Older generations are often honored for their wisdom, yet they frequently find themselves marginalized in society. This dilemma is typically not considered until people approach their own later years. Netflix’s intriguing sci-fi horror dramedy, “The Boroughs,” created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews alongside executive producers the Duffer brothers, offers a captivating adventure featuring unexpected heroes. Heartwarming and humorous, “The Boroughs” delves into themes of loss, time, and the challenges faced during one’s twilight years.
The first season comprises eight episodes and kicks off in a serene cul-de-sac within the upscale retirement community, The Boroughs, managed by CEO Blaine Shaw (Seth Numrich) and his wife, Annaenlise (Alice Kremelberg). Grace (Dee Wallace) follows her nightly routine, dining alone while watching “Jeopardy” and later video calling her husband Edward (Ed Begley Jr.), who resides in The Manor, The Boroughs’ long-term care facility. Although everything seems typical, viewers soon sense that something is off.
A few months later, grieving widower Sam Cooper (Alfred Molina) arrives, accompanied by his daughter Claire (Jena Malone), son-in-law Neil (Rafael Casal), and two grandchildren. A Chicago native, Sam is reluctant to start afresh in the New Mexican desert, especially since moving to The Boroughs was his late wife Lily’s (Jane Kaczmarek) idea. Left with his sorrow, anger, and disgust, Sam cannot escape the contract he signed with Lily, leading him to unpack remnants of their life together in the home previously occupied by Grace.
Although Sam begins as a bitter curmudgeon, his neighbor Jack (Bill Pullman) does not hesitate to invite him to a barbecue. Jack, along with other residents like Wally (Denis O’Hare), a former doctor with Stage 4 prostate cancer, married couple Judy (Alfre Woodard) and Art (Clarke Peters), and the lively Renee (Geena Davis), welcome Sam warmly. Gradually, Sam acknowledges that his neighbors are not adversaries and starts to establish a routine in The Boroughs, chiefly consisting of him stomping around his home. However, a horrifying incident soon reveals that the lurking dangers around the community are far beyond what he expected.
“The Boroughs” introduces elements like monsters, shootings, and a peculiar liquid, but revealing too much would spoil the intricacies of the plot. The series captivates by focusing on its characters and themes, which ground the narrative. Each resident has unique experiences regarding this stage of life, and while grief is a prevalent aspect, it transcends the mere loss of loved ones, embracing the challenges of aging and bodily decline.
As Sam and his diverse neighbors discover, society often dismisses the elderly as senile or frail. “The Boroughs” effectively portrays the patronizing and frustrating nature of this perception. Amidst thrilling moments, the series highlights why underestimating an entire generation could lead to detrimental consequences for everyone.
Featuring an outstanding ensemble cast that brings these multifaceted characters to life, “The Boroughs” reimagines a familiar genre, prompting audiences to reflect on the limits of human experiences, the essence of bravery, and the inevitability of death. Mesmerizing and intense, viewers of “The Boroughs” will find themselves deeply engaged in this exploration of life’s final chapter.
“The Boroughs” is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
