Netflix is and has been the home of ultimate entertainment. The streaming giant has some of the best TV shows, ranging from feel-good content to mystery and thrillers that tickle your brain in the right, satisfying way. While there have been some pretty good additions lately, Colman Domingo-starrer action conspiracy thriller series, The Madness has been creating buzz with its interesting premise and theme.
The series is about a media pundit Muncie Daniels who is on the threshold of achieving significant career success, but somehow, a wrong decision ends up with him falling into a suspect in a murder mystery.
Now forced to clear his name as he simultaneously tries to remain alive, The Madness is a blend of drama, suspense, and action, the series has something to offer for all seasoned binge-watchers and casual viewers alike.
Perfectly plotted and paced, the series is more than just entertainment but is also a thought-provoking dive into the complexities of truth, justice, and society.
Created by Stephen Belber for the streaming giant, it has eight episodes in total with an average length of 40 to 50 minutes. So if you haven’t seen the series yet, here are five reasons why you should watch it:
5 Well-crafted visuals that add to the suspense
If you are a fan of suspense and thrillers that use visually stunning scenes, then The Madness is certainly for you. Not just a smartly written drama, but also beautiful to see, its well-executed cinematography enhances the story and adds flare to the overall set-up.
From the lighting and camera angles to how the scene switches from the gritty urban environment to the eerie, secluded settings of the Poconos mountains, everything masterfully heightens tension and reflects Colman Domingo’s Muncie Danielss psychological state. Thus, every episode delivers a balance of heart-pounding action along with moments that make even the viewers introspect while ensuring they remain hooked right from the very start.
4 Social commentary that hits right at the mark
The Madness is not just a series that is full of suspense and a media pundit being caught up in a murder mystery and must clear up his name series, but it is also a drama that elevates itself by featuring real-world issues. Tackling these challenges through the lens of fiction, the drama examines how race and systematic inequality shape Muncie’s experiences as he tries to clear his name.
Thus, pretty much a traditional thriller with a fresh and new modern-esque vibe, The Madness also critiques misinformation and how it is weaponized in the current world. This would not only prompt viewers to see how societal narratives affect justice and accountability but also how people of different ethnicities and colors are affected as a result of it.
3 Characters that are larger than the conventional tropes
Usually a mystery, thriller, and drama series employ the use of archetypes to go around their respective storyline and plot, sometimes making most of them predictable with no real ‘juice’ for the audience to watch. The Madness, however, although does employ the traditional archetype characters, adds new dimensions to pretty much every other character.
True, that the series is not perfect or as perfectly crafted as one would expect, it, nonetheless, has something new to offer to the audience. While Colman Domingo is just as a test to watch as ever, his relationships feel authentic, from his ex-wife Elena Daniels (Marsha Stephanie Blake) to his daughter Kallie (Gabriella Graham). Furthermore, even John Ortiz’s portrayal of the FBI agent Franco Quinones adds another layer of intrigue to the whole narrative.
Hence, avoiding simple and typical tropes, the show knows how to use its supporting characters and make them feel whole instead of just extras to further the story of the lead.
2 A tightly-wounded conspiracy thriller with just the right amount of suspense
The Madness might not be the greatest thriller series out there, but it does do good a pretty good job of having the right amount of suspense and chill. From clues to red herrings, the series has a gripping narrative as it follows Muncie while he uncovers a sprawling conspiracy after being framed in a murder he accidentally stumbled upon and got wound up in. From online horrors to shadowy organizations, created by Stephen Belber for Netflix, it offers a real look into the dark corners of modern society and the world that we live in.
In a world where lies gain traction faster than facts do, the tensions escalate pretty soon as Muncie’s efforts to clear his name end up involving his family and endangering their lives. A high-stakes drama that turns out to be an intriguing watch as unexpected allies emerge, The Madness is tightly wounded in the conspiracy/thriller genre that audiences will certainly enjoy.
1 Colman Domingo and his impeccable performance that makes the show 10x better
Now The Madness currently has only a 75% rating on the review website Rotten Tomatoes, hence, there are a few times the show fails to hit its mark. But that does not mean it doesn’t have elements that make it a must-watch and one of the elements that do so is Colman Domingo and his impeccable portrayal of Muncie Daniels.
A media pundit who is wrongfully accused of murder and thrust into a world of danger and deception, his performance is a masterclass in acting. Even though the actor was trying not to star in a series after his heavy-duty shooting schedule (via The New York Times), Domingo’s performance ended up being the standout element of the series. From portraying moments of quiet desperation to bursts of determined action, the Academy Award-nominated actor perfectly captures the intricacies of his character, showcasing them on screen in such a way that makes it harder to distinguish reality from fiction.
Not only does his performance drive up the plot but Muncie’s journey ensures viewers remain emotionally invested in every twist and turn of the story, This, a must-watch, The Madness is a standout addition to Netflix’s lineup.
The Madness is available to be streamed on Netflix.
