Gerard Way’s ‘Umbrella Academy’ breaks viewers expectations
Ellen Page, who previously depicted Juno MacGuff in the 2007 drama film “Juno,” portrays Vanya Hargreeves in the film adaptation of Gerard Way’s “Umbrella Academy.”
February 28, 2019
Netflix’s new hit superhero saga “The Umbrella Academy” stuns viewers with action-packed episodes that always leave you at the edge of your seat.
Netflix’s latest installment, released Feb. 15, is based on the comic book of the same name by My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way. Each hour-long episode focuses on the estranged Hargreeves siblings who are forced to join forces after their father, Colm Feore, suddenly dies while also having to deal with the unexpected reappearance of their missing sibling Five, Aidan Gallagher.
Viewers follow the stories of the superpowered Hargreeves siblings Luther, Tom Hopper, Diego, David Castaneda, Allison, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Klaus, Robert Sheehan, and their non-superpowered sibling Vanya, depicted by “Juno” star Ellen Page, as they try to stop an oncoming apocalypse while also dealing with the villainous time-traveling assassins Hazel, Cameron Britton, and Cha-Cha, portrayed by R&B singer Mary J. Blige.
The series enforces a well-written plot that viewers can follow without getting confused, unlike other Netflix superhero shows. The show also features several flashback scenes that catch the viewer up with what is happening in the current time and tell the backstory of the problematic Hargreeves family.
Not only does the show build a well-structured plot, it features astonishing acting from a cast that is not well-known around Hollywood. Gallagher’s acting is particularly outstanding, as the 15-year-old actor is tasked with playing a 58-year-old man stuck inside a 13-year-old’s body, delivering heartfelt lines that bring viewers to tears.
The show also deals with drug addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder, mainly with Sheehan’s character as he deals with addiction. Many of the other characters also deal with their own side-plots which include topics such as depression, neglect and loss. The series cleverly depicts these side-plots without interrupting the main story but make time for them to be addressed.
After a season finale cliffhanger, fans are eagerly awaiting the next season airs but for now “The Umbrella Academy” will continue to attract Netflix bingers as hands-down the best Netflix superhero TV show to date.
