Movie review: The OA

Gone missing for seven years, previously blind Prairie returns home, but with her sight restored and a mission in mind. As her tale unfolds, a new tale is written.

Emory Cohen (Homer), Scott Wilson (Abel), Alice Krige (Nancy), Patrick Gibson (Steve), Brendan Meyer (Jesse), Brandon Perea (French), Brit Marling (Prairie), Phyllis Smith (Betty), Ian Alexander (Buck), Jason Isaacs (Hap).

The OA begins nicely and quickly begins building depth, which it does throughout the series. With extensive character development, the storyline builds well and engages the audience nicely. As Prairie and her recruits dive deeper into her story things go in unexpected directions. The series winds down with an incredibly unexpected finish that really generates more confusion and questions than anything else.

Acting was nicely done with Marling delivering fairly well. Wilson and Krige both delivered well, seemed to work together well, and brought good depth to the series. Gibson, Smith, Isaacs and the remainder of the cast were solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all well done and as expected from a TV series with a good budget. Action scenes and CGI were mild but solid. Dialogue was good and moved the story along well. Sound and soundtrack were nicely done.

Overall The OA is an enjoyable, if somewhat confusing series. Technical work and acting are good, and the plot is interesting even if the ending is somewhat confusing. Those who enjoy a mystery or mind-bender should enjoy this one. Teens seem to find more depth with this one than do older adults.

With some fairly graphic sexuality, nudity, disturbing situations and images, assault, violence, and foul language save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 1.3.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: TV Shows, TV Dramas, TV Mysteries, TV Series

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel