‘KAOS’ (2024) Netflix Series Review - Greek Myths Meet Modern Chaos

"KAOS" is a wild ride that flings Greek mythology into the modern age, draping it in all the glitter, grit, and gender fluidity you’d expect from a contemporary retelling. Created by Charlie Covell, the mind behind The End of the F**ing World*, this show straddles the line between drama and dark comedy, reimagining ancient tales with a twist that feels both fresh and familiar.

The show kicks off with Zeus (Jeff Goldblum), the King of the Gods, who’s more concerned with his dwindling power and aging looks than with ruling the heavens. His vanity is almost Shakespearean, yet his flaws make him human, grounding the godly chaos in something oddly relatable. The plot thickens when Zeus learns of a prophecy that threatens to dethrone him, setting off a series of events that intertwine the fates of gods and mortals alike.

Prometheus (Stephen Dillane), the ever-suffering titan, serves as our narrator, guiding us through a world where the divine and the mundane collide. He’s bound to his eternal punishment, but that doesn’t stop him from offering snarky commentary on the unfolding drama. His role is not just to inform but to provide a sardonic lens through which we view the unraveling of both divine plans and human lives.

The human side of the story is equally compelling. We follow three mortals: Riddy (Aurora Perrineau), Caeneus (Misia Butler), and Ariadne (Leila Farzad). Each of them is entangled in their own mythic struggles, with Riddy trying to reclaim her life from the underworld, Caeneus dealing with their gender identity and transformation, and Ariadne navigating her complex role in the web of destiny. Their stories are deeply personal yet resonate on a universal level, exploring themes of identity, fate, and resistance.

Visually, KAOS is a feast for the eyes. The show's aesthetic is a blend of the surreal and the contemporary, with bold color palettes and striking set designs that bring both the mortal world and Olympus to life. The world-building is immersive, filled with clever nods to Greek mythology—like a gas station named after the Spartan king Tyndareus or a three-headed dog that’s more cuddly than terrifying.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows on Mount Olympus. The show’s pacing can be a bit erratic, especially as it juggles multiple storylines and a sprawling cast of characters. At times, it feels like you’re trying to keep track of too many threads at once, which can be disorienting. The ambitious scope is admirable, but it doesn’t always land, leaving some arcs feeling underdeveloped or rushed.

That said, the character work is where KAOS really shines. Zeus’ insecurity and paranoia drive much of the drama, leading to some truly dark and hilarious moments—like when he goes on a killing spree in a fit of rage, only to mutter an awkward “Oops” afterward. Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan), the god of pleasure, is another standout, his pansexual exploits adding layers of both humor and depth to the narrative.

The queer representation in KAOS is handled with care and authenticity. From Dionysus’ fluid sexuality to Caeneus’ journey of gender identity, the show doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of identity in a way that feels both natural and necessary. It’s a testament to how far storytelling has come, integrating diverse experiences into the fabric of the plot without turning them into mere plot points.

KAOS is not afraid to get weird, and that’s part of its charm. The show’s irreverent tone, coupled with its willingness to tackle big themes like fate versus free will, makes for a viewing experience that’s both thought-provoking and entertaining. It’s a series that asks, “What happens when the gods are just as flawed as the humans they rule over?” and then proceeds to answer that question with a chaotic blend of humor, heart, and a little bit of madness.

However, KAOS is not without its flaws. The narrative’s tendency to jump between different perspectives can leave viewers feeling a bit lost, especially as the show barrels toward its climax. There’s a sense that the series is trying to do too much at once, and in the process, some of the more nuanced character moments get lost in the shuffle.

Still, for all its messiness, KAOS is a show that sticks with you. It’s bold, it’s brash, and it’s unlike anything else on television right now. If you’re looking for a series that challenges the status quo and isn’t afraid to take risks, then KAOS is definitely worth your time. Just be prepared for a little bit of, well, chaos along the way.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times