*Spoiler Alert*
Recently, in a fit of unprecedented boredom and desperate need of entertainment, I turned to the ever-reliable Netflix to fix my problem with a film or TV series. Amidst the plethora of films with similarly dull plotlines, I stumbled across The Sandman – an 11-episode series starring Tom Sturridge, Gwendoline Christie, Mason Alexander Park and Jenna Coleman.
Admittedly, my expectations were not all that high when I clicked ‘Play’, but fast-forward to five minutes into episode one, and there I was, absolutely hooked. What followed can only be described as a manic binge session (which was repeated twice more after finishing the entire series in two days).
So, you may be wondering: What caused you to fixate on the series? Did it really warrant two rewatches? To answer those questions, expect some spoilers ahead…
Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s comic books of the same name, the series aired on 5th August 2022. It proceeded to take over the minds of both avid comic fans and new viewers. The show follows Dream of the Endless (the anthropological personification of dreams) and begins with his imprisonment at the hands of amateur occultist Roderick Burgess. After being imprisoned for a century, Dream is free, yet, his realm is in shambles. With his power diminished, he must attempt to find his stolen tools of office to repair the damage his absence caused to both the Waking world and the Dreaming realm.
The cinematography of the entire series was breathtaking. Each scene and landscape reflected the intermingling of the extraterrestrial and the humane. From the ever-changing Dreaming realm to the hellish (no pun intended) portrayal of Hell and even the mortal plane we are familiar with: each landscape transformed into something simultaneously familiar and Other. It was a successful amalgamation of gothic horror, traditional fairy tales, and religious imagery.
The cast’s portrayal of every character further cemented the series’ calibre – from Tom Sturridge’s otherworldly performance as Dream, Gwendoline Christie’s badass portrayal of the beautiful fallen angel Lucifer, to Mason Alexander Park who did not mess around when it came to showcasing the erotic nature and appeal of Desire. All actors seemed to be made to play the roles they did, and the casts’ dynamic made the characters’ interactions appear even more natural. The actors were able to flesh out their characters to reflect their fantastical nature while making them relatable to the ‘normal’ everyday person. The thing that truly made The Sandman stand out was the seamless inclusion of POC and LGBTQ+ representation. This made it a series curated for everyone’s desires (again, no pun intended) without diminishing their role or importance. There was something for everyone to enjoy whilst watching: badass female characters, comedic appearances from Matthew the Raven (trust me on this, he singlehandedly carried the show on his little bird shoulders and was the source of many a meme), and even deeper, more meaningful explorations into it means to be human.
This point in particular was the highlight of the series: the heartbreaking and simultaneously heartwarming depictions of Death, Dreams, the human condition, and the ability to change for the better. It delved into what it means to pursue our dreams and desires in the hope of a better future, as well as how friendships can persevere. The show explored the deeper connection that binds us to every cosmic entity in the known (and unknown) universe. It depicted duty as both chains and freedom and showed the importance of kindness in every little, seemingly meaningless action. The Sandman wove each of these individual threads into a beautiful tapestry depicting the human condition, leaving viewers with questions to ponder over and new perspectives to consider.
Ultimately, I would 100% recommend this series for anyone interested in the fantastical and as a brilliant, albeit temporary, escape from reality.