Jeff Goldblum shines as Zeus in the darkly comedic Netflix drama “Kaos,” created by Charlie Covell, renowned for “The End of the F***ing World.” The series explores the intertwining stories of three characters whose actions unknowingly trigger a prophecy aimed at toppling the iconic god. By offering a contemporary twist on mythology, the series depicts gods as wealthy celebrities, contributing to its visually captivating universe. However, the overall quality is hampered by a convoluted script that takes too long to gain momentum.
Goldblum’s portrayal stands out as the highlight of “Kaos.” Clad in stylish summer attire and residing in a lavish Olympia mansion, his version of Zeus evokes the charm of a character from a Guy Ritchie film. The actor expertly balances sophistication and danger, delivering another remarkable performance that complements the show’s tone. Janet McTeer also delivers a strong performance as Zeus’ wife and sister, with Aurora Perrineau, Nabhaan Rizwan, and Killian Scott adding to the impressive ensemble.
Despite the innovative reimagining of mythology, particularly its view of the underworld, the series suffers from an overly crowded script. The first three episodes of this eight-part series focus on introducing the co-conspirators of the prophecy, leaving the main narrative struggling to establish itself by the middle of the show. Instead, these opening episodes emphasize different aspects of mythology and the associated subplots of the main characters. The exploration of Hades’ bureaucracy, The Furies, and the Minotaur enriches the world-building, yet the plot stagnates during this lengthy setup.
Although Goldblum’s outstanding performance and the unique take on mythology present a captivating premise, the absence of a tangible plot at this stage results in a somewhat mixed initial impression of “Kaos.”
“Kaos” will premiere on Netflix on August 29, 2024.