Editor’s note: The Netflix series Kaos, thanks to its updated take on the Greek myths, has been a big hit among Pagan audiences, so we are featuring two pieces about it this weekend. Today we have Storm Faerywolf reviewing the series. We hope you’ll appreciate this piece and then join us again on Sunday for Meg Elison’s comparison between Kaos and another mythology-themed Netflix series, Twilight of the Gods. Enjoy!
“A line appears, the order wanes, the family falls, and Kaos reigns.”
Have you ever asked yourself, “What if ancient Greece were set in the modern day and ruled by the gods of Olympus?” No? Well, now you don’t have to – Netflix has taken this step for us, and I for one am glad they did.
Kaos is a dark comedy that explores aspects of the Greek myths set in an alternative world in which humanity directly knows and serves the gods. Jeff Goldblum stars as Zeus, king of the gods, who is becoming increasingly worried about the fulfillment of the prophecy which opens this review. Looking at himself in the mirror and fussing about a perceived new wrinkle (“a line appears”), he becomes obsessed with the possibility of his own mortality, despite being constantly reassured that prophecies are for humans alone. Goldblum is perfect casting, as his comedic presence fits perfectly here, but he can turn on a dime and offer up some dark narcissistic insanity. It’s highly appropriate for the king of the Greek gods. (Oh, those poor ball boys!)
Zeus often seeks the comfort and advice of his best friend, Prometheus (Stephen Dillane), whom the god has condemned to be bound to a rock for all eternity, to have an eagle peck out his liver each day. With friends like these…
Stephen Dillane’s Prometheus is having a bad day. Again. (Netflix)
The queen of Olympus, Hera, is played by Janet McTeer (Ozark and The Menu). In many stories she is diminished to the role of jealous wife, but here she exhibits much more. She has her own drives and desires and spends a lot of her time regulating Zeus, which is increasingly becoming a full-time job. We see her pursue her own passions — and her own cruelties. The queen of the gods definitely doesn’t take a backseat to her more obvious husband, but she prefers to work behind the scenes. Her priestesshood of saffron-robed, tongueless women (“the Tacita”) serve as iconic symbols of service and sacrifice, and are visually striking on the screen.
Other divinities to get screen time this season are Poseidon (Cliff Curtis), Hades (David Thewlis), Zeus’s son (but not Hera’s!) Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan), and Persephone, queen of the underworld (Rakie Ayola).
The story also includes several humans, with three in particular, Caeneus (Misia Butler), Eurydice (Aurora Perrineau), and Ariadne (Leila Farzad) unknowingly having roles instrumental to the fulfillment of the prophecy that threatens the supremacy of the gods. Another human, Orpheus (Killian Scott), brilliantly written as a rock star, lends a supporting but essential role by embarking upon the famous quest to rescue his dead wife from the Underworld.
One of the things that I found to be surprisingly satisfying was the level of trans representation, especially in regard to the Fates, the mysterious powers beyond that of even the gods. With the casting of Suzy Eddie Izzard as Lachey (Lachesis), Sam Buttery as Atropos, and Ché as Clotho, we are presented with three trans or non-binary actors as the most powerful beings in the universe. And they are stylish to boot. Not too shabby.
Suzy Eddie Izzard is canonically a force of nature. (Netflix)
The soundtrack is amazing. A blend of classical and modern music articulates the timeless feeling of this series and really adds to the overall sense of fun, as well as to further articulate the two worlds of human and Olympian. Very well done. I even found myself humming songs in between episodes.
Those familiar with Greek history and mythology will see certain familiar patterns and themes represented, often with clever and interesting twists. For those who are hoping for an accurate retelling of the Greek myths, I might suggest you look elsewhere. This is purely entertainment and not a history lesson. The plot draws from established myth but in places deviates or even outright denies it, offering alternative explanations for the much beloved stories of everyone’s favorite dysfunctional divine family.
Well-written, superbly acted, and satisfyingly paced, Kaos is a funny, intelligent, witty, and thought-provoking tale of conflict, love, death, and what it means to be a human in a world full of gods. Definitely binge-worthy.
Without giving too much away, I am pleased to say that season one wraps up a good portion of the storyline in a way that is satisfying while keeping some things open for the possibility of a season two. I will be making my prayers and offerings in the hopes that Netflix will do just that. Vero!
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