"Andor" is utterly outstanding this week. Easily the most macabre, fiercely mature & intelligent, topical & genuinely disturbing story being told within the "Star Wars" universe, by far - & in the history of the franchise. Here, it consequently takes an unflinching look at the brutality of fascist imperialism (what "The Empire" is an embodiment of) & doesn't shy away from depicting the horrors of it in a quite unsettling manner, lensing events through the perspectives of the working classes to truly ground the events in a feeling that's authentic & tangible.
I cannot believe Disney+ actually allowed something so risky to be made for a show that's set in the reality of one of their biggest brands. Feels more akin to "Squid Game" on Netflix than anything else; a grim, cynical refutation of a broken political system (which draws direct comparisons against our own), masterfully captured by the indomitable director Toby Haynes - who truly depicts even the darkest moments that could potentially be quite triggering, respectfully - whilst skilfully juxtaposing the growing sense of hopelessness with the hopefulness of the flourishing rebellion & thus, clearly conveying to the audience just how important it is to the survival of civilization; the oppressive establishment isn't just corrupt & tyrannical, but inhuman, so the narrative is far deeper than that because it becomes a poignant reflection of the endurance of the human spirit, in spite of insurmountable odds.
I say this as a casual "Star Wars" fan but the utter genius & creator Tony Gilroy has used the iconic sci-fi Disney property to explore real-life issues, making a beautifully nuanced commentary which feels startlingly relevant. Truly profound.
I cannot believe Disney+ actually allowed something so risky to be made for a show that's set in the reality of one of their biggest brands. Feels more akin to "Squid Game" on Netflix than anything else; a grim, cynical refutation of a broken political system (which draws direct comparisons against our own), masterfully captured by the indomitable director Toby Haynes - who truly depicts even the darkest moments that could potentially be quite triggering, respectfully - whilst skilfully juxtaposing the growing sense of hopelessness with the hopefulness of the flourishing rebellion & thus, clearly conveying to the audience just how important it is to the survival of civilization; the oppressive establishment isn't just corrupt & tyrannical, but inhuman, so the narrative is far deeper than that because it becomes a poignant reflection of the endurance of the human spirit, in spite of insurmountable odds.
I say this as a casual "Star Wars" fan but the utter genius & creator Tony Gilroy has used the iconic sci-fi Disney property to explore real-life issues, making a beautifully nuanced commentary which feels startlingly relevant. Truly profound.