialogue is jam-packed of gallows humour and self-deprecation that will have viewers laughing at moments they least expect to laugh in. Wednesday is a dynamic gothic inspired series that highlights the truly morbid menace, and socially awkward teen, that Wednesday Addams is. Each episode depicts her humour, style, intelligence, and curiosity as she works to solve the murderous monster mystery of Jericho woods. Wednesday’s tenacity and resilience is one of the most relatable elements as the audience witnesses her transformation; carving her own path that diverges from Morticia’s. The development of Wednesday’s personality is commendable as the script, interactions, and Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of the iconic character encapsulates the nostalgic aspect of Wednesday’s nature. Ortega is outstanding in bringing to live the Latina culture that is the foundation of the Addam’s family; the occultism of the culture is incredibly fascinating and Ortega proudly shares these aspects in interviews, having said
“Wednesday is technically a Latina character, and that’s never been represented, so, for me, any time that I have an opportunity to represent my community, I want that to be seen.” (PopBuzz).
Wednesday is truly a Burton-esque imagination with dark shadows, contrast of colours, characters of wild proportions (personality and monster-like), and haunting scenes captured by cinematographers David Lanzenberg (Shadow and Bone) and Stephan Pehrsson (Black Mirror). The imagery and nature of the series is supported by a score that is both beautiful and evocative, written by the one and only Danny Elfman and two-time Emmy nominated composer Chris Bacon.
The series is truly a one of a kind nostalgic experience for Generation Y horror lovers and will give new audience members a reason to love Wednesday Addams and her murderous family. Each of the episodes is creatively directed and written with a storyline that weaves throughout that is captivating. Ortega and supporting cast that includes Louis Guzman, Catherine Zeta Jones, Gwendoline Christie, and Joy Sunday draw you into the world of Jerricho, take you through its streets and provide the audience with an enjoyable viewing experience.
