The Changeling – Apple TV+ Series Review

THE CHANGELING on Apple TV+ is a new series starring LaKeith Stanfield. It’s a horror and fantasy story that packs a punch. The cast is amazing and the story is deep and dark. It’s not an easy watch, but it is worth the pain. Read our The Changeling series review here!

THE CHANGELING is a new Apple TV+ series with eight episodes. The two predominant genres are horror and fantasy with a storyline that packs one hell of a punch. This is not an easy series to watch. It requires a lot from its audience – your full attention for one – and it stays with you for quite some time afterward.

The cast is led by LaKeith Stanfield in the absolute lead, and he delivers a very powerful performance. To be fair, the entire cast is amazing. Just how tough of a watch this Apple TV+ series is, will be apparent from the first three episodes that are released when it premieres. These three episodes should also get you hooked and coming back for more.

Continue reading our The Changeling series review below. The series premieres on Apple TV+ on September 8, 2023.

The Servant meets Them

I know it’s always a cheap shot to do the whole “X meets Y”-comparison to describe a series. However, The Changeling is a bit tricky to describe without giving away too much. So, unless I were to just write up a summary, what I want is to focus on the style and vibe of this series.

And that whole feeling is very much the same as from the Shyamalan-produced Apple TV+ series The Servant. Also, there’s something about the darkness of the Prime Video series Them that I recognized in this new series. In the very best of ways, I might add, because The Changeling is very much its own thing.

However, as I’m sure these comparisons point out, it is a tricky and tough story to follow. Again, this isn’t a bad thing, but it is not a “feel good”-series. Almost the opposite as it features a lot of pain and heartbreak. In many different ways.

Very simply described, this new Apple TV+ is a fairytale for grown-ups. It’s also very much a horror story and a parenthood fable. One that plays out (mostly!) in New York City but shows sides you don’t normally see.

LaKeith Stanfield is heartbreakingly good

The absolute star of The Changeling is Academy Award nominee LaKeith Stanfield. Of course, he has already made a lot of amazing portrayals in various productions. From the Atlanta series to films such as Judas and the Black Messiah and Sorry to Bother You. Yet, for me, I cannot see his name or face without thinking of Get Out.

Again, this is a very good thing. I adore Get Out. LaKeith Stanfield had only a few scenes in that movie, but he still left a deep and unforgettable impression. Along with Betty Gabriel, I should point out. In any case, I am so happy to see him in a definitive starring role here in The Changeling.

As Apollo, he delivers a performance that is both pure love and passion as well as absolute heartbreak.

Right alongside LaKeith Stanfield, we get several other brilliant performances. It’s an absolute tour de force of talent. Most noteworthy (for me anyway) are Adina Porter and Alexis Louder, who portray the same character at different ages. They are both the mother of Stanfield’s Apollo.

Also, I must mention Clark Backo. She portrays the character Emmy, who becomes Apollo’s wife and the mother of his child. She has a lot to work with in this series and does an excellent job. Not an easy feat. At all.

Watch The Changeling series on Apple TV+

This new Apple TV+ series is based on the acclaimed bestselling book of the same name by Victor LaValle. The author also serves as the narrator of this series, so you’ll be getting familiar with the voice of Victor LaValle as you watch this brutal fairytale unfold.

The series was written and adapted by showrunner and executive producer Kelly Marcel. She has quite a fascinating resume. From creating the Terra Nova series to writing Saving Mr. Banks and adapting the Fifty Shades of Grey screenplay. Most recently, she wrote the Venom: Let There Be Carnage screenplay with its star Tom Hardy.

The pilot episode was directed by Melina Matsoukas (Queen & Slim, Insecure). The Changeling series is produced by Apple Studios and Annapurna. Also, the book’s author Victor LaValle is a producer alongside star LaKeith Stanfield and director Melina Matsoukas. To name just a few of the people involved with this series in more ways than one.

The first three episodes are released for the premiere. These are followed by one episode being released weekly through to the finale on Friday the 13th of October. A date that seems very ominous!

The Changeling is premiering worldwide on Apple TV+ on September 8, 2023. 

Details

Showrunner: Kelly Marcel
Directors: Melina Matsoukas, Jonathan van Tulleken, Dana Gonzales, Slick Naim
Cast: LaKeith Stanfield, Clark Backo, Adina Porter, Samuel T. Herring, Malcolm Barrett, Alexis Louder, Jared Abrahamson