Myths have always been our way of explaining life’s grand and intricate mysteries through tales populated by human gods, divine mortals, charming ladies, and fearsome, solitary monsters that echo our deepest primordial fears and desires. In the Netflix series Kaos, created by Charlie Covell, Greek gods coexist unceremoniously with humans on the island of Crete, seemingly during the 1980s—a period evident from the ubiquitous use of rotary phones, bulky televisions, and aged computers.
On Olympia Day, Zeus, portrayed by the charismatic Jeff Goldblum, reigns over the gods from his palace, accompanied by his wife Hera, played by Janet McTeer. Both smugly anticipate the commencement of the day’s festivities, which horrifyingly includes a genuine human sacrifice and the unveiling of a statue devoted to their deities’ splendor. Meanwhile, Zeus’ son Dionysus, embodied by Nabhaan Rizwan, indulges in his usual revelries yet yearns for his father’s recognition and respect.
Narrating this grimly comedic fantasy is Prometheus, brought to life by Stephen Dillane. Despite enduring the daily torment of having his liver repeatedly pecked by an eagle—a punishment for endowing humans with the gift of fire—Prometheus introduces viewers to the central figures of the drama.
Aurora Perrineau’s character, Eurydice—Riddy to her friends—awakens on Olympia Day with the startling realization that the love for her musician husband Orpheus, played by Killian Scott, has faded. Another key player is Ariadne, portrayed by Leila Farzad, known as Ari, who is the guilt-ridden daughter of Crete’s President Minos, played by Stanley Townsend. Ariadne harbors the heavy burden of guilt for accidentally killing her twin brother Glaucus, a role undertaken by Fady Elsayed, when she inadvertently rolled over him as an infant. The third pivotal character introduced by Prometheus is Caeneus, played by Misia Butler, who resides in the underworld.
A series of unfortunate events kick off when the Trojans, recently subjugated following their defeat in the Trojan War, desecrate the newly unveiled statue. Coupled with the appearance of a wrinkle on his forehead, this sparks Zeus’ paranoia, leading him to suspect the fulfillment of a prophecy predicting his downfall. Just as Riddy contemplates a separation from Orpheus, she tragically dies in an accident, prompting Orpheus to venture into the underworld to retrieve her.
Even without an extensive background in Greek mythology, viewers can enjoy Kaos for its razor-sharp wit and dynamic storytelling. Classic tunes enhance the ambiance, featuring Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing,” ABBA’s “Gimme Gimme,” and Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper.
.” These elements, set against the vibrantly lit Costa del Sol—where the series is primarily filmed—create an enriched viewing experience.
Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal of Zeus is nothing short of magnificent. Draped in track suits and colorful, silky dressing gowns, he epitomizes the eccentric, power-hungry tyrant, slowly morphing into the very entity he despised—his father. Janet McTeer splendidly performs as the cunning and regal Hera, continually outmaneuvering the bumbling men around her, including Zeus’ brother, Poseidon, played by Cliff Curtis. Hera’s eerie ritual of consuming confessions and hoarding drawers filled with guilt-spoken tongues further illuminates her chilling and sorrowful nature.
The Underworld, depicted in stark black-and-white, provides a unique backdrop where souls are greeted and guided by an orientation video from Hades, portrayed by David Thewlis. His wife Persephone, played by Rakie Ayola, deeply in love with the weary Hades, dismisses the tragic mythology surrounding her as malicious rumors spread by Hera. “I am allergic to pomegranate,” she states firmly, redefining her narrative.
Debi Mazar stars as Medusa, a supervisor who proudly proves her Gorgon origins by revealing one of her serpents to an admirative fan named Pru. Ramon Tikaram’s Charon, the ferryman, showcases a touching act of sacrifice in the name of love while nibbling on biscuits from a Ziploc bag. One of the Fates, Lachesis, or Lachy, portrayed by Suzy Izzard, demands Zeus’ watch as compensation for Orpheus to traverse the underworld.
Elsewhere in the narrative, Billie Piper plays the prophet Cassandra, cursed to foresee the future yet remain unheeded. Mat Fraser embodies Daedalus, the architect of the Minotaur’s maze, who is a prisoner to his own secrets. Ultimately, Kaos narrates a tale of love and loss, familial bonds and betrayal, and the dynamics of power, faith, and fidelity within the rich tapestry of gods, myths, and monsters. With each of its eight episodes, the series whisks viewers on a psychedelic journey brimming with passion and prophecy, leaving them eagerly anticipating more.
Kaos is currently available for streaming on Netflix, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its eccentric world of divine drama and dark fantasy.
