Swarm

I'm on the old side (50s) and not the target market, but I have to say that I'm really enjoying this series. Basically, it's about an obsessed fan and her murderous journey as a superfan of the Beyonce-inspired pop figure Ni'Jah.

As others have noted, it is slow, but I'm enjoying the buildup and character revelations. Unfortunately, it's probably too slow for a younger audience, but oldies like me grew up with slow so I've got no problem with it. For a series, it's filmed, edited and scripted in a very cinematic way. I do love all the oversatured colors and the monotonous, grinding soundtrack. Paris Jackson shows off her screen presence and great comic timing in a small role.

What I like is that the main character, played by Dominique Fishback, comes across as an actual person, living an ordinary life punctuated by flashes of mayhem and murder. She's not all that sympathetic, but almost like a lost soul whose obsession with food and her idol are the driving forces in her life. Dominique plays her as a blank canvas who slips on various personalities, depending on the situation. She incredibly talented in this role, because you can see the psychopath within at every turn and that's not an easy thing to achieve.

I'm not sure where it's going and that's what keeps me watching.

I am really enjoying this series. It really is doing something fresh, about obsessive fans, especially the super fan; it may sound like its about Beyoncé-but it could be about anyone who has a following.

As others have noted, it is slow, but the build-up and character revelation is stunning.

For a series, it's filmed, edited and scripted in a very cinematic way. I love all the oversaturated colours and the monotonous, grinding soundtrack.

I was impressed with Paris Jackson and Billie Eilish were a welcomed addition to the story line - good casting choices.

What I like the most is that the main character, played by Dominique Fishback - she is brilliant, just super brilliant. She comes across as a real, life punctuated by flashes of mayhem and murder. She's different from other roles played by Black women - so proud and pleased. Her authentic lost soul and obsession with food and her idol are the driving forces of this show. Dominique plays her personality disorder so brilliantly that it is chilling. She is incredibly talented in this role, because you can see the psychopath within at every turn and that's not an easy thing to achieve.

I'm not sure where it's going and that's what keeps me watching. I want more shows like this with Black people taking the lead role.

This show did none of the things I expected it to. A fantastic character study with captivating performances and cinematography, and creative sound design. The pacing was a perfect mix of exciting and artistic violence with periods of contemplation.

While I'm not up to date on all the Beyonce drama, I thought this was an engaging look at obsession and the extremes it can be pushed to.

I really love Glover's touch with the camera. He's not afraid of long still shots and extreme closeups, and there's never a boring shot. And I cannot praise the sound design and soundtrack enough. The buzzing bees and ominous stingers (no pun intended) when Dre's psyche are tested add so much suspense and reminded me of Candyman in the best way.

Nabers and Glover's artful and granular slasher/stalker series arrived with a tonne of weight and expectation around it but it ended up feeling a little unfinished. I was mainly here for the fantastic Fishback, who is brilliantly droll as the murderous and delusional Dre. I hope this proves to be her springboard to mega stardom. Swarm is strongest when it uses Dre to skewer contemporary pretences and conversations, and weakest when it lurches into step with dull serial killer tropes. There are some fantastic performances beyond Fishback, including a surprisingly engrossing turn from Billie Eilish of all people. A diverting experiment but outside of some memorable moments it doesn't really coalesce into anything that feels meaningful.

Pretty much a must for Donald Glover fans, granted it might have benefited from a little Lakeith Stanfield/Darius energy.

I've said elsewhere that horror is not my cup of tea, but this film has more going on then just the grisly. That said, are bodies the new car crashes for film. (As a youth my mind would drift elsewhere during the requisite automotive destruction, these days must I do the same as a body is bludgeoned. Sigh...)

Anyways, this short 7-episode series covers a lot of territory, and not just on the Wuronos trail.

Do you lose yourself in celebrity adoration?

Do you lose yourself in a nasty family upbringing?

Do you lose yourself in a dank nightclub?

Can you lose yourself in a new town/identity?

Do you lose yourself in a relationship? (Actually thought a relationship might save the lead character at one point).

These various deviation points (and the whole "Cop" episode, easily the funniest) might make this less rewarding for some viewers who want a consistent feel and flavor. But did you watch "Atlanta?" Glover get bored before his audience does, and that to me is a good thing!

That and the ugly duckling uglier transformation of Dominique Fishback made this a two-night binge success for me. Even if there is the sad element that black women have to work twice as hard to kill half the number of people.

Anyways if any of my reviews irritate you so much I make your target list, let's have lunch first (no steak knives please) and talk about the things we have in common.