Series / Features
Top Notch Science Fiction And Is Still Available On Netflix
The underrated miniseries 'Maniac' delivers visually intriguing narratives featuring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, captivating viewers with its unique storytelling.
Amid the countless Netflix series that are constantly promoted, one title from 2018 remains strikingly under the radar. The miniseries Maniac has quietly established itself as one of the most intriguing productions. The psychological science fiction series was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, known for True Detective and No Time To Die, and brought Emma Stone and Jonah Hill back together on screen.
The series is an English-language adaptation of a Norwegian title and follows Owen Milgrim and Annie Landsberg, two strangers who participate in an experimental drug trial. What begins as a clinical test quickly morphs into a series of hallucinogenic worlds where reality and fiction blur completely. The episodes are filled with visual surprises and surreal sequences that stretch the boundaries of conventional television.
Maniac received considerable praise at the time. With a rating of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.6 on IMDb, the series is lauded for its thematic depth and visual style. Critics described the series as “addictive and daring” and drew comparisons to classics like Blade Runner and Alien due to its dystopian aesthetic. The combination of alienation, mental health issues, and social critique gave Maniac a unique place in the television landscape.
In addition to Stone and Hill, who had previously appeared together in Superbad, the series also features performances from Gabriel Byrne and Sally Field. This added a rare assembly of big names in a small-scale format, contributing to the credibility and intensity of the story.
With only ten episodes, Maniac is compact enough for a quick binge, yet rich in layers and meaning. Despite the series never receiving a sequel as a miniseries, it remains relevant for fans of original and challenging television.
The series is an English-language adaptation of a Norwegian title and follows Owen Milgrim and Annie Landsberg, two strangers who participate in an experimental drug trial. What begins as a clinical test quickly morphs into a series of hallucinogenic worlds where reality and fiction blur completely. The episodes are filled with visual surprises and surreal sequences that stretch the boundaries of conventional television.
Acclaimed But Forgotten
Maniac received considerable praise at the time. With a rating of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.6 on IMDb, the series is lauded for its thematic depth and visual style. Critics described the series as “addictive and daring” and drew comparisons to classics like Blade Runner and Alien due to its dystopian aesthetic. The combination of alienation, mental health issues, and social critique gave Maniac a unique place in the television landscape.
In addition to Stone and Hill, who had previously appeared together in Superbad, the series also features performances from Gabriel Byrne and Sally Field. This added a rare assembly of big names in a small-scale format, contributing to the credibility and intensity of the story.
Short Series, Lasting Impression
With only ten episodes, Maniac is compact enough for a quick binge, yet rich in layers and meaning. Despite the series never receiving a sequel as a miniseries, it remains relevant for fans of original and challenging television.
