Dead Ringers dives right into the heart of the matter without delay. Within the first two minutes, there is talk of extracting babies from women's wombs and explicit sexual content. Dead Ringers is akin to a tumultuous ride that lasts from the first to the final frame, and even if you clasp on tightly or hold on for dear life, chances are you'll still feel a bit queasy. But I assure you - the excitement is well worth any discomfort.
There is an abundance of parallels and symbolism in the show, which is both subtle and plentiful. There are also clever instances of foreshadowing that may only be caught on a second viewing. The cinematography mirrors these narrative choices by utilizing mirrors, reflections, and doubles to accentuate the theme. Additionally, the show does not shy away from gory scenes. The twin characters (both played by Rachel Weisz) serve as a catalyst for the exploration of various themes such as motherhood, self-realization, and sacrifice for loved ones. However, these concepts extend beyond the twin characters and are explored in a holistic and unconventional manner.
Beverly and Elliot are introduced as hard-working doctors at a hospital in Manhattan. Despite their identical appearance and shared living space, they have distinct personalities. Beverly is reserved and socially anxious but shows great empathy towards her patients. In contrast, Elliot is outgoing and humorous but more focused on advancing medical research than on emotional interactions with expectant mothers. Although they share a dream of creating a revolutionary clinic that would transform the way childbirth is approached in the country, their motivations differ significantly. Elliot seeks to push the limits of science beyond the constraints of FDA regulations and ethical standards, while Beverly aims to establish a more personalized and normalized approach to reproduction that departs from the impersonal hospital assembly line.
Their vision becomes a reality thanks to funding from Rebecca, a wealthy investor with a Sackler-like family background, and her wife Susan, who also has a family legacy that factors into the season's fifth episode. As the twins' dream comes to fruition, it also reveals cracks in their relationship and highlights the challenges of Beverly's relationship with TV star Genevieve.
While some may criticize Dead Ringers for deviating greatly from Cronenberg’s original masterpiece, the TV show does not hold back on gore and shock value. It stays true to the body horror essence of the original while throwing in twists along the way, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Overall, Dead Ringers is a superbly subversive and thrilling adaptation that Weisz's performance elevates to captivating heights. An excellent limited series, available now on Prime Video.
