Lost without Stranger Things? Five reasons to watch Netflix’s The OA
If you’re anything like us, you spend the majority of your weekend binging on a TV series or searching for a new one to start.
Well, we found ourselves experiencing the latter last weekend and turned to our Netflix recommendations for a little help.
After a bit of scepticism, we decided to try Netflix’s latest sci-fi series, The OA.
Unimpressed with the trailer and the lame bio, we thought The OA would be forever relegated to our “Continue Watching” list but boy, were we wrong.
Eight glorious episodes later and we’re hooked.
If you’re still feeling the withdrawals from Stranger Things, this could be the perfect choice to fill that void.
Here’s five reasons to give The OA a chance.
The story telling
The OA centres on Prairie Johnson and her return to civilisation after being missing for seven years.
Throughout the series Prairie, otherwise known as The OA, chronicles her life over those seven years all the while coping with returning to the family and town she once knew.
Revealing details of her past only as she is ready, the plot unfolds slowly, pulling you in with every passing episode.
Before you know if, you’re invested in this character and her story and feel the weight of what she is trying to achieve.
The relationships
When you boil it down, this show is essentially about human connection.
When Prairie returns to her home town, she forms friendships with five unlikely locals.
From the deeply troubled teen to the sweet-hearted sceptic, the group’s bond grows over the series with them eventually becoming dependant on each other.
The characters
With the titles creator, executive producer and star to her name, it’s hard not to be impressed by Brit Marling.
Playing the title character, Brit perfectly captures both the intensity and the delicate nature of Prairie.
In what is an unrealistic world, the strength of the actors in this show will have you believing in the alternate reality it presents.
While the show maybe centred on The OA, stand-out performances from Brooklyn star Emory Cohen, The Office’s Phyllis Smith and Irish actor Patrick Gibson make you want to know more about each of their stories too.
The dance
Out of context, this probably sounds pretty random but the dance is an incredible moment in the show and should get a mention.
Meeting nightly in an abandoned house, Prairie teaches the group a series of five moves she learned in seven years she was missing.
When the group eventually performs the dance, it goes from being a bizarre plot line to an incredibly moving scene.
The aftermath
If you’re looking for a show to leisurely binge on while scrolling through your Instagram feed then this definitely isn’t the show for you.
The OA makes you think, and not just for the hour or so that you’re watching an episode.
After eight episodes you will be frantically googling when you can get your hands on more.
While there is yet to be confirmation of a second season, it’s incredibly rare that Netflix doesn’t renew an original series so it is highly likely.
And with the way they left season one, we think we’ll have a complete meltdown if we don’t get some answers and soon.
Still not convinced? Check out the trailer below and don't look back.
