Movie and TV reviews. The Boroughs.

Just started watching this show an as far as I am concerned the Duffer Brothers have done it again, not only is it good drama but the comedy element is really funny, Alfred Molina and Geena Davis are hilarious. well worth a watch? did you enjoy it?

The Boroughs, now streaming on Netflix, is a genre-bending sci-fi mystery that has been colloquially dubbed “Stranger Things for seniors.” While it is executive-produced by the Duffer Brothers and carries a clear, nostalgic 1980s aesthetic, it carves out its own identity by grounding its supernatural thrills in the lived experiences of an aging ensemble cast.

The Premise

The story follows Sam Cooper (Alfred Molina), a grieving, curmudgeonly widower who moves into “The Boroughs,” a pristine, seemingly idyllic retirement community in the New Mexico desert. While the facility is marketed as a paradise for seniors, Sam quickly discovers that something sinister is lurking beneath its manicured surface. He eventually teams up with an eclectic group of fellow residents—including characters played by Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Clarke Peters, and Denis O’Hare—to uncover the dark, otherworldly truth behind the community’s operations.

What Works

• A Powerhouse Cast: The show’s greatest strength is undoubtedly its ensemble. Seeing veteran actors like Molina, Woodard, and Davis given material that allows them to be complex, flawed, and heroic—rather than relegated to side roles—is a refreshing change of pace. Their chemistry is the heart of the series, making the quieter, character-driven moments as compelling as the sci-fi action.
• Themed Depth: Instead of merely hunting monsters, the series uses its supernatural premise as a metaphor for the real-life anxieties of aging: the loss of autonomy, the indignity of being dismissed by society, the fear of cognitive decline, and the weight of grief.
• Nostalgic Atmosphere: Fans of 80s creature features and sci-fi classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind or The ‘Burbs will find plenty to enjoy in the show’s tone, creature design, and overall “B-movie-meets-suburbia” vibe.

Where It Struggles

• Pacing and Length: Critics have noted that at eight episodes, the show occasionally feels stretched, particularly in the later half. While the middle episodes are widely considered the strongest, some find that the narrative momentum slackens as it nears the finale.
• Visual Style: Some reviewers have pointed to a “washed-out” or beige color palette that, while perhaps intended to evoke the desert setting, can feel a bit flat compared to the vibrant, high-contrast visuals often associated with the era it pays homage to.
• Formulaic Elements: Because it shares DNA with the “Stranger Things” formula (mystery-solving, underground tunnels, and a “found family” dynamic), viewers looking for a strictly original narrative structure might find some beats predictable.

Final Verdict

The Boroughs is an engaging, often poignant adventure that succeeds largely because it takes its characters seriously. While it may lean heavily into the tropes established by the Duffer Brothers’ other work, it offers enough emotional depth and charisma to stand on its own. It is a highly recommended watch if you enjoy mystery-driven sci-fi with a strong focus on character growth and a stellar cast of industry legends.