Critique de “The Changeling” : “Bye Bye Baby”
“The Changeling” on Apple TV+ is a captivating series that explores the unsettling concept of changelings, supernatural beings that replace human babies. The show delves into the story of a mother who begins to suspect that her baby has been replaced, unraveling a tale of uncertainty and fear. Drawing inspiration from Victor LaValle’s novel, the series introduces us to a world filled with complex characters and dark secrets.
The Challenge of Adapting a Novel into a TV Show
Adapting books into television series has become a common practice in the peak-TV era. However, “The Changeling” highlights the difficulties in translating the intricacies of a well-crafted novel onto the screen. While the show manages to keep viewers engaged through compelling performances and visually striking scenes, it struggles to capture the essence of the original story. The narrative rhythm and depth of LaValle’s book are overshadowed by the demands of television.
A Contemporary Fairy Tale with a Dark Twist
LaValle’s novel is a modern fairy tale that skillfully juxtaposes lightness and simplicity with moments of darkness and despair. The story revolves around Emma Valentine, a librarian, and Apollo Kagwa, a freelance book dealer, who question the identity of their baby. Exploring the insecurities faced by parents in the digital age, LaValle intertwines their personal journey with a captivating tale of struggles and adventures in New York City.
The Artistic Choices and Expansions
Kelly Marcel, known for her work on “Fifty Shades of Grey,” created and wrote the adaptation. In an attempt to differentiate the series, Marcel takes artistic liberties by fracturing the chronology and incorporating repetitive flashbacks, often leaving viewers bewildered. While some expansions, such as the increased screen time for Emma and Apollo’s mother, Lillian, add depth to the story, other choices, like an invented dream sequence, detract from the overall narrative.
A Mixed Bag of Performances
The cast delivers performances with varying degrees of success. LaKeith Stanfield portrays Apollo, but Marcel’s portrayal of the character dilutes his complexity, resulting in a less captivating emotional journey. However, Malcolm Barrett shines as Patrice, Apollo’s fellow book dealer, injecting the character with a magnetic energy that captivates audiences. The directors, including Dana Gonzales, Melina Matsoukas, Solvan Naim, and Jonathan van Tulleken, manage to infuse moments of enchantment into the show through visually stunning scenes.
Despite its flaws, “The Changeling” offers a unique pleasure rarely found on television—the celebration of books. The series frequently highlights the joy of reading, collecting, and exchanging books, serving as a reminder of its fairy tale origins and satisfying bookworms everywhere. While it may not fully capture the essence of LaValle’s novel, “The Changeling” still manages to captivate viewers with its exploration of the supernatural and the human psyche.
Source : www.nytimes.com
