Reel Review Mom

If you know my taste in television, you know I am an absolute sucker for a good sci-fi mystery. Give me the intense, atmospheric thrills of something like For All Mankind, mix it with a solid supernatural puzzle, and I am completely seated. But it’s rare to find a sci-fi thriller that also delivers a massive dose of heart, resilience, and the power of deep-rooted friendships.
Well, Netflix just delivered exactly that. Their brand new series, The Boroughs, dropped today, and the best part? All eight episodes are available to stream right now. Say goodbye to your weekend productivity!

 
The Plot (No Spoilers, I Promise!)
Produced by the Duffer Brothers (the minds behind Stranger Things), this series trades in the bike-riding teenagers of the 1980s for an incredibly formidable crew of septuagenarians. 
The story centers on a picturesque New Mexico retirement community called The Boroughs. We follow Sam, a grumpy, recently widowed retired engineer who reluctantly moves in, just trying to run out the clock in peace. But after a terrifying, monstrous encounter in the middle of the night, Sam realizes this faux-paradise is hiding a dark and dangerous secret. He ends up teaming up with a misfit group of his new neighbors to stop an otherworldly threat. 
The underlying theme here is what really makes the show shine: Time. It’s a gorgeous, slightly scary, and surprisingly humorous look at mortality, the heavy weight of grief, and finding purpose with the time you have left. It asks a brilliant question: what do you do when a supernatural force tries to steal the one thing you are already running out of? 

A Powerhouse Cast
The real draw here is the absolutely stacked ensemble cast. It is so refreshing to see Hollywood veterans taking the lead and proving that heroes come in all ages.
Alfred Molina is phenomenal as Sam, perfectly playing the neighborhood curmudgeon who slowly steps up to the plate. 
Geena Davis is an absolute scene-stealer as Renee, a cynical former rock ‘n’ roll music manager who flat-out refuses to be underestimated.  And there’s a reference to her Thelma & Louise days just saying….
Alfre Woodard and Clarke Peters bring incredible emotional depth as former journalist Judy and her hippie husband Art. 
Denis O’Hare plays Wally, a retired doctor carrying his own heavy burdens. 
Bill Pullman rounds out the main squad as the local ladies’ man, Jack. 
And if that wasn’t enough, keep your eyes peeled for fantastic supporting roles from legends like Dee Wallace, Ed Begley Jr., and Jane Kaczmarek. 

The Bottom Line
If you love a mystery with a supernatural edge, but also appreciate a story anchored by lifelong bonds and the fierce resilience of a seasoned generation, this is going to be your new obsession. It’s got monsters, it’s got heart, and it’s got a cast that knows exactly how to deliver a masterclass in acting.

The Mom Verdict: 5 out of 5! Pop some popcorn, get cozy, and hit play on episode one. You won’t regret it… I think they have a hit on their hands with this one!