Watch Maniac

Maniac is a Netflix original show that premiered in 2018, featuring a star-studded cast including Jonah Hill, Emma Stone, and Sonoya Mizuno. Directed by Cary Fukunaga, the show is a dark comedy that mixes genres of science fiction, tribute to film noir, and high-stakes emotional drama. The show follows two main characters, Owen and Annie, as they sign up for a mysterious pharmaceutical trial to solve their personal problems.

Jonah Hill plays the role of Owen Milgrim, a man who is estranged from his wealthy family, suffers from schizophrenia and experiences very intense delusions. Emma Stone plays the role of Annie Landsberg, a woman who is haunted by the tragedy of her sister's death and tries to make amends with her past, frequently resulting in self-destructive behavior. The two characters are recruited by Neberdine Pharmaceutical and Biotech, a company that promises to cure all mental illness with a new medication called ULP (Ultra-successful Light Process).

The story takes place in a retro-futuristic version of New York, featuring high-tech gadgets and neon-lit streets, giving the series a unique visual style. The head scientist of the experiment, Dr. James Mantleray (played by Justin Theroux), has designed a machine that allows the participant to relive their worst memories and confront their innermost demons. However, as the trial progresses, Owen and Annie find themselves trapped in a shared phantasmagoric world, in which their respective delusions are amplified, leading to a surreal and unpredictable adventure.

Through the course of the series, Owen and Annie go through an intense emotional journey, discovering the root of their inner demons while fighting against the system that is trying to exploit them. Their relationship becomes more profound, and the series explores the theme of interpersonal relationships and emotional bonding, despite the challenges of mental illness.

One of the strengths of Maniac is its outstanding direction and cinematography. Throughout the series, director Cary Fukunaga masterfully blends different genres and styles, creating an immersive and believable world. In particular, the visual effects are stunning, featuring elaborate set-pieces, surreal landscapes and intense sequences that bring animation and science fiction to life. The soundtrack is equally impressive, often being an integral part of the story, enhancing the mood and tension of the scenes.

Another aspect of Maniac that sets it apart is the attention given to secondary characters. Despite the focus on Owen and Annie, the show features several intriguing side characters, each with their own unique struggles and backstories. For instance, Sonoya Mizuno plays the dual roles of Dr. Fujita and Azumi, two characters working for Neberdine, whose ambitions and motives become more apparent as the experiment continues.

Overall, Maniac is a well-crafted, thought-provoking, and highly entertaining show. It effectively tackles issues relating to mental health, relationships, identity, and personal growth, while still being able to deliver a highly entertaining sci-fi experience. With its impressive cast, stunning visuals, and excellent storytelling, it is definitely one of the best Netflix original shows out there.

Maniac is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between September 21, 2018 and on Netflix