Older generations are often respected for their wisdom, yet they find themselves marginalized in society. This paradox is something many only ponder as they approach old age. Netflix’s sci-fi horror dramedy, “The Boroughs,” created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews with the Duffer brothers as executive producers, presents a captivating adventure featuring some surprising heroes. The series is a mix of heartbreak, humor, and fascination, exploring themes of loss, pain, time, and the challenges of life’s later years.
The first season, consisting of eight episodes, begins in a serene cul-de-sac within the upscale retirement community of The Boroughs, managed by CEO Blaine Shaw (Seth Numrich) and his wife Annaenlise (Alice Kremelberg). Grace (Dee Wallace) follows her evening routine of dining in front of the TV while watching “Jeopardy,” later video calling her husband, Edward (Ed Begley Jr.), who resides at The Manor, The Boroughs’ long-term care facility. While everything seems routine, it soon becomes clear that something is wrong.
A few months later, grieving widower Sam Cooper (Alfred Molina) arrives in town, accompanied by his daughter Claire (Jena Malone), son-in-law Neil (Rafael Casal), and two grandchildren. As a lifelong Chicagoan, Sam is reluctant to settle in the New Mexico desert. The move to The Boroughs was his late wife Lily’s (Jane Kaczmarek) idea, and now he is left with only grief, anger, and resentment. Trapped by a contract he and Lily signed, the retired engineer reluctantly settles into Grace’s former home, unpacking remnants of his past life.
Despite being a self-proclaimed curmudgeon, Sam’s neighbor Jack (Bill Pullman) eagerly invites him to a barbecue. Jack, along with other residents like Wally (Denis O’Hare), a doctor battling Stage 4 prostate cancer; the married couple Judy (Alfre Woodard) and Art (Clarke Peters); and the lively Renee (Geena Davis), welcomes Sam warmly. Realizing his neighbors are not adversaries, Sam starts forming a routine at The Boroughs, even if it mainly involves him stomping around his home. However, after witnessing something truly terrifying, Sam discovers that the community hides far more than he anticipated.
“The Boroughs” features monsters, shootings, crows, and a mysterious liquid, but revealing more about the sci-fi elements would spoil the story’s complexity. The series stands out for its compelling characters and themes, which ground the narrative. Each character Sam meets in the retirement community has a unique perspective, with grief being a common theme. However, grief is not limited to the loss of a loved one; it also encompasses the struggle of aging and the physical decline of the body.
Sam and his diverse group of friends learn that retirees are often dismissed as senile or sickly. “The Boroughs” highlights the patronizing and frustrating nature of society’s attitude toward the elderly. Through its action-packed moments, the series emphasizes why underestimating an entire generation is not in anyone’s best interest.
Featuring a remarkable cast that breathes life into its complex characters, “The Boroughs” reinvents a familiar genre, encouraging audiences to reflect on the limitations of human experience, the courage to face fear, and the inevitability of death. With its captivating and intense storytelling, “The Boroughs” promises viewers an unforgettable experience.
“The Boroughs” is now streaming on Netflix.
