Legion.
As of late, we've become inundated with superhero television and film. If you're tired of the standard cinematic approach to superheroes (the kind where things fly into or out of portals in the sky), or if you're tired of the constant rebooting of characters you've seen a million times before, or if you're desperately missing Bryan Fuller's Hannibal, Legion will be a welcome sight. It's barely recognizable as an X-Men story; there are no flashy costumes and almost no references to the source material barring the occasional mention of mutants or the X in the show's logo. (There is a more blatant reference to X-Men lore later in the series, but I don't wish to spoil anything should this review encourage you to watch the series.)
Legion is less about superheroes and saving the world and more about mental health recovery, identity, and memory. As someone with mental illnesses, it was impressive to see the accurate portrayal of the frustration that comes with people not (or refusing) to understand your struggles, and the delight that comes with finding someone who does understand and accept you despite being "damaged" or flawed. Dan Stevens and Rachel Keller portray this shift beautifully, as well the individual quirks of their characters, such as David's mirth despite his situation, and Syd's vaguely detached nature. As a whole, the cast's acting is superb. Highlights include Aubrey Plaza in what could be a career-changing role as the simultaneously hilarious and terrifying Lenny and Jemaine Clement as Oliver Bird, a role that uses his dulcet tones and comedic timing to their utmost.
The show is engrossing in a way I have not experienced since Hannibal or Mad Men. It is visually stunning, with amazing set design and lighting, vivid color, and cinematography like that of an art house film. The editing is exquisite and so, so precise. The sound and video editing are crucial to understanding David's psychological state and the horrors contained within his mind. I highly recommend watching the show in full screen mode, in a darkened room, with high quality headphones. The sounds and music are integral to the show's atmosphere, and should be enjoyed as best they can. There are subtleties in the sound design that may not come through unless you have a really good surround sound system. It is not to say that you can't enjoy the show without these elements, but you should really treat yourself. Legion is an experience, and one you should allow yourself to have.
Legion is less about superheroes and saving the world and more about mental health recovery, identity, and memory. As someone with mental illnesses, it was impressive to see the accurate portrayal of the frustration that comes with people not (or refusing) to understand your struggles, and the delight that comes with finding someone who does understand and accept you despite being "damaged" or flawed. Dan Stevens and Rachel Keller portray this shift beautifully, as well the individual quirks of their characters, such as David's mirth despite his situation, and Syd's vaguely detached nature. As a whole, the cast's acting is superb. Highlights include Aubrey Plaza in what could be a career-changing role as the simultaneously hilarious and terrifying Lenny and Jemaine Clement as Oliver Bird, a role that uses his dulcet tones and comedic timing to their utmost.
The show is engrossing in a way I have not experienced since Hannibal or Mad Men. It is visually stunning, with amazing set design and lighting, vivid color, and cinematography like that of an art house film. The editing is exquisite and so, so precise. The sound and video editing are crucial to understanding David's psychological state and the horrors contained within his mind. I highly recommend watching the show in full screen mode, in a darkened room, with high quality headphones. The sounds and music are integral to the show's atmosphere, and should be enjoyed as best they can. There are subtleties in the sound design that may not come through unless you have a really good surround sound system. It is not to say that you can't enjoy the show without these elements, but you should really treat yourself. Legion is an experience, and one you should allow yourself to have.
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