‘The Changeling’ reviews: LaKeith Stanfield is ‘unimpeachable’ in ‘engrossing and unnerving’ Apple TV+ series
Vincent Mandile
On September 8, 2023, Apple TV+ began streaming "The Changeling" to rave reviews, holding fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a critics consensus that reads, "Grounded by a superb LaKeith Stanfield, 'The Changeling' is an ambitious fairy tale that never lacks for imagination or spirit."
Set in an alternate New York City, Apollo (Stanfield) searches through a magical world for his abducted son and missing wife. The series was created by Kelly Marcel and based on the novel by Victor LaValle. The ensemble cast includes Adina Porter, Alexis Louder, Clark Backo, Samuel T. Herring and Jared Abrahamson. Watch the trailer and read our full review round-up below.
Kristen Baldwin of Entertainment Weekly writes, “Even with its flaws, 'The Changeling' resonates, in part because its central theme hits a primal nerve: 'How do we protect our children?' Baldwin adds, “'The Changeling's' strong ensemble pulls the series through some of its muddiest stretches. As Emma, Backo illustrates the deep isolation and despair that can be all too real for many new mothers, while Future Islands' frontman Samuel T. Herring is suitably unnerving as William Wheeler, a bespectacled eccentric who insinuates himself into Apollo's life. Stanfield, whose wistful mien infuses all his performances with an undercurrent of longing, melds easily with the sad and searching Apollo, a gentle soul who just wants to shower his baby with the love he never received.”
Emily Bernard of Collider praises the series, stating, “Though not every plot point gets the payoff (or answers) it deserves, 'The Changeling' is an engrossing and unnerving adaptation, as well as a welcome addition to the genre.” She concludes, “The show feels a lot like the HBO series 'Watchmen' in that it comments on heavy topics (in this case, depression, parenting, and technology, among others) in exceptionally unique ways, remaining grounded and realistic despite the obvious indicators that we’re dealing with non-human entities. The otherworldly elements permeate the plot (we get peeks at Emma’s solo trip to Brazil, and how the people she meets play a part in her story) without overpowering the story, and cleverly has the novel’s author, LaValle, serve as the narrator, adding an eerie, yet oddly comforting literary feel.”
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Vanessa Armstrong of Slashfilm notes, “'The Changeling' is a contemporary fairy tale that rips open the underlying horror about parenthood.” Armstrong continues, “The cadence of the narrative, which unfolds in a world of smartphones, however, is almost lyrical and reflects traditions from oral storytelling. LaValle, who is also an executive producer on the series as well as its narrator, interjects at key moments in the first season's eight episodes to remind us of the larger context of the story, and several phrases — 'Tell me your life's voyage and I will tell you who you are,' 'If you're looking for a sign, this is it,' and 'You are exactly where you need to be,' are just a few of them — are repeated continuously. We're invested in the character's specific struggles, of course, but 'The Changeling' is at its core a fable. And as a fable, its focus moves beyond the plot-driven to delve into who and what has shaped its characters — parenthood, yes, but also intergenerational trauma, among other things.”
Proma Khosla of IndieWire writes, "At its best, the series is a vehicle for excellent performances, breathtaking visuals, and narrative threads that beg to be pursued in search of eventual connection." The critic also praises the series lead, noting, "Stanfield, who also executive produces the series, is exceptional. After scene-stealing supporting roles in 'Atlanta' and his Oscar-nominated performance in 'Judas and the Black Messiah,' his turn as Apollo is unimpeachable — and grounding a series like 'The Changeling' is anything but simple."
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Going to give this one a try. Seems. Bizarre lol