The Boys - Review

"You are not a god; you are simply bad product" – A review of The Boys. 

I'm late to the party when it comes to The Boys. First released in 2019, it took the addition of Jensen Ackles (who I adored in Supernatural) to get me interested enough to start watching – so does it live up to the hype?

The Boys is a dark, tense and subversive take on the superhero genre, which examines themes such as power, unchecked authority and corruption, in a brutal yet often funny manner. These aren't your standard superheroes; they are anything but good, virtuous heroes, and the series follows a group of underdogs who are determined to expose their crimes and moral failings.

This is a show that revels in sharp wit and intense action. The writing is genuinely great, full of unforeseen plot twists, and the social commentary is thought-provoking, genuine and, in all fairness, timely. You do need to be prepared for a lot of violence and strong language, but this really underscores the unapologetic tone the show takes.

There are some truly phenomenal performances as well. Anthony Starr is a specific standout for me, as his portrayal of Homelander is chilling and multifaceted, anchoring the dark and dangerous tone of the show. Aside from Starr though, the ensemble cast are a compelling watch also; they provide much needed depth and emotional resonance, meaning that even when The Boys is at its most violent and chaotic, the characters always feel real and compelling.

Visually, The Boys is striking to say the least. Bold colour palettes and gritty cinematography compliments the dark themes whilst still playing with superhero tropes, and I really enjoy this juxtaposition. The thing I love the most, though, is how real the world feels; it's plausible, it's scary, it's menacing, and the use of visual effects masterfully enhances the action sequences without detracting from the realism or the emotional moments.

I want to take a moment to talk about the score too; Composed by Cristopher Lennertz, the soundtrack moves from traditional superhero style themes to more atmospheric, subdued tones, highlighting the differences between characters and the lives they lead. The music helps the show find its edgy, subversive narrative, and I'm a big fan of it.

I am so pleased I started this show. Sure, it has its flaws; the violence can occasionally overshadow the more subtle storytelling, and the pacing slows at times, especially mid-season. With that being said, this is an unconventional and daring take on the superhero genre, and one that I would highly recommend.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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