Review of ‘The Boroughs’: A New Sci-Fi Venture by the Duffer Brothers
Netflix's latest series, The Boroughs, ventures into the realm of fantastical storytelling with a surprising twist: it puts seniors in the spotlight. You might initially view this as a derivative attempt to capitalize on the success of Stranger Things and other nostalgic ensembles. However, its unique perspective offers fresh commentary on aging and resilience that deserves attention.
A Seasoned Creative Crew
Behind this series is a formidable creative team. Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, known for their previous collaborations on The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, inject their expertise into a script that blends adventure with heart. They are supported by Netflix’s Duffer Brothers, who also produced Something Very Bad is Going to Happen earlier this year, making this the second project under their Upside Down Pictures label in 2026. Their involvement raises expectations, given their track record for hit narratives.
A Star-Studded Cast
What stands out further is the impressive ensemble cast. With actors like Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, and Geena Davis, the series benefits from a collective experience that significantly enriches its storytelling. Molina, in particular, plays Sam Cooper, a recently widowed engineer navigating the strange confines of a retirement community. His portrayal captures the character's layers—from grumpy to unexpectedly adventurous—offering a nuanced depiction of loss and rebirth. In a standout moment, he uses a mysterious peach that bestows youthful vigor, drawing upon the “Fountain of Youth” trope in a way that feels both silly and poignant.
A Supernatural Setting
The series transports viewers to The Boroughs, a seemingly idyllic retirement neighborhood in New Mexico. At first glance, it appears to provide its aging residents with a tranquil lifestyle, replete with golf courses and serene views. However, the cheerful facade masks unsettling secrets, with a murky undercurrent that hints at darker elements lurking beneath. This duality is felt through Molina's exploration of the oddities that exist in his new surroundings, pushing back against the façade that the community upholds. Initially dismissive, he is soon thrust into the community’s mysteries when he encounters supernatural entities.
Reimagining Fear and Adventure
In many ways, The Boroughs pays homage to works from the 80s, slipping comfortably into a mold that bears a resemblance to both Stranger Things and classics like Cocoon. Yet, while it executes its monster narrative with warmth, opting for heart over horror, this aesthetic poses a conundrum. The creatures, inspired by Spielberg’s storytelling sensibilities, play more of a supporting role compared to the internal struggles of the main characters. They serve to discuss themes of exploitation and control as the elderly residents become unlikely heroes against a corrupt regime.
Age Does Not Define Us
One of the most refreshing elements is the series’ refusal to portray age as a handicap. Instead, it depicts its protagonists engaging with courage and enthusiasm in unlikely heroics. The characters may be seen as underdogs in a world that often overlooks their capabilities, yet they charge headfirst into confrontations often reserved for the young. The plot allows them to seize agency, challenging the stereotype that seniors cannot engage deeply with adventurous narratives.
Exploring Grief and Healing
A significant thematic thread woven throughout the series is grief. Sam's emotional journey serves as a lens through which viewers can explore the challenges of navigating life after loss. The show does not shy away from the emotional weight that accompanies such experiences—often showing Sam grappling with memories of his late wife while trying to carve out a new existence within The Boroughs. This element adds a layer of depth that resonates, creating an unexpected emotional core amidst the series’ fantastical elements.
Can It Capture Magic?
Despite its strengths, The Boroughs occasionally stumbles in its reliance on familiar tropes. The “town with a dark secret” narrative can veer into predictability, echoing stories that have been told many times before. While some encounters feel fresh, others frustrate by lining up too neatly with genre conventions. Ultimately, it positions itself somewhere between honoring the nostalgia of the past and offering something genuinely new.
A Look Ahead
As The Boroughs wraps up its first season, viewers are treated to a cliffhanger that hints at more unseen adventures, leaving the door open for a potential continuation. If Netflix decides to renew the series, it won’t just be for its display of senior engagement but for the promise held within its ambitious narrative framework. The show may fall short of its inspirational forebears, yet it carves out its own space in the zeitgeist, asserting that age is just a number when it comes to adventure.
The buzz surrounding The Boroughs suggests that while it may not redefine the genre, it certainly scratches an itch for inclusive storytelling that speaks to resilience, creativity, and the experience of aging. For professionals in the industry, it’s a reminder of the potential that lies in embracing unconventional protagonists and setting, combining heartfelt themes with imaginative storytelling.