In projects such as E.T. and The Goonies to Stranger Things, it’s always the youth who embark on fantastical adventures. The tables are turned in The Boroughs with a more senior generation caught up in science fiction exploits.
The story revolves around a retirement community and your typical peaceful cul-de-sac. Recent widower Sam Cooper (Alfred Molina) moves in but has trouble transitioning into the neighborhood since he is still grieving his lost wife. One evening he has a horrific encounter that even he has problems believing. Rather than report what he witnessed to authorities and risk the ridicule of a senile old man, he teams up with his neighbors to investigate the dark mystery.
Despite the age of the characters, The Boroughs really captures that Amblin Entertainment spirit. The musical score creates a whimsical tone and visuals can be awe-inspiring taking a few moments to take everything in. The group of protagonists are plucky and misfits in their own way, and they use their smarts and attitude to survive. There is the warm humor as well. Overall, it makes it easy to be immersed into the narrative.
The story moves at a good pace and approaches the mystery from different angles. This allows to fully develop the different characters by giving them their own subplots and opportunities to stand on their own throughout the season. There is a nice build watching the various storylines converge and have the overall big picture come into focus. That build also coincides with the neighbors coming together and becoming a real team.
Instead of coming of age, The Boroughs explores more relevant themes to the generation. Managing loss and the grieving process is front and center. Molina conveys that struggle as the resident curmudgeon learning to open himself up again to these strangers that are his neighbors. There is also the reflection of one’s own mortality after living such a long life. These themes provide an emotional punch and depth so it’s not all about a crazy adventure.
Even though there is science fiction and horror, the actual scary parts come from grounded elements and the realness behind the situations. Knowing how the elderly are perceived and treated, they can be easily dismissed and second guessed. Changes in behavior and mental decline can be attributed to old age as opposed to what happens in the series. Those challenges are what makes the protagonists journey more fun as they are able to face and overcome what’s placed in front of them.
The conclusion is pretty satisfying, however there are still unanswered questions. The questions don’t seem like loose threads, but some plot points that are not resolved. They feel introduced to set up a certain point, and once finished, are ignored afterwards.
The Boroughs is an engaging and thrilling sci-fi adventure that feels like senior citizen Stranger Things with a touch of Bubba Ho-Tep. It has a whimsical tone and awe-inspiring visuals but tackles emotional themes of loss and mortality.
Watch The Boroughs on Netflix.
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