Top 5 Reasons You Should Watch Maniac
For this list, we'll be looking at some of the key factors and considerations that make this Netflix Original miniseries a must-watch.
#5: The Premise
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Simply write this idea down on a piece of paper and slide it over to us, and you’d have us interested and asking for more details. “Maniac” follows two strangers, Annie Landsberg and Owen Milgrim, who are brought together when they both sign up for a pharmaceutical trial. This isn’t your average drug trial however, this experimental treatment promises to fix (wait for it)... “all problems”. That’s right. While Annie is unable to stop fixating on her failed relationships, Owen struggles with mental health issues. This life changing pill-based treatment offers to fix it all by “solving the mind” and destroying pain. Of course… nothing is that simple.
#4: It's Generating a Lot of Buzz
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HBO once operated in a league of its own in terms of big budget, cinematic tv, but Netflix has slowly but surely climbed to its level with high quality programming of its own. If you need further proof, consider the fact that this Netflix production has arguably gotten more buzz and been the subject of greater speculation than any other new series premiering in the fall of 2018. Netflix is clearly enjoying all the attention, and they’ve responded by being very “hush hush”, saving all the reveals for its release date, September 21st, 2018. The less they tell us… the more desperate we are to know!
#3: The Genre and the Trippy Visuals
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“Maniac” has been labelled a dark comedy, but it’s clearly more than that. Both the teaser and the trailer were devoid of all but the driest of humor, putting the focus instead on the show’s style and atmosphere, which feels dark, disorienting and steeped in sci-fi history. Take vintage visual cues of old school genre favorites like “2001: A Space Odyssey”, and “Blade Runner”, give it the polish of modern cinematography and you get the unique aesthetic of “Maniac”. Furthermore, it looks like the lines of reality will be blurring to take our characters on a psychedelic journey through alternate lives or realities, making this limited series one serious visual trip.
#2: Behind-The-Scenes Talent
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“Maniac” is certainly a visually dynamic miniseries, but it likely wouldn’t be nearly as compelling if not for the talent working off-screen to bring it to life. Author and screenwriter Patrick Somerville wrote the series, and his credits include work on “The Bridge” and the critically acclaimed series “The Leftovers”. Arguably the biggest player behind the scenes however, is Cary Fukunaga. You might not know him by name, but you’ve likely fawned over his body of work, such as “Beasts of No Nation” and “True Detective”, the entire first season of which he directed. With Cary Fukunaga in the director’s chair, you know this miniseries had a clear vision start to finish.
#1: The Stars
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Though the premise is compelling, the director talented and the visual style absolutely captivating, at the end of the day, there’s no denying that “Maniac”’s biggest draw is its star-power. Emma Stone and Jonah Hill are two of the industry’s busiest and most talented stars. Not only are they the leads in “Maniac”, but they also serve as executive producers - which means they’re truly invested in the project. Plus, this is the first time that they’ve worked together since the hit comedy “Superbad” back in 2007, so it’ll be a lot of fun to see them reunite onscreen. It doesn’t hurt that the great Sally Field will be there too!
