Why “Swarm” (2023) is a modern and stylish exploration of toxic fandom
This is a seven-episode mini-series about a young girl, Dre, who is obsessed with local pop star Naija (she bears a distinct resemblance to Beyoncé). A creepy and thought-provoking story about loneliness and parasocial relationships.
After an incident with her sister, Dre finally embarks on a path of self-destruction, hiding from reality by worshipping her idol. She becomes a crazed fan who kills anyone who doesn’t like her idol and meets many unconventional characters along the way. It’s basically a mix of real facts, incidents and internet stories about the real singer Beyoncé, but the show is not about her at all.
It’s a frightening and gory story of toxic bigotry — of where the traumas in a person’s life can lead when you add a little fiction and color in the style of a psychological thriller. Even the ambiguous ending invites you to think for yourself.
Beautiful visuals and music, stylish set pieces, cool directing techniques, a classy acting debut by Billie Eilish, almost observational cinematography, and a distinct auteur style.
Camera movement is minimal, allowing the viewer to see the plasticity and metamorphosis of Dre — the way she doesn’t fit into society. The graininess of the image is no accident — it emphasizes the darkness and despair of Dre’s world, while the buzzing bees and grainy reds warn of impending danger.
The actress in the title role, Dominique Fishback, plays the psychopath very convincingly, with a talent for skillful transformation into a demon within the role — I hope for her awards season.
“Swarm” is a detailed, bold and post-ironic series with a thousand references, provocative and crazy at times. A breath of fresh air in a film that touches on the Internet age from a side that isn’t often talked about.
“Atlanta” creator Donald Glover has hit the nerve of society with surgical precision (at least mine exactly, a lot of things turned out to be close and familiar, and I started to notice some new things for myself). The project has already become a cult phenomenon for American viewers.
Glover critiques a society that deliberately makes stars the center of unconditional and unhealthy devotion, reflects on loneliness, mental health, illusory tragic fates, and the importance of looking at the root of problems and paying attention to your loved ones.
My rating is 8 out of 10. One of the most memorable releases of the year.
