It’s completely diabolical! When it comes to cinema, we’re living in the age of the comic book. Some incredible films have been produced during this era, including The Dark Knight and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
No one can fault Marvel or DC for capitalising on a hungry audience looking for something beyond the latest Disney remake, but as we head into phase 4 of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, many are asking: “Is there more?”
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Quicksilver or The Flash ran into a poor, unsuspecting bystander? Or what Superman would be like if he was deprived of love growing up? The Boys answer these questions and so much more. Here are five reasons it should be on your watch list:
It’s grounded in reality
The one thing I love about this series is its accurate depiction of superheroes, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Lynn Cupido. How many times have we bowed our heads in frustration at the news that the ANC has stolen millions from its citizens? Heroes are often portrayed as unswayable individuals with honour as their guidance system, but The Boys dives right into a much scarier reality, one in which superheroes are easily corrupted and are driven by their own selfish needs – the ANC on crack. It’s a breath of fresh air, despite the harrowing consequences depicted onscreen.
It tackles current social issues
Behind the super strength and hilarious dialogue is a series that’s not afraid to be a little raunchy while also tackling some relevant issues. Sexual assault in the workplace, racism, rape, and abuse of power are just a handful of issues The Boys does an incredible job of tackling without feeling as if it’s being force-fed down your throat.
Anthony Starr and Karl Urban
Homelander and William Butcher… these two actors play their characters to a tee. Homelander and Butcher have been on a wild and bloody ride, but it most likely would not have been possible if it wasn’t for Urban’s brutal portrayal of a man who would destroy anyone in his path for his wife. While Starr delivers a spine-chilling performance of the Seven’s leader, a humble and charismatic humanitarian in public, but an egomaniac with sadistic tendencies behind closed doors. Both incredible performances, each with their own character motivations, demonstrate why there are no heroes in this series.
It’s a rollercoaster ride
If you love your series with a ton of twists and turns, then this is the show for you. There are several moments throughout the series that place a spotlight on corporate greed and the dark secrets corporations are willing to bury to ensure profits, but along with a poignant look at these very real circumstances, it will also have your jaw hanging on the floor thanks to the debauchery.
A closer look at pop culture
While The Boys may be based on its own series of comic books, it’s not afraid to give a cheeky wink to the oversaturation of superhero blockbusters in the world of cinema. Vought is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate that banks on its superheroes by churning out blockbuster after blockbuster with no end in sight. The show mirrors how this genre seems to be taking over everything, something we can relate to. No matter where you stand regarding the debate around the oversaturation of superhero films in today’s market when you watch this show, you’ll agree that there’s nothing quite like The Boys.
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Picture: The Boys / Instagram
