The mythological dark comedy Kaos is a new Netflix series that could have easily collapsed under the weight of its highly stylized showcase. The series might have even lost itself within its own snide and manipulative, soapy family drama while only dipping its toe in mortal waters with themes the gods would never bother with.
However, series creator Charlie Covell finds something deeply moving and human beneath all of that expressionistic imagery and performances that revel in morally ambiguous roles. Bursting with creativity and a cynical black wit, Kaos is an undeniably entertaining series and a showcase for its star, Jeff Goldblum.
Jeff Goldblum in Netflix’s Kaos (2024) | Image via Netflix
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Netflix’s Kaos Season 1 Review and Synopsis
The story follows the God of Sky and Thunder, Zeus (Goldlum, who plays the role with a nefarious charm), an all-powerful deity who suddenly becomes insecure in his old age, all because of a wrinkle on his forehead. Now, to be fair, Goldblum has a bunch of those creases on his skin, is grayed, and has bags under his eyes, but apparently, he will notice that later.
Zeus is coming to grips with the fact that his rule over Mount Olympus, which appears to be a swanky estate with endless bedrooms, bathrooms, and hundreds of assistants, will now end sooner rather than later. Yet Zeus feels this might be the end of his rule and the end of the world itself (conceited narcissist, line one). His son, Dionysus (1917‘s Nabhaan Rizwan), desperately seeks approval.
Jeff Goldblum in Kaos Netflix’s (2024) | Image via Netflix
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Netflix’s Kaos Season 1 is Full of Cynical Black Wit
Dionysus gifts his dad a watch because time is precious, but Zeus prefers, hilariously, the timepiece he was given by his good pal, Hercules. Disillusioned with the hollow but pleasurable immortal experience, he is touched by the scene of Orpheus (Secret Invasion’s Killian Scott), a megastar musician who breaks down in tears when his girlfriend, Riddy (Aurora Perrineau), dies, causing Dionysus to promise him that he can bring her back.
Charlie Covell’s (Law & Order: UK) Kaos might seem like it would hinge on the liability of Goldblum, but the writing and aesthetic complement each other almost perfectly. A former actor herself, Covell offers her cast characters laced with dynamic dialogue, excellent character depth to explore, and scenes that evoke genuine emotion (that picture with Riddy admitting to herself she has fallen out of love with Orpheus is undeniably moving and sticks with you) for her cast to explore.
Janet McTeer and Jeff Goldblum in Netflix’s Kaos (2024) | Image via Netflix
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Is Netflix’s Kaos Season 1 Worth Watching?
Of course, even though Netflix’s Kaos is worth watching, the series takes far too many risks because its self-indulgent elements do not work, letting the cast roam free. That includes some darker-than-anticipated moments of violence, which can be off-putting and mess with the overall tone of the series at points. However, this is why Kaos feels so original, to begin with, so why quibble?
Yet, you cannot deny the vigorous energy and passion Covell’s writing and the cast bring to their roles. This brings us back to Goldblum, who brings a touch of dark misanthropy we never knew he had. His quirky, intellectual, and playfully eccentric charm is still there. However, he now combines a dark wit, making it a streaming series filled with bleak skepticism and thoughtful insight into the human condition that is highly entertaining.
Matthew McKoon and Jeff Goldblum in Netflix’s Kaos (2024) | Image via Netflix
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You can stream the new series Kaos only on Netflix August 29th. All eight episodes were reviewed. 
7/10

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