Raised By Wolves: Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi

As a genre, science-fiction can astonish, entertain and enlighten us, with a diverse group of stories, including action-adventure epics, and cautionary tales, offering a mirror to our own world and time. One of the more fascinating and intriguing television series to come along in recent years is Raised By Wolves, which just finished airing its second season on HBO Max. The show, created by Aaron Guzikowski, who also wrote Prisoners (2013), is a thought-provoking story of a future Earth which has been devastated by a war between a religious sect called the Mithraic and a science-based group of atheists. After locating Kepler 22-B, a suitable planet to settle on, both groups launch ships into space to assure the future of humanity, but the atheists go one step further. They send two androids, along with some human embryos, to ensure the continuation of the human race. These androids, named Mother and Father, whose mission is to raise and protect these children. The two surrogate parents are tasked with teaching these children the scientific based tenets of the atheists, in order to help ensure the ultimate survival of the human race.

The series focuses on Mother and Father’s attempts to establish a colony on Kepler 22-B, while dealing with some dangerous creatures that inhabit the planet. Only one of the children Mother and Father cultivate, a boy named Campion, survives on the new world. A space ark, sent by the Mithraic order, arrives at Kepler 22-B, and Mother (who reveals herself to be a powerful type of android called a Neuromancer) battles the crew. The ship crash lands, and Mother kidnaps several of their children, intending to raise them with Campion. Meanwhile, a Mithraic man named Marcus, finds some mystical artifacts, believes he’s heard the voice of God, and declares himself a prophet. He assumes leadership of the crash survivors, and goes on a quest to rescue the children and establish a permanent Mithraic settlement on the planet. 

 

Raised By Wolves is thought-provoking, intense and absorbing. It’s a captivating series that uses elements of science-fiction, horror and even a touch of fantasy to tell a fascinating and story that definitely upends the conventions of the genre. In a time when so many movies and television series are remakes, reboots or sequels, it’s nice to see a science-fiction show that tells a truly offbeat story that combines a lot of the genre’s elements in a unique and original way. One of the executive producers of the series is Ridley Scott, of Alien and Blade Runner fame. He helmed the first two episodes, and brings his striking directorial style to the show, helping to establish the look, tone and visual language of this alien world. It’s easy to see what attracted Scott to the project. While it’s an original story, it feels like the series could be set in a world much like the universe established in the three films from the Alien series which he directed. 

The cast for Raised By Wolves is uniformly outstanding, with Amanda Collin giving a superb performance as Mother, the android who’s trying to balance being a caregiver for the children with her other directives, including being a weapon of war. Abubakar Slim is equally strong as Father, who wants to be a true father figure to the children. Both Mother and Father struggle with the fact that they’re androids who are feeling more human all the time, due to the roles they need to fulfill for the children. If you’re a fan of Vikings, Travis Fimmel (who was so good in that series) is terrific as Marcus, the leader of the Mithraic. The rest of the cast is also wonderful, including Niamh Algar as Marcus’ wife Sue, and a fine group of young actors as the children, including Winta McGrath as Campion.

Raised By Wolves is a sharply written, solidly directed and well-acted series. The show is captivating, gripping and often surprising. Just when you think you’ve figured out where the plot is going, the story goes off in an unexpected direction. For this review, I tried to give just a basic outline of the story, so I don't spoil some of the mind-blowing moments and startling plot developments featured in the show. This is a fantastic series that’s definitely worth checking out, and worth viewing without much prior knowledge about it beforehand. Raised By Wolves is highly recommended for fans of thoughtful, mind-blowing and thrilling science-fiction. The show is now streaming on HBO Max. Here’s a look at the trailer for Season 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAg6RTQEfeM.

A Noir-Infused "Batman" from Matt Reeves

Zoe Kravitz and Robert Pattinson

There have been a lot of cinematic versions of the Caped Crusader, and since Tim Burton's 1989 blockbuster Batman, most of them have leaned towards a darker interpretation of the character, largely inspired by Frank Miller's much-celebrated graphic novel, The Dark Knight Returns. But none of those previous films are as noir-ish as director Matt Reeves’ The Batman. This version of the character prowls the streets of an often rain-soaked, shadowy Gotham City that wouldn’t feel out of place in a vintage 1940s film noir or a classic crime novel. There’s also more than a hint of modern day thrillers like Seven in the script by Reeves and Peter Craig. The story is set in the second year of Batman’s career as a vigilante. The story is narrated by Batman, as he goes on his nightly quests for vengeance against criminals. That's an important distinction, as this iteration of the Dark Knight seeks vengeance, not necessarily justice, and even says in an early scene "I'm vengeance." instead of the often-quoted "I'm Batman," from previous films.

This Batman has a tenous relationship with the police, many of whom view him as a dangerous vigilante. He works with Lieutenant James Gordon, who sees the worth of having a connection with Batman, who can work outside the system to apprehend criminals. The two men are thrust into a mystery involving a serial killer who is targeting prominent Gotham politicians and public figures, leaving riddles in notes addressed to Batman at each crime scene. The villain is eventually revealed to be a twisted version of The Riddler, who claims he want to reveal the truth about Gotham's corrupt government. Batman uses his detective skills to try and to identify the killer, and figure out his ultimate goal. This brings him into conflict with a mysterious thief named Selina Kyle, and prominent members of Gotham's crime families, including mob boss Carmine Falcone and an ambitious (and shady) underground club owner named Oswald Cobblepot.

The unique visual aesthetic of The Batman (courtesy of cinematographer Greig Fraser) gives us a different version of the Dark Knight than has previously been portrayed on screen. Director Reeves has stated in interviews that he took inspiration from 1970's thrillers such as The French Connection, Chinatown and Taxi Driver, and that is reflected in the style of the film. This is a strikingly photographed, street-level version of the character, and while there are a couple of gadgets on display, it's a much less "comic-book" iteration of the Dark Knight. There's a car chase featured in the film that owes a lot more to Bullitt and The Seven-Ups than the day-glo antics of Batman Forever. The Batman also embraces a much darker version of The Riddler, whose twisted quest for his own version of justice is a twisted mirror to what The Batman is trying to achieve in his own vigilante crusade. Once the hidden truths about Gotham which The Riddler are trying to bring to light are revealed, the Dark Knight may have to reflect on what he's been doing, and figure out what being The Batman really means to him, and to his city.

The cast is superb. Robert Pattinson does a fine job as the Dark Knight, portraying the character as a haunted man who's more comfortable wearing the mask and beating up criminals than in being Bruce Wayne. He doesn't know how to live a "normal" life, and that brings him into conflict with his mentor, Alfred, his late father's bodyguard. Andy Serkis acquits himself well in the role, but has limited screen time as the character. Zoe Kravitz is terrfic as Selina Kyle, the "cat" burglar who becomes an ally to Batman on his quest, who has a few secrets (and an agenda) of her own. Kravitz and Pattinson have great chemistry, and it would be interesting to see the relationship developed further in a sequel. Paul Dano (who was excellent as a young Brian Wilson in Love and Mercy) offers a strong performance as The Riddler, who's more of an obsessed, demented killer than the humorous interpretations we've seen in the past from actors like Frank Gorshin and Jim Carrey. There's also great work from Jeffrey Wright as Lt. Gordon, John Turturro as Carmine Falcone and Colin Farrell, who's unrecognizable as Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin.

The Batman is a fascinating, noir-infused take on this classic character. Matt Reeves (who also directed two entries in the recent Planet of the Apes trilogy) has given us a different perspective on the early years of the Dark Knight. The inspiration for the film comes from works such as Frank Miller's graphic novel Year One, the 1970's back to basics comic book stories from writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams, 1970's crime films, serial killer tales like David Fincher's Seven, and even a hint of Ridley Scott's rain-soaked cityscapes from Blade Runner. The film benefits greatly from a wonderful score by Michael Giacchino, which adds to the sense of menace and dread in the story, but is also epic and romantic. The movie is a bit overlong at three hours. The story could have ended after a powerful scene between Pattinson and Dano, but it goes on for almost another half hour with a sequence that feels a bit out of place in the film, but does serve to deepen an important realization for Bruce Wayne about his ongoing role as Batman. If you're a long-time fan of the character, I think you'll appreciate The Batman. Here's a look at the trailer for the film, which is currently in theaters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqqft2x_Aa4.

"It Was Fifty Years Ago Today" Rocks Ridgefield

The music of The Beatles continues to delight long-time fans and enthrall new generations of listeners, more than 50 years after the band went their separate ways. Throughout the years, both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have hit the road with set lists chock full of Beatles tunes. There are also a number of bands who pay homage to the songs of the four lads from Liverpool, including the top notch group The Fab Faux, featuring Will Lee and Rich Pagano. One of the more enjoyable celebrations of the music of The Beatles is It Was Fifty Years Ago Today: A Tribute To The Beatles. Todd Rundgren, Micky Dolenz, Christopher Cross, Joey Molland (of Badfinger) and Jason Scheff (of Chicago) toured in 2019 and performed The White Album, as well as several of their own hits. For this year's edition of the show, Rundgren, Cross, Molland and Scheff return, and are joined by Denny Laine, a founding member of The Moody Blues and Wings, to pay tribute to Rubber Soul and Revolver, two of The Beatles' finest albums. The tour stopped off at The Ridgefield Playhouse in Connecticut on Thursday, March 4.

The night kicked off with a stellar run through of 'Drive My Car" that immediately enthralled the audience, followed by a terrific take on the George Harrison penned "I Want To Tell You." The set list featured tracks from Rubber Soul and Revolver mixed with performances of the artists' own hits, so Denny Laine took the lead spot for his renditions of "Go Now" (from his time with The Moody Blues) and a fabulous version of the Wings classic "Band on the Run," while Joey Molland led the band through the Badfinger tunes "No Matter What" and "Baby Blue." Other highlights included a marvelous "Good Day Sunshine" and a rollicking version of "You Won't See Me." One of the nicest surprises of the evening was Christopher Cross, who was in fine form on vocals and guitar. Cross got one of the biggest audience reactions of the night when he performed his hits "Ride Like The Wind" and "Sailing." The first set concluded with a seriously rocking version of Revolver's "She Said She Said," led by the energetic Rundgren, who impishly yelled "Intermission!" at the song's conclusion, before running off stage.

The second set began with "I've Just A Face" originally the opening track on the U.S. edition of Rubber Soul, followed by a stellar "Norwegian Wood" and a lovely version of "Michelle" featuring lead vocals by Christopher Cross. The enthusiastic Rundgren got the audience singing along when he performed his hits "I Saw The Light" and "Hello It's Me." One of the true VIPs of the show was Jason Scheff (the bassist and lead singer for Chicago from 1985-2016) whose vocals and bass work were excellent throughout the night. During his spotlight mini-set, Scheff sang the Chicago ballad "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" and then electrified the theatre with a truly epic version of the classic "25 or 6 to 4," which featured Scheff jamming with Rundgren on guitar, and the whole band kicking out the jams. It was one of the highlights of the concert. It brought the house down, and then brought the audience to their feet.

There were more Beatles classics as well, including Rundgren leading the group through an awesome version of "Tomorrow Never Knows," and a dynamic rendition of "Got To Get You Into My Life," with vocals by Scheff. Denny Laine took center stage on "Nowhere Man" and Joey Molland offered up a dynamic version of "Doctor Robert." By the time this amazing show wrapped up with another sing along on "Yellow Submarine," it was evident from the mile-wide smiles on everyone's faces that these talented artists enjoy playing together, and have a deep love and affection for the music of The Beatles. Great songs stand the test of time, and the music of The Beatles, and artists like Rundgren, Chicago and Badfinger clearly hold a special place in the hearts of both the performers and the audience, who clearly loved every minute of this amazing show. It Was Fifty Years Ago Today: A Tribute To The Beatles is touring now, so if you get a chance to check out the show in your area, it's well worth your time.