5 Reasons Why "Kaos" is the Best Netflix Show of the Season
On 29 August 2024, Netflix premiered the first season of the eight-episode series Kaos—an urban fantasy with elements of comedy-drama and social satire. The plot of the series, based on the myths and legends of ancient Greek mythology, plays with and interprets classical stories within the context of the modern world. And it does so cleverly, wittily, and captivatingly.
If you’re a fan of the fantasy genre, but the recent high-profile releases The Rings of Power and House of the Dragon left you disappointed, we recommend giving Kaos a try. The series cannot be called an example of "pure" fantasy, if only because its action does not take place in a classical medieval or at least ancient setting but in a fully modern environment—with gadgets, social networks, supercars, and pop stars.
The closest analogue to this show would be American Gods, based on Neil Gaiman's book of the same name, which operates in the genre of magical realism and urban fantasy. However, while Gaiman's novel was a superficial mix of myths from different nations and eras, Kaos focuses exclusively on Ancient Greece, which works to the show’s advantage.
Plot
As for the main plot and its themes, the show presents a family tragicomedy, using Zeus and his entourage to explore the classic maxim that "absolute power corrupts absolutely." The story begins in a satirical tone and tells of a man facing a midlife crisis. Only this man is Zeus the Thunderer, whose moods and actions affect not only the fates of ordinary mortals but also the other Olympian gods. Initially, a new wrinkle on the forehead of the ruler of Olympus prompts him to recall an ancient prophecy about the fall of the Olympian family and the end of the world. But ultimately, through his own vanity, paranoia, and childishness, Zeus sets this prophecy in motion—not without the help of his "sworn friends," ambitious immortal relatives, and mortals who have decided to challenge the will of the gods.
Adaptation to Modern Realities
Source: Netflix
Another reason not to miss Kaos is its witty interpretation of well-known myths. The story cannot be called 100% original, as the character arcs of the main figures are based on widely known ancient Greek myths and legends—such as Orpheus and Eurydice, the legend of Prometheus, the myth of the Minotaur, and Homer's classic epics dedicated to the Trojan War, among others. The charm of the series lies in how its creators have interpreted these archetypal stories and heroes in a modern context.
In Kaos, you can encounter ruthless Furies in the form of three brutal bikers pursuing villains, recognise Orpheus in a mega-popular rock star, and meet the one-eyed Cyclops Polyphemus, who owns a bar where the Moirai host a quiz for anyone wishing to enter Hades' realm and return their loved ones. The underworld itself, filmed in black and white, contrasts with the bright, holiday-like visuals of modern Greece and Olympus, delighting viewers with clever interpretations and inventive ideas. Medusa the Gorgon, who adapts souls for their new reincarnation, or the cute three-headed Cerberus puppies accompanying the border control officers in the realm of the dead (which more closely resembles a distribution centre for migrants, complete with bureaucracy, meetings, and protocols) are just a few examples of the show's ingenuity.
Source: Netflix
Epic Without Censorship or "Real Mythology"
Viewers are used to creators showing only the surface level of mythology in numerous adaptations of ancient Greek myths—fearless heroes, formidable gods, and incredible adventures and deeds performed in the name of love and glory. However, those same myths also contain another component, which Kaos reveals by exposing the dark, dramatic underside of Greek mythology. Bloody sacrifices to the gods, merciless genocidal wars (in the series, the Trojans are portrayed as a small community of refugees who survived the massacre organised by the Greeks and are graciously allowed to live out their lives in a small ghetto), capricious and cruel gods, and mortals who are left with no choice but to submit to fate. One of the most terrifying moments in the series is the modern reinterpretation of the myth of the Minotaur, where the Cretan Labyrinth is depicted as a prison for criminals, and the Minotaur represents the ultimate form of punishment.
Love, Ancient Greek Style
Source: Netflix
And, of course, the candid and diverse erotic aspect of the relationships between gods, heroes, and mortals hasn’t been left out. In this regard, uncensored Greek mythology abounds in homoeroticism and a variety of love alliances and intrigues. Sanitised adaptations of Greek legends have always shyly sidestepped the fact that, for example, the companion of a famous hero, such as Heracles’ squire, might not have been just a companion, but also a temporary lover.
Kaos specifically focuses on this side of the epic as well—the series includes not only transgender characters but also actors who are themselves transgender. And overall, it’s hard to find an unequivocally heterosexual hero in Greek mythology—throughout their lives, both the Olympian gods and mortals had sexual relations with both men and women. So, if you’re not put off by an episode depicting the love between Prometheus and Charon, or by the overt intersexuality of Dionysus, Hermaphroditus, and Caeneus, you’ll find added enjoyment in the unconventional portrayal of already well-known figures.
Star-studded Casting
Source: Netflix
The undisputed gem of Kaos is the character of Zeus, brilliantly played by Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, The Fly, Independence Day). In his portrayal, the all-powerful god, going through a crisis and gripped by the fear of death, is both comical and frightening—after all, what could be scarier than a dictator with power who is spiralling into paranoia, suspicion, and fear, driven only by the desire to retain power at all costs? Unfortunately, today, we see the devastating and bloody consequences of such a "Zeus" in the real world in the form of dictator Putin, who decided to launch a full-scale war in Europe at the end of his life.
However, unlike the dull and talentless xenophobe Putin, Goldblum’s character is filled with vivid satirical undertones. The comedic element of the show is built on his relationships with family, former enemies, numerous lovers, and bastards. Goldblum’s interpretation of Zeus is bright and unforgettable. One of the distinctive traits of the character is his kitschy style of clothing and behaviour—he lives like a classic billionaire, spoiled by wealth and power. Zeus struts around Olympus in eccentric and flashy outfits from top fashion brands, or in casual tracksuits (though always wearing his signature Balenciaga trainers).
In a duet with Goldblum, Janet McTeer (Ozark, Maleficent) holds her own as Hera, the immortal wife of Olympus’ ruler. This strong, powerful, and vengeful woman, reminiscent of both Margaret Thatcher and Golda Meir, is the grey eminence of the immortal family, trying to save her foolish, infantile husband from inevitable downfall.
Source: Netflix
Among the other equally striking performances, David Thewlis stands out as the bureaucratic Hades, as well as the tandem of Orpheus and Eurydice, whose love story is presented by the show’s creators in a more realistic light. Killian Scott’s Orpheus appears less like a lovesick poet and more like a narcissist, an egocentric pop star who navigates relationships based solely on his own desires. And, of course, Stephen Dillane (Stannis Baratheon from Game of Thrones), in the role of Prometheus—through whom the story is told—injects a hefty dose of sarcasm and irony into the narrative.
It is still unknown whether Netflix plans to renew the series for a second season, but all signs point to the continuation of this madcap immortal family saga. Kaos has entered Netflix’s top ten most popular shows and has received generally positive reviews from both critics and appreciative viewers.