Braindead is a television show that masterfully combines the seemingly disparate genres of political satire and science fiction, resulting in a unique viewing experience that was very well-placed at the time it was released. The premise of the show, which involves alien bugs consuming the brains of politicians and influencing their behavior, is as bizarre as it sounds. Mary Elizabeth Winstead portrays Laurel Healy who works as a constituency caseworker for her brother, who is a US senator. She slowly uncovers a number of bizarre occurrences and behaviours that leads to a startling, horrific, and unlikely revelation about an alien invasion and the infiltration of the US government and wider populace in and around Washington D.C. Yeah, it’s a lot.
Yet, it’s this very absurdity – released in the lead-up to the contentious 2016 election – that makes Braindead such a standout series. let’s watch a trailer:
The show’s ability to seamlessly blend genres is one of its most commendable aspects. It’s not just a political thriller, nor is it merely a horror show or a comedy. Instead, Braindead is a genre-bending series that keeps viewers on their toes, never knowing what to expect next. This unpredictability, coupled with the show’s sharp wit and engaging storyline, makes for a thrilling watch that I have returned to regularly since its original release.
The performances in Braindead are really great. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Laurel Healy. Her character’s transformation from a disillusioned documentary filmmaker to a reluctant hero in the face of an alien invasion is both compelling and relatable. Winstead’s history as a ‘scream queen’ is interesting from a casting point of view, as this is a soft horror series, though one that might require more restraint and nuance than mnore traditional horror-based roles. Winstead’s portrayal of Laurel certainly embraces nuance, particularly in her relationships with other characters (most notably that of Laurel’s senator brother) and the processing of a bizarre situation that engenders a creeping form of terror.
In terms of production, “Braindead” boasts high-quality cinematography and special effects. The show’s creators have done an excellent job of creating a believable world where alien bugs can take over the brains of politicians. That’s not something to be taken lightly! The special effects used to depict the bugs and their effects are both impressive and horrifying, adding to the show’s horror element.
The show’s satirical take on politics was timely and is timeless. It offers a scathing critique of the current political climate, highlighting the absurdity of extremely partisan politics with a healthy dose of humour. However, some critics argued at the time that the show did not delve deep enough into the political system it mocks. I can undertsand this, as the political aspects of the show often gave way to the more outlandish sci-fi and horror elements. Despite this, Braindead manages to offer a fresh and entertaining perspective on politics, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in political satire.
While Braindead may not be for everyone, it’s a must-watch for those who appreciate genre-bending shows with a side of political commentary. It’s a show that isn’t afraid to take risks, and more often than not, these risks pay off. At least, I feel that they do. Clearly they did not pay off enough for a second season to have been commissioned. It’s a show that will make you laugh, think, and question the world around you. it shines a light on the absurdity of American, and to a lesser extent international, politics in an age of polarisation. If you’re looking for something different, give Braindead a chance. You might just find it’s exactly what you’ve been missing.
Rating: 4/5
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