Review | Wednesday (Season 1)

“Wednesday doesn’t hit the mark. It feels just like another supernatural series for teenagers with a dash of Tim Burton. Nevertheless, it is still entertaining thanks to its great cast. Jenna Ortega as Wednesday is simply perfect casting!”

Tim Burton working on an Addams Family project seemed like it was always meant to happen. It is right into his style. As a fan of both, I was obviously very excited about Wednesday. I had the chance to watch all the episodes of this series over the past week. So, is this another Burton classic in the making?

All the episodes will be available on Netflix, November 23.

STORY

Unlike previous Addams Family projects, this one tells the story of Wednesday Addams. Which means the rest of her family are only secondary characters. The series sends her to Nevermore Academy a place where she is with other misfits trying to master their powers. There, Wednesday has to stop a monstrous killing spree and solve a mystery that embroiled her parents when they studied at this Academy all while navigating her new life among misfits.

It is a supernatural mystery with a side of coming-of-age. If it sounds a little bit too similar to your usual supernatural series for teenagers, it’s because it is. Unfortunately, Wednesday doesn’t exactly hit the mark. Indeed, it feels way too generic. Thus, it is easy to guess what is going to happen. It is like seeing the same thing all over again.

Nevertheless, there is this dash of Tim Burton in the mix that makes the series entertaining. The gothic and morbid vibe does make a difference. Plus, Wednesday Addams has a compelling character development. It was a great idea to make a project about her. The problem is that the writers told a story that was not up to the task. Undoubtedly, it is disappointing. I had a good time watching this series but I know that it had the potential to be so much better. Especially, when you have Tim Burton involved and a character like Wednesday.

CAST

Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams is perfect casting. The way she delivers her lines, the way she behaves, everything is there. Moreover, Luis Guzmán and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Gomez and Morticia are fantastic as well. Actually, I wish they had more interaction with Jenna because it was absolutely delightful to watch their scenes together. And Fred Armisen as Uncle Fester is another great casting choice.

The rest of the cast is also great. I have to mention Christina Ricci. She reunites with Tim Burton and she plays a character in a series about Wednesday, whom she played in the Addams Family films. It is definitely nice to see her here.

VISUALS

The gothic style of the Addams Family is definitely there. You just need to take a look at Nevermore Academy and you know where you are. Tim Burton’s influence can be felt all through out the designs too. The monster is something that comes right out of his mind. At times, it really feels like an horror mystery film. In fact, there are several references to the genre. While sometimes, it goes more for a dark comedy vibe. Though, in terms of directing, Burton only directed four episodes. And, you can tell it. His style has something that the other directors don’t have.

SCORE

Furthermore, this series marks the reunion between Danny Elfman and Tim Burton too. I think it has been a great year for Elfman. Indeed, earlier this year, he also collaborated again with Sam Raimi for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. His Wednesday score and theme undeniably sends you back into the world of Elfman and Burton. It just feels on point with the mood of the series.

VERDICT

Unfortunately, Wednesday doesn’t hit the mark. It feels just like another supernatural series for teenagers with a dash of Tim Burton. Nevertheless, it is still entertaining thanks to its great cast. Jenna Ortega as Wednesday is simply perfect casting!

Wednesday starts streaming on Netflix, November 23.

Thomas Storai

Collectables Editor at Future Of The Force.
Star Wars and Marvel specialist, anime expert