The eight-episode Netflix Original series, The Madness, features Colman Domingo in the lead role. Among other intense elements, this compelling thriller includes murder, assassinations, and intense familial conflict. The plot is explosive, designed to keep viewers captivated and trying to unravel the interconnected puzzle.
In his gripping story The Madness, Stephen Belber focuses on a news anchor whose colorful past becomes a double-edged sword. When he unexpectedly gets involved in the murder of a prominent KKK leader, a web of conspiracy unfolds around him. Because of his high-profile persona, he becomes an ideal scapegoat, trapped in a plot designed by an unseen puppeteer with considerable power. As the mechanisms of this ominous scheme turn, the protagonist must navigate a perilous landscape of betrayal and intrigue, caught in a game orchestrated by those who thrive in the shadows of privilege. Things become increasingly twisted as time passes, putting him and everyone he knows at risk. He constantly grapples with his sanity, trying to understand what happened and why he finds himself engulfed in this insane storm of race and power.
The story progresses rapidly, making keeping up with each new development challenging. However, this isn’t necessarily a negative aspect. It begins with a captivating introduction that immerses the audience in the heart of the incident before circling back to reveal how we reached this point. Muncie Daniels, the central character, leaves us questioning whether he is truly someone to support. The crime he faces prompts a morally ambiguous reflection: Are all crimes unforgivable if they ultimately lead to justice? This complex moral landscape makes the series powerful and deeply thought-provoking.
This film only builds in intrigue as it progresses, primarily because of powerful performances from a very skilled cast. Colman Domingo, John Ortiz, Thaddeus Mixson, Marsha Stephanie Blake, and Deon Cole deliver performances that will leave you in awe. Coleman Domingo, in particular, shines, hitting every beat with precision and depth.
The film builds around this provocative landscape that centers around an Aryan nationalist group, contrasting them with various activist counter-groups. References to notable social justice organizations such as BLM (Black Lives Matter) and Antifa (the anti-fascist movement) highlight societal tensions and the ongoing fight for justice. This blend of cultural relativism emphasizes society’s divisions that drive it toward self-destruction, conflict, and chaos. The system, sadly, remains intact despite attempts to destroy it.
This film hits all the right notes. The soundtrack showcases a masterclass in musical selection. It features iconic tracks from legendary artists such as Bill Withers, A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, The Spinners, Otis Redding, and Public Enemy. Each song elevates the story and provides viewers with a fully immersive experience.
The story concludes justly, despite lacking a happy ending. Others may want more. This ending serves as a stark reminder of reality. This isn’t just a movie; it’s a powerful cinematic and social statement that grabs your attention and evokes strong emotions.