Logline:
Solos is a seven-part anthology series that explores the strange, beautiful, heart-breaking, hilarious, wondrous truths of what it means to be human. Performed by eight of the finest actors of our time, this anthology series spans our present and future and illuminates that even during our most isolated moments we are all connected through the human experience.
The human experience is a fickle thing. It can be the greatest and most beautiful journey yet at the drop of a hat, can transform into the vilest most repugnant time of your life. Regardless of the longevity of either moment, the ebb and flow of our lives dictate that we will experience the good and the bad many times throughout our existence. This realization not only can provide some comfort knowing that things will eventually get better when you’re down bad, but also that everyone one of us struggles in some capacity. No matter what kind of car you drive, we’re all stuck in the same traffic.
Episodes
“If you travel to the future, can you escape your past?”
David Weil’s Solos is a sci-fi palindrome series that explores the human experience and how we are all connected. The seven-part series is creative, compelling, impassioned, and a showcase of immense talent. Asking an episode-focused question at the start of each journey, we’re given a quick peek into what you are about to see. Every question is self-reflective leaving you to ponder your personal life. Most taking place in a not-so-distant future, each story involves life-altering technology that we’ve all thought about in some fashion and are sure to exist at some point. It features time travel, AI, to downloading memories, but the technology is simply used to tell incredibly human anecdotes. Some stories are deep and introspective, some are delightful recollections, while others feel like personal horrors. Furthermore, all lead to personal breakthroughs. The most impressive aspect of this series has to be the performances. Every story is predominantly a solo act, hence the title, Solos. The performances are heartwarming, heartbreaking, humorous, and strong. Also, I called it a palindrome series because if you watch it backward from episode seven to episode one, the results and feelings of the saga are the same. The series is aesthetically pleasing, sonically enjoyable, and emotionally complex. I know many will compare this to Black Mirror and I can see why, but the distinction is the humanity of Solos. The stories are highly descriptive and well-thought-out and many relate to our current time. I loved it this season, I loved the writing and hopefully, they get approval for another. I highly recommend it. Its rewatchability is high.
Characters & Chemistry
As I said before, I was blown away by the performances. Each character resonated with me in a big way. While everyone is amazing, I have a few favorites. Anne Hathaway’s Leah was an easy choice. I love time travel concepts and the conundrum Leah is the same predicament we’d all find ourselves in. Helen Mirren’s Peg is just simply delightful. Uzo Aduba’s Sasha is the most universally relatable story. The fear and paranoia she conveys will resonate with many. And of course Morgan Freeman’s Stuart. I mean it’s Morgan Freeman, do I need to say more.
Solos is now available on Prime Video. Stay safe and enjoy.
Directors: David Weil, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Zach Braff, Tiffany Johnson
Writers: David Weil, Tori Sampson, Bekka Bowling, Stacy Osei-Kuffour
Producers: David Weil, Laura Lancaster, Sam Taylor-Johnson
Rated: TV-14
Runtime: Ep. 1-7 (29m, 24m, 31m, 23m, 22m, 20m, 32m)
Rated: 4.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
