In this round of ‘What To Watch On Netflix‘ we’re diving into the enigmatic and enthralling world of “The Umbrella Academy.” Launched on Netflix on February 15, 2019, this series quickly carved out its niche as one of the most streamed series of the year. Created by a cohort of talented individuals, including Steve Blackman and Jeremy Slater, “The Umbrella Academy” transcends the typical superhero genre, blending dark humour, sci-fi, and family drama into a unique narrative that has never been seen before.
Plot
“The Umbrella Academy” unfolds an extraordinary narrative set in a universe where 43 women around the world gave birth simultaneously in 1989, with none showing signs of pregnancy until labour began. Seven of these children are adopted by eccentric billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves, forming a superhero team known as “The Umbrella Academy” with each child possessing a unique superpower.
Seems pretty weird right?
The show blends dark comedy, drama, and science fiction, exploring the dysfunctional family dynamics among the superpowered siblings. Each season introduces a complex plot, with the first focusing on the family reuniting to prevent an apocalypse, and the second season has the Umbrella Academy travelling back in time as they are scattered across Dallas in the 1960s. Then in the third season due to the changes they made back in the ’60s, they arrive ‘home’ to a new timeline with an alternate superhero group, “The Sparrow Academy” and are yet again forced to save everyone from the universe-threatening kugelblitz.
Also See: The Umbrella Academy Season 4 – Everything You Need To Know
Cast
The cast of “The Umbrella Academy” is a blend of seasoned actors and rising stars:
- Elliot Page as Viktor/Vanya Hargreeves: Initially known as Vanya, Page’s character is a violinist who feels disconnected from his superpowered siblings due to his lack of apparent abilities. The character undergoes a significant transformation mirroring Page’s real-life transition, becoming Viktor in the third season.
- Tom Hopper as Luther Hargreeves: Hopper plays Luther, the physically imposing yet emotionally vulnerable leader of the group. His character’s arc involves dealing with the consequences of being turned partially into a gorilla to save his life.
- David Castañeda as Diego Hargreeves: Castañeda’s Diego is a rebellious figure with the ability to manipulate the trajectory of objects, often using this skill with his favourite weapons, knives. His journey explores themes of jealousy, love, and redemption.
- Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison Hargreeves: Raver-Lampman’s Allison, known as The Rumor, has the power to alter reality with her words. Her character grapples with the moral implications of her powers and the impact they have on her personal life.
- Robert Sheehan as Klaus Hargreeves: Sheehan portrays Klaus, a flamboyant, drug-addicted medium who can communicate with the dead. Klaus’ character provides much of the show’s comic relief but also delves into deeper themes of addiction and trauma.
- Aidan Gallagher as Five Hargreeves: Gallagher’s Five is a time-travelling, old-soul-in-a-young-body character. He brings intensity and wit to the role, often being the driving force behind the family’s efforts to prevent apocalyptic scenarios.
- Justin H. Min as Ben Hargreeves: Min plays Ben, the deceased sibling who remains part of the story through his ghostly interactions with Klaus. Ben’s character adds an element of mystery and emotional depth to the story.
- Additional Cast: The series features several other notable actors, including Ritu Arya as Lila Pitts, Colm Feore as Sir Reginald Hargreeves, and Mary J. Blige and Cameron Britton in memorable roles as the assassin duo Cha-Cha and Hazel in the first season.
Reviews
“The Umbrella Academy” has not only been a hit amongst fans with a 7.9/10 rating on IMBb and a 72% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, but the show has also garnered six Emmy nominations.
Trailer
If there is one thing you can say about “The Umbrella Academy” it is to expect the unexpected as there is no such thing as ‘normal’. Turn it on and enjoy the unique and crazy ride.
Show Details
- Year: 2019-2024
- Seasons: 4 (Season 4 coming soon)
- Episodes: 36
- Episode Run Time: 40-50min