Keeping an eye out for something new to stream during the pandemic is becoming something of a norm. If we’re being honest, our radar is constantly on alert for anything that’s trending or getting massive buzz from both our social circles and the media.
Netflix’s brand new show Ratched is worth binging this October. This dark and twisted psychological thriller Based on the 1962 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest offers a perfect balance between horror-suspense and the classic Whodunnit “cat and mouse” mystery genre.
Set in 1947, the premise revolves around Mildred Ratched (portrayed by Sarah Paulson); a seemingly mild-mannered woman who travels to Northern California and subsequently takes up employment as a nurse at a local psychiatric hospital. What follows after is a series of gruesome deaths all surrounding Mildred Ratched and the institution itself.
The first episode introduces a variety of characters that make up the supporting cast, each of them forming a unique relationship with Nurse Ratched as the series progresses. Dr. Richard Hannover is the director of the Lucia State Hospital, who takes an unusual liking to Ratched and soon hires her after their initial meeting. Head Nurse Betsy Bucket (played by Judy Davis) serves as the rival and antagonist to Ratched throughout the early episodes as they occasionally come into conflict regarding both professional and personal matters.
What’s fascinating about Ratched is that it’s more than just a period show; the story is very much character-driven, but it also sheds light on relationship dynamics and the human condition, which as a viewer makes it somewhat relatable.
Although the show is primarily psychological in nature, it does incorporate elements of dark humor with a hint of surrealism thrown into the mix. Ratched takes inspiration from the films directed by Tim Burton, particularly his signature color palettes, cinematography, costume and set design.
In many ways the show is an intense character study. The episodes are very much self-contained, yet they all form a cohesive storyline while continuing to build up suspense with a few plots twists thrown into the mix.
Deception, love, emotional conflict and trauma are pivotal themes in Ratched. The show doesn’t immediately establish a backstory for Nurse Ratched, instead we get small glimpses into the title character’s mind as the story unfolds and more information is revealed.
Edmund Tolleson (portrayed by Finn Wittrock) plays a vital role in the series as Ratched’s estranged and psychotic brother. The character serves as a “mental anchor” for Ratched, by instilling her with a sense of humanity and compassion while keeping her grounded to the real world.
Season 1 not only gave us an introduction into Nurse Ratched’s world, but also makes us aware that there’s more to her underneath the surface.
The character walks a thin line between moral principles and unethical actions. She is neither good nor bad in the conventional sense, but can be viewed as an anti-heroine of sorts. If Joe Goldberg from YOU had a female counterpart set in the past, it would be Mildred Ratched.
Having said that as any other show Ratched has its fair share of flaws. The tone and direction are a little inconsistent at times, often shifting aimlessly between harmless satire and high stakes involving life-threatening situations.
Having a fairly large supporting cast is another drawback. Some characters aren’t granted enough screen time to have their backstories fleshed out, despite playing prominent roles in certain episodes.
But that’s not all; scenes involving intense dialogue can be a little over-the-top occasionally. But in all fairness, Ratched is a fictional period piece set in 1940s America – at a time when certain subject matter like sexual identity was considered taboo and the underlying cynicism that came with it. However, the sublime performance delivered by Sarah Paulson along with rest of the cast is enough to get you hooked.
Creator Ryan Murphy takes a bold move by launching a series that’s a stark contrast in tone compared to his earlier hit show GLEE. Nonetheless, boldness is usually rewarded and Ratched is definitely a must-watch once you get dive deep into the story!
