Wednesday is a new Netflix show, aired on the wednesday (obviously) 23rd November 2022. Not long after the premiere it reached the highest places in popularity ranks, not only on Netflix, but also other media that are connected to film and series industry. It got 7,7/10 stars on Filmweb and has been judged positively by 97% of Google users. Why has it turned out to be such a hit? Let’s get into it.
Snap twice and other references
Wednesday is a series about the famous Wednesday Addams. Even though it doesn’t have much in common with the original story, they still share the same beloved characters, known from comics, movies and series. We’ve got beautiful Morticia, her husband Gomez, Wednesday’s favourite torture object aka Pugsley, uncle Fester and obviously Thing, the only Addams family member who companions Wednesday throughout the whole story. Unfortunately, Wednesday’s family didn’t get much screen time but still managed to steal the public’s hearts. It is not (and never was supposed to be) a remake of the earlier versions. However, it still evokes nostalgic feelings, especially in those who watched the Addams when it had been aired in the ‘90s. Fun fact, the actor who played Wednesday in the most popular movie about the Addams family, Christina Ricci, stars in this series too as Marilyn Thornhill – one of the teachers in Nevermore. Not to mention Wednesday speaking about chopping off her dolls’ heads (the original Wednesday was sometimes shown with a headless doll in her little hands) or a famous double snap, which is probably known even by those who haven’t watched The Addams Family even once – the references to the original are absolutely amazing.
Finally, someone like us
As you probably know, Tim Burton movies are rather… gloomy, broadly speaking. You may know him from producing movies like Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands or Corpse Bride. Ghosts, dark forests, creepy monsters, death and a hint of black humour, all that will you find in Wednesday too. Nonetheless, the show is still PG13 rated. Don’t let yourself be deceived though – do not watch it if you are sensitive to the sight of blood or separated body parts. But, back to the topic. The creepy atmosphere and the goth subculture represented in the series are definitely on the list of reasons why it got so popular. Wednesday wears only black and white, loves sarcasm and dark humour (that may not be humour for her at all) and is fascinated by peculiar things, to say at least. These details about her bring the memories of her archetype, the difference is that here her frank interests are not supposed to be a grotesque comic element – they are a part of her personality that is embraced, highlighted and taken seriously. Her character stands out, she doesn’t fit in any frames and doesn’t try to, at the same time she doesn’t seem fake or try-hard doing that, which is most likely why she makes people love her and doesn’t annoy them. The same thing happened when viewers got introduced to the Stranger Things character, Eddie Munson, for mostly the same reasons. It only shows how needed are characters like him or Wednesday – ones that are different but not ashamed of that and also not obnoxiously unnatural in their behaviour, giving a little representation to the less represented groups and subcultures.
Did somebody say school drama?
Beside all that, the series uses a popular motive of school. Wednesday is sent to a boarding school, Nevermore. The plot is full of not only crime and darkness, but also of various characters with potential to be Wednesday’s friends, enemies and love interests. Teachers, classes, school competitions and a ball. Quintessence of teen drama. Or it seems to be. To the moment where we get to gory murders, mysterious visions and an investigation, leaded by Wednesday and Thing. There is a balance between these two sides, which provides entertaining seance and gives this spooky (not kooky 😉) vibe loved by masses. It brings us back to the era of Harry Potter films or Teen Wolf. Things familiar for us that we can identify with are turned upside down by supernatural events and that’s why we all enjoy it, right?
Jenna Ortega? Is that you?
It is not a surprise that Jenna Ortega ate the role of Wednesday, leaving no crumbs. Jenna Ortega is an actor known for example from the Stuck in the Middle or Scream 5. She’s been a really recognized and appreciated actor and these are not blown out of proportion statements. You can literally count the times where Jenna blinks during the whole series which proves how much she is dedicated to her work. Tim Burton told her not to blink and here we are, having a character that has so little any face expressions that she barely blinks. She can show from no to a full range of emotions and the fact how talented she is for such a young age (20 years old) is what shocks and delights viewers and critics. I don’t know if there is any other actor who could deliver that role as well as Ortega. Jenna definitely added much to her character and is a part of a phenomenon of the series.
Thank you so much for reading! Have you watched Wednesday? What are your thoughts about it? Share them in the comments down below!
Author: Laura Maryszewska 3B
