First Impressions: Series Unfortunate Events

Look away, look away...

0
14706

It's not the first time Series Unfortunate Events is adapted for video format, in 2004 the film was released, starring Jim Carrey, which failed to please the public. now the Netflix launches its series, adapted from the same saga written by Daniel Handler under the pseudonym of Lemony Snicket, and even before the premiere it already looked very promising.

The idea of adapting a large saga, of 13 books, into a series seems much more realistic, after all, two hours of film would not be enough to tell the misadventures of the Baudelaire children, while having eight episodes of almost an hour, with every two episodes tells a volume of the work, it certainly has a better chance of succeeding. And it worked, judging by the first four episodes seen, I can argue that Netflix managed to release a very satisfying adaptation.

The plot follows the life of Violet (Malina Weissman), Klaus (Louis Hynes) and the little Sunny (Presley smith), who after a fire lost their parents, as well as their house and all their belongings, and became known as the Baudelaire orphans. As if losing their parents wasn't enough, children still have to suffer at the hands of the Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), designated legal guardian of the trio. Olaf is a dark and strange guy, who is only interested in the Baudelaire family fortune and when he discovers that only Violet can handle the money, when she turns 18, he starts coming up with terrible schemes to take the inheritance.

The production intersperses drama, comedy and a touch of horror, setting a pleasant tone for the series. No sad moment is too long, something lighter always happens to break the bad impression, but the opposite also occurs, whenever the work seems to be leaning towards comedy, a more serious scene appears to break this rhythm. The use of the narrator, who here is the writer of the books, Lemony Snicket, represented by the actor Patrick Warbunton, helps a lot to keep the mood tense, Snicket always appears on the scene to remind you that children's lives are full of misfortunes.

critica desventuras em serie
Patrick Warbunton as Lemony Snicket image: Netflix

Contrast seems to be the keyword of this production, everything is represented by opposites, in addition to the tone of the narrative, the visual elements use something completely opposite to reinforce their point. For example, to leave no doubt of Count Olaf's somber aura, his dark, dilapidated house is enhanced by the beautiful, colorful and clean house of the neighboring judge.

Regarding quality, Series Unfortunate Events leaves nothing to be desired. The sets, makeup, costumes and especially the construction of the dialogues are great, with no room for flaws. The cast was very well chosen, the harmony between them is visible, even the characters that last less time in the plot manage to maintain harmony. The brothers manage to show a familiar complicity, representing very well their ingenious and intelligent characters, always showing how close they are - that includes the little Presley Smith. Neil Patrick Harris, who has already proven his talent on stage, shows no difficulty in executing Olaf's antics, managing to get some laughs with the visual changes and the dumb way of the character.

Primeiras Impressões: Desventuras em Série 1
A Series of Unfortunate Events Image: Netflix

Series Unfortunate Events promises pleases fans of the books and even those who haven't had any contact with reading. Rich in explanations, the series proves that having more time to tell this story was a big difference.

The eight episodes are now available on Netflix.

See more about Series Unfortunate Events

LEAVE AN ANSWER

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here