Watch The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad is a gripping and impactful series from Amazon Prime Video that delivers a poignant and heart-wrenching portrayal of the struggles faced by runaway slaves in America. Set in the pre-Civil War era, the series follows the story of Cora (Thuso Mbedu), a young slave girl who is determined to escape the brutality and inhumane treatment of her plantation. With the help of Caesar (Aaron Pierre), a fellow slave who wants to escape as well, Cora embarks on a treacherous journey via railroads and other means, facing unexpected challenges and harsh realities along the way.

The show's plot is partially inspired by history, but it takes several creative liberties to showcase the various forms of oppression, discrimination, and violence that Cora and other slaves experienced on their path to freedom. Along with Cora and Caesar, the series also features other central characters like Ridgeway (Joel Edgerton), a relentless slavecatcher who seeks to apprehend Cora, and Homer (Chase Dillon), a young Black boy who serves as Ridgeway's assistant.

One of the most striking aspects of The Underground Railroad is the way it uses cinematography to convey the harsh realities of slavery and racial violence. The show's visuals are raw, haunting, and at times, difficult to watch. Through its use of color, lighting, and camera angles, the series creates an immersive and powerful experience that emphasizes the physical and emotional pain of slavery.

The acting in The Underground Railroad is equally impressive, with Thuso Mbedu delivering a standout performance as Cora. Mbedu portrays Cora's journey in a nuanced and compelling way, capturing the character's strength, vulnerability, and determination. Aaron Pierre delivers an equally impressive performance as Caesar, bringing depth and complexity to his character. Joel Edgerton also shines as Ridgeway, capturing the villain's sense of entitlement, cruelty, and obsession. Finally, Chase Dillon delivers a memorable performance as Homer, a character who represents the internalized oppression and trauma that many Black people faced during slavery.

Overall, The Underground Railroad is an emotional and powerful work of art that flawlessly tackles the horrific realities of slavery and racial oppression in America. From its stunning visuals to its skilled actors, the series is a perfect example of storytelling that engages with a dark chapter of history while also shedding light on the contemporary issues that continue to affect Black people to this day. Anyone in search of a powerful and thought-provoking story should give The Underground Railroad a watch.

The Underground Railroad is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between May 14, 2021 and on Amazon Prime Video