REVIEW: Is Netflix’s new teen drama series, ‘Fate: The Winx Saga’, a hit or miss?
Spoilers ahead
2021 seems to be the year where Hollywood does its thing i.e. bringing best-selling books to life by adapting it for TV. But unlike regular book adaptations, Fate: The Winx Saga is a live-action remake of the iconic Italian cartoon Winx Club created by Iginio Straffi. It was once dubbed and aired on the children’s cable channel, Nickelodeon.
Netflix’s new coming-of-age series, however, is created by none other than Brian Young—also the former producer of supernatural teen drama The Vampire Diaries. Ahead, we give you a brief review on the new adaptation and whether it’s worth a watch.
Plot
Image: Netflix
This bold new reinvention of the classic animated series, Winx Club, is a six-episode series that follows the journey of five fairies who attend a magical boarding school named Alfea. Similar to the Harry Potter franchise, young fairies are taken under the wings (literally) of legendary fairy warriors by attending classes to master their magical powers. Clearly targeted towards teenagers and young adults, Fate: The Winx Saga has your fair share of the usual teenage drama—girls (or fairies in this case) must navigate through love, rivalries and of course the life-threatening monsters that are out to get them.
The five main female characters are Bloom (Abigail Cowen), Stella (Hannah van der Westhuysen), Aisha (Precious Mustapha), Musa (Elisha Applebaum) and Terra (Eliot Salt); of these five, let’s just say that Bloom (also the protagonist, in case you were wondering) is perhaps the least interesting character that could’ve used more polish from the writers.
As all the students’ powers are seemingly connected to their emotions, Bloom’s fire fairy powers are very much a reflection of her character traits—in this case, her stubbornness. At times, her obsessive determination in discovering her true identity brings out her narcissistic side.
Though, it’d be great if Brian Young could explore more into Aisha’s life prior to Alfea—we can only hope that the second season will do just that, if there’s even one to begin with.
Visuals
Image: Killruddery House and Gardens
In a nutshell, the cinematography was average at best. The computer graphics were questionable at times but it wasn’t all bad. However, fans were quick to ask about the magical fairy school’s location and whether or not it actually exists.
The lavish architecture, extensive greenery and tall iron gates of Alfea College is actually a house in County Wicklow, Ireland. The Killruddery House and Gardens was originally built in the 17th century and was later remodelled and extended in 1820, according to the house’s records. Perhaps it’s the historical significance behind the house, but a handful of fans were raving about how the academy feels as magical as the spells that were cast within its walls.
Acting
Image: Netflix
With season one of the series mainly focusing on Bloom and her teenage existential crisis, many have deemed her character unlikeable. But who wouldn’t? She is selfish and hot-headed, but we have to agree that Abigail Cowen, who played Bloom, is an outstanding performer. She did her job and aced it. The same goes to the rest of the cast—if we had to nitpick on something, it would be the cringey lines they had to recite.
Overall
Image: Netflix
Season one of Fate: The Winx Saga wasn’t exactly awful. It moves at a genuinely alright pace and it certainly doesn’t lack ambition. If you’re looking for an entertaining escape, this one will do just fine—only if you’re totally cool with impetuous fairies, burnt corpses and angsty teen drama. However, we do suggest watching it as a stand alone as fans of the original animation have expressed their disappointment with the series.
Watch the trailer here:
For more must-watch films and TV shows this January, click here.
| SHARE THE STORY | |
| Explore More |
