The Boroughs evokes the spirit of classic ’80s films, but at its heart is a unique group of characters. Four decades later, the influence of ’80s sci-fi adventures remains strong in today’s film and television. The trope of a group of kids confronting an otherworldly threat is now a staple, appearing in titles ranging from Super 8 to Stranger Things. On one hand, The Boroughs, the new Netflix sci-fi series, leans into this familiar territory with its plot about a mysterious alien terrorizing a small neighborhood and a determined group of friends coming together to stop it. However, The Boroughs introduces a fresh twist: the setting is a retirement community, and the group of friends are all in their 70s. This seemingly minor adjustment makes a big difference, setting The Boroughs apart from other Spielberg-imitating works.
The show takes its name from the picturesque retirement community set in the New Mexico desert, which exudes an unsettling perfection. Sam, a grumpy new arrival played by Alfred Molina, senses something is amiss but takes time to unravel the mystery. Subtle clues, like a resident’s complaint about owls in the walls, escalate when Sam accidentally captures an alien creature preying on his neighbors as they sleep. This discovery thrusts him and his newfound friends into a larger conspiracy.
Throughout its eight episodes, The Boroughs skillfully unveils its mystery, gradually expanding beyond its initial scope. Without giving too much away, a direct link exists between the alien and the community’s many strange occurrences, complicating efforts to uncover and thwart the threat. In a typical mid-’80s Amblin film, children on bikes would unravel the conspiracy, but here, the group is considerably older, adding a new dimension to the action.
Sam, the central character, navigates feelings of disorientation following his wife’s sudden death and the move. He is supported by neighbors like the eternally optimistic Jack (Bill Pullman), persistent in his friendship; retired journalist Judy (Alfre Woodard) and her golf-loving husband Art (Clarke Peters); Renee (Geena Davis), a former music industry manager; and Wally (Denis O’Hare), a doctor with a tragic past.
While elements of The Boroughs may seem predictable, such as Art discovering a peach tree with mysterious properties or Sam crafting alien-fighting weapons from old TVs, the series injects these familiar beats with creative character-driven twists. As their journey grows more bizarre and complex, explaining their findings becomes challenging, with listeners likely to dismiss their tale as the ramblings of the senile.
Ultimately, the show’s strength lies in its cast. Though the mystery captivates, the true delight is sharing time with these endearing characters. Watching The Boroughs, viewers will want to grab a beer with Jack or join Art for a smoke. Alfre Woodard’s determined gunplay and Geena Davis’s bold declarations add to the charm. Each character brings their own appeal, and Sam’s growth into his new family, coupled with the team’s unique skills, makes them the perfect force to tackle the extraterrestrial danger.
The cast’s allure helps gloss over The Boroughs’ flaws, alongside the benefit of it being a standalone story that doesn’t overextend its welcome in eight episodes. While reminiscent of classic films, the show wisely avoids relying solely on nostalgia, standing firm as an engaging sci-fi mystery. Though it could have fit into a 90-minute film, the additional time spent with this delightful ensemble is not unwelcome.
The Boroughs is now streaming on Netflix.