Bill Pullman's retiree thriller plus five more picks
· news
What to Stream This Week: Bill Pullman’s Retiree Thriller, Plus Five More Picks
As we sift through the ever-changing landscape of streaming services, one theme has emerged in recent weeks that warrants closer inspection: our fascination with aging heroes on screen. The latest crop of shows offers more than just entertainment – they reveal something deeper about our society’s attitude towards age.
The Boroughs, a Netflix original created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (executive produced by the Duffer Brothers), takes the most straightforward approach. This show shares some DNA with Stranger Things but focuses on an American retirement community under siege by supernatural forces, led by Alfred Molina and Bill Pullman. The cast brings depth to their characters beyond mere stereotypes, tackling complex emotions like grief, anger, and self-doubt.
The Boroughs’ portrayal of aging as a bittersweet reality is striking, particularly in its depiction of retirees as capable and resourceful rather than helpless or feeble-minded. This theme resonates with audiences today, where concerns about ageism, healthcare, and social isolation are increasingly pertinent.
In contrast, Star City, an Apple TV spin-off from For All Mankind, takes a more cerebral approach. This alternate history series flips the script on the original by telling the story from the Soviet perspective, exploring the paranoia and propaganda that defined the space race era. By examining totalitarian regimes through science fiction, Star City raises important questions about freedom, control, and the human condition.
Both shows confront the darker aspects of aging – fear, vulnerability, and mortality – rather than simply romanticizing or trivializing them. The Boroughs’ characters grapple with unresolved emotions and personal demons, tapping into our collective anxieties about growing older and what it means to live a meaningful life.
The Yoghurt Shop Murders, a true crime docuseries on HBO Max, offers a different kind of exploration by examining the aftermath of a horrific murder case from 1991. This series delves into the anguish, loss, and closure that followed its resolution with an empathetic approach, refraining from sensationalism or exploitation in favor of deep understanding and respect for the victims’ families.
Other notable shows include The Peripheral, an Amazon Prime sci-fi epic set in a dystopian future; The Flight Attendant, a dark comedy-thriller on HBO Max; and The Underground Railroad, an anthology series based on Colson Whitehead’s novel on Amazon Prime. Each show offers a unique perspective on aging and what it means to live a full life.
Our fascination with aging heroes on screen reflects a broader cultural conversation about identity, purpose, and what it means to live a meaningful life. By confronting the complexities and vulnerabilities of growing older, these stories offer us a mirror – not just an escape.
Reader Views
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
While The Boroughs and Star City offer compelling explorations of aging on screen, their portrayal of retirees as capable and resourceful is not without its challenges. In reality, many seniors face significant barriers to healthcare and social services, exacerbating feelings of isolation and disconnection. As streaming services rush to capitalize on our fascination with aging heroes, it's essential that we consider the complex issues surrounding ageism and accessibility in their storytelling. By prioritizing nuanced character development over simplistic tropes, creators can craft a more accurate and impactful narrative about growing older in America.
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
While The Boroughs and Star City are laudable for tackling ageism in thoughtful ways, their portrayals also reinforce stereotypes about retirees being uniquely vulnerable to supernatural threats or totalitarian regimes. A more nuanced approach might explore the resilience of older adults in the face of real-world challenges like healthcare access, financial insecurity, and social isolation. By focusing on these concrete issues, creators could craft shows that resonate with viewers who are actually grappling with the complexities of aging, rather than simply relying on genre tropes to sell a story.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The fascination with aging heroes on screen is more than just a passing trend - it's a reflection of our societal anxieties about growing old and becoming obsolete. While The Boroughs tackles ageism head-on by depicting retirees as capable and resourceful, we mustn't forget the economic realities driving this narrative: the graying of the workforce and the need for seniors to stay employed or contribute in some meaningful way. Let's not romanticize aging; let's have a nuanced conversation about what it means to grow old in a society where youth is prized above all else.