If you’re a fan of Steven Spielberg and Stephen King, then you do not want to miss out on this new sci-fi mystery series on Netflix. With just eight episodes and a stellar ensemble cast, this Netflix show is perfect for just about everyone!
As someone who has adored both Stephen King and Steven Spielberg for as long as I can remember, The Boroughs hit every single soft spot I have as a genre fan. Whether it’s the whimsical magic of Spielberg’s E.T. or the darker, yet hopeful, magic of King’s The Green Mile, this has it all.
And yes, this Netflix series also has a touch of a mystery that is out of this world.
The score alone had me in a chokehold, where nostalgia overwhelmed me. In all the best ways, I might add.
The hopeful magic and otherworldly horror of Netflix’s The Boroughs
Not unlike Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but now with villains that could come from any number of Stephen King’s stories. No, there are no clowns with red balloons, though something does affect their minds. Also, there are characters that reminded me of The Outsider.
With this Netflix series coming out less than a month before Steven Spielberg returns to the big screen with a genre blockbuster, the timing could not be better.
The Boroughs offers seriously dark and sinister moments. However, in ways I would expect from both Steven Spielberg and Stephen King, the true villain may surprise you. As could their motives!
Neither Stephen King nor Steven Spielberg is involved
Full disclaimer for The Boroughs: Neither Stephen King nor Steven Spielberg is involved with The Boroughs series on Netflix. But it feels that way, and I cannot get enough of it. As already mentioned, this Netflix sci-fi mystery show had me from the time I heard the score. And no, it’s not John Williams.
But it could be, as Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning composer John Paesano (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) has nailed the sound of those magical movies by Spielberg from the 1980s. And yes, I did grow up in the 80s, which means the nostalgia hits deep.
Of course, one could argue that it has a distinct Ron Howard feel as he directed the 1985 movie Cocoon (which I adore). To me, Ron Howard has that Spielberg magic touch, too.
Now that I’ve mentioned Cocoon, I should say that while that was sci-fi comedy, The Boroughs is much darker and belongs in the sci-fi mystery hybrid genre. With a nice touch of adventure, fantasy, and horror as well.
Find The Boroughs on Netflix now and read our spoiler-free review here >
