A Still from ‘The Changeling’: Exploring the New Apple TV+ Series
Apple TV+ has released a new series called ‘The Changeling’, which is based on the novel of the same name written by Victor LaValle. Narrator Victor LaValle sums up the essence of the series by saying, “Tell me your journey, each of you, tell me your life’s voyage and I’ll tell you who you are.” This one-liner sets the tone for the intriguing storyline that awaits viewers.
A Tale of Love Turned Horror
The Changeling follows the unlikely couple of Apollo (played by LaKeith Stanfield) and Emma (played by Clark Backo). They fall in love, get married, and everything seems perfect. However, after the birth of their child, their fairy tale takes a dark turn and transforms into a bewildering horror story.
At the time of writing this review, only the first three episodes of ‘The Changeling’ are available for streaming. These episodes may leave audiences feeling puzzled. The first two episodes provide a straightforward narrative, alternating between the childhood stories of Apollo and Emma and their eventual meeting and union. The relaxed storytelling style shifts gears in the third episode, taking a macabre turn. This episode stands out as the best of the three, fully embracing the sinister undertones that were only hinted at in the previous episodes.
A Blend of Modern Parenting and Ancient Folklore
Victor LaValle’s novel suggests that ‘The Changeling’ presents a complex blend of modern parenting and ancient folklore, and the series successfully captures the essence of the award-winning book. In the first three hours, viewers are introduced not only to the childhood traumas of Apollo and Emma but also to the experiences of their parents, who have gone to great lengths to ensure their children’s well-being. The series encourages reflection on the difference between mere survival and true joy in life.
However, ‘The Changeling’ leaves a few too many loose ends and undergoes tonal shifts within a limited time frame, which may not work in its favor. Nevertheless, it is the slow burn treatment and standout performances, particularly from LaKeith Stanfield, that provide the strength to continue watching. The series delves into various topics such as postpartum depression, unresolved childhood trauma, and the challenges faced by descendants of immigrants in a bustling city like New York.
While these themes are present, the lack of closure on them in the near future suggests that they serve mainly as fuel to propel the story forward towards upcoming episodes. If the uneven storytelling smooths out as the series progresses and smaller threads are periodically untangled as enticing treats, ‘The Changeling’ has the potential to become one of those unhurried and unsettling horror fantasies that linger in the minds of viewers.
