As a fan who has followed Colman Domingo‘s career since his days on “The Wire,” it’s thrilling to see him gracing the cover of this magazine and making waves with projects like “The Madness.” His talent is undeniable, and he delivers another compelling performance in this series. However, as a seasoned viewer who has seen it all, I must say that “The Madness” itself leaves much to be desired.
For an actor like Colman Domingo, a project such as “The Madness” is a remarkable addition to his impressive career. Despite decades of steady work, recent standout roles in shows like “Euphoria,” films like “Zola” and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” and others, have led to significant milestones, including an Oscar nomination for “Rustin,” another potential nomination on the horizon (for “Sing Sing”), and gracing the cover of this magazine. Given that limited series are now a common occurrence among A-list actors, the eight-part Netflix thriller is expected to further solidify Domingo’s position as he prepares for another awards season run.
One issue to note is that while Domingo delivers a convincing performance as a frantic man on the run, the overall movie titled “The Madness” lacks finesse. It’s filled with cheap elements, and its appeal, originally pulpy, is dampened by an overly long duration and half-hearted attempts at social commentary that miss their intended impact.
Domingo stars as Muncie Daniels, a CNN commentator (somehow, the network is invoked by both name and logo) who rents a cabin in the Poconos only to find the next-door neighbor chopped to bits in his sauna. That neighbor turns out to be an infamous white nationalist, and despite reporting both the body and the apparent killers who chased him through the woods to the local authorities, Muncie’s “BLM ties” quickly make him a prime suspect.
In “The Madness,” key aspects such as Muncie’s political history, the deterioration of his marriage, and the mysterious antagonists that emerge throughout the story are not fully developed. His past as an activist is briefly mentioned, but there’s scant information about the specific causes he championed. The narrative then swiftly thrusts Muncie into a survival mode, leaving little room for him to clear up the confusion and provide a clearer picture of his life journey. “The Madness” suggests that Muncie’s struggles serve as a compulsion for him to reconnect with what truly matters, including his estranged daughter (Gabrielle Graham) and associates from his radical father’s circle. However, without a more comprehensive grasp of his initial situation, the attempt at empathy falls flat.
As a devoted admirer, I find myself expressing my thoughts on the captivating yet somewhat disjointed drama titled “The Madness.” This gripping tale is the brainchild of playwright Stephen Belber and primarily directed by Clément Virgo. However, it seems to struggle maintaining focus, making it challenging for the narrative to effectively convey its intended message.
Occasionally, “The Madness” can border on the absurdly amusing due to its fast-paced storyline. Muncie is tasked with finding an antifa militant, who supposedly frequents a swingers club (a place like this undoubtedly exists and attracts individuals from the far left). Intriguingly, he persuades his soon-to-be ex-wife (Marsha Stephanie Blake) to scout the location during daytime. The plotline is intricate enough to pique your curiosity and make you say “Why not?” Apart from Domingo, “The Madness” also features a supporting cast that’s impressive, making you glad to see them, regardless of their roles: Stephen McKinley Henderson, Bradley Whitford, and Alison Wright all make notable appearances, even if they could have better material.
On Sundays, Domingo skillfully employs “The Madness” to depict the transformation of Muncie from a frightened creature into one driven by reckless resolution. However, despite this transformation, Muncie appears more like a character mode than a fully fleshed-out individual, with few distinguishing traits that make him unique or define him in any significant way. In essence, “The Madness” seems to be an achievement on Domingo’s resume – his debut as the lead actor in a TV series, but it falls short of becoming one of his iconic performances.
All eight episodes of “The Madness” are now streaming on Netflix.
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2024-11-28 17:16