The Four Seasons Remake Review: A Witty and Thoughtful Refashioning
A new streaming series has hit the airwaves, and this time it’s a remake of the 1981 film, The Four Seasons. The eight-part Netflix serialisation has been given a sprightly, witty, and thoughtful refashioning, offering a fresh take on the original story. According to The Times, "this is a rich and funny evocation of complicated lives within a tightly schematic plot; two episodes each take in a holiday over the four seasons, starting with spring, which is a time of renewal and hope for everyone except Nick."
The series boasts an all-star cast, including Steve Carell, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Will Forte, and Colman Domingo. The story follows a middle-aged friendship group navigating four holidays and the stresses that arise from the familiarity and overfamiliarity of each other and their partners. As The Times notes, "Yes, I did say middle-aged. Netflix isn’t just for the Gen Zers, you know, and this is a rich and funny evocation of complicated lives within a tightly schematic plot."
One of the standout aspects of the series is its warm and textured tone, which avoids sentimentality and instead offers a nuanced exploration of midlife. As the review in The Times states, "It is warm and textured, but with a pleasingly unsentimental tone that doesn’t shy from the downsides of midlife." The show’s portrayal of complicated relationships and friendships is both relatable and authentic, making it easy to become invested in the characters’ lives.
The series also features a talented writing team, including Tina Fey, who not only wrote the series but also stars in it. Fey’s signature wit and clever wordplay are on full display, and the show’s comedy is smart rather than smart-arsed. As The Times notes, "The mix of Fey and her writing team’s combination of clever wordplay and broad comedy is performed as skilfully as you would expect from a cast this strong, but it is smart rather than smart-arsed."
The show’s plot departs from the film original in just the right ways, delivering fresh and surprising moments that will keep viewers engaged. The addition of new characters, including Nick’s new girlfriend Ginny, played by Erika Henningsen, adds a new dynamic to the show and presents a fresh set of problems for the characters to navigate.
In comparison to other popular series, The Four Seasons has been likened to The White Lotus but with a bit more heart and warmth. With its talented cast, clever writing, and nuanced exploration of midlife, this series is sure to resonate with audiences. As The Times concludes, "★★★★☆ Love TV? Discover the best shows on Netflix, the best Prime Video TV shows, the best Disney+ shows, and more."
The series’ exploration of complicated relationships and friendships is both authentic and relatable, making it easy to become invested in the characters’ lives. With its warm and textured tone, clever writing, and talented cast, The Four Seasons is a must-watch for anyone looking for a thoughtful and witty drama.
The series is now available to stream on Netflix, offering a unique and engaging viewing experience that will keep audiences hooked from start to finish. With its nuanced exploration of midlife and complicated relationships, The Four Seasons is a standout series that is not to be missed.
Source: The Times
