Netflix has as hit on their hands with their adaptation of The Sandman.
After remaining in development hell for many years, the live-action version has made it to the screen and it was well worth the wait. Season 1 jumps into a tale that remains loyal to the comics but welcoming to newcomers who haven’t yet experienced Dream’s world.
The Sandman isn’t afraid to look to its source for inspiration. I noticed the production team used camera angles and shots directly from the comics to give viewers a moment that felt faithful to the original material, something very much appreciated by the fanbase.
The episodes sail by and I was surprised when I finished the season as it hadn’t felt like much time had passed at all. The story draws you in and immerses you in its world, the pacing is level throughout despite Dream being locked away at first. This gives the show an opportunity to introduce us to the world and lore, the items taken from Dream and how he intends to get them back.
Tom Sturridge’s look and voice really embody Dream. I can’t think of anyone else who could’ve performed this role any better. Dream’s siblings, Death (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) and Desire (Mason Alexander Park), are also perfectly cast to portray these larger-than-life characters. We don’t get to see much of them during this first season, but given there is a lot more source material I expect to see much more of them in season 2. Death was a particular stand-out for me as Howell-Baptiste showed Death’s caring side. Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer was also excellent casting, and another character I’m excited to see more of in season 2.
I really loved watching Stephen Fry as Gilbert, he brought such a calm, gentle-giant energy to the show. Another stand out is Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine – some fans had reservations about this character being made into a female role, but Coleman proved she had the skills to pull it off. Lucienne (Vivienne Acheampong) made me want to be a librarian in the Dreaming myself!
With beautiful special effects and cinematography, I hate to think how much this series cost. I hope Netflix has a healthy budget for season 2, because we need it to match the high quality of season 1. I’d like to see the Endless sibling’s realms. How Lucifer intends to attack The Dreaming. Dream and Lucienne rebuilding their mutual trust and working relationship before their next challenge comes along. It had better not take years for season 2, I need to return to the Dreaming as soon as possible.
Photo Courtesy: Netflix
