3.0 out of 5 star rating
“The series on Paramount Plus’s new British production, Stags, is an exhilarating ride with unexpected plots that will leave even the most astute genre connoisseurs dizzy.” The producers of this show are definitely skilled at creating captivating content.
Does the blend of The Hangover, Banged Up Abroad, and the swelteringly hot third season of Prison Break truly live up to its promise?
As a movie enthusiast, I’d like to share my take on describing an upcoming series: Hailing from the vibrant landscapes of South America, yet filmed in the lush backdrop of Tenerife, this captivating six-part production boasts a predominantly British cast. Stepping into the shoes of the soon-to-be groom is none other than Nico Mirallegro, a familiar face to many who remember him as the tormented goth character Newt from Hollyoaks.
From the start, when he accidentally loses his engagement ring at the edge of the River Thames, it’s clear he’s not the most perceptive individual. However, it seems that the rowdy group of friends attending his bachelor party share a similar lack of sharpness in their wits.
It seems that arrogant character Hugo (portrayed by Paul Forman, swiftly gaining fame as Frenchmen in Emily in Paris) primarily earns his income by attempting to market credit cards to minors. Remarkably, two of his acquaintances thought it wise to conceal cocaine during their return trip in a place not particularly known for its relaxed drug trafficking regulations.
In my perspective, as I’m observing the events unfold, it seems Ryan (Corin Silva), who’s quite talkative, manages to bypass security with a small cache. On the other hand, my shady coworker Greg (Asim Chaudhry from People Just Do Nothing) encounters misfortune when the cocaine-filled balloon he ingested bursts unexpectedly, potentially jeopardizing not only his life but also that of our entire circle.
Undoubtedly, the group – consisting of John (Cavan Clerkin), Kai (Jojo Macari, gaining fame from his villainous role in Amazon Prime Video’s Those About to Die), Ant (Charlie Cooper, known for his family-oriented roles), and others – might have preferred a peaceful paintballing weekend in Bognor Regis. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they find themselves in a challenging island prison, dressed quite stylishly in vibrant yellow jumpsuits.
In just a short span, I’ve borne witness to a fellow inmate being mercilessly beaten and another, granted a rare opportunity by the terrifying guards, attempting an escape only to meet a violent end. John remarks, not inaccurately, that it feels more like a third-world prison camp than the supposed luxury of Guantanamo Bay. Unbeknownst to them, however, our ordeal is far from over and is set to take a darker turn.
In a chaotic prison compound that houses not only inmates but also chicken farmers, almond butter vendors, and street children acting as intermediaries through Google Translate, the law is strictly enforced with great severity by two feuding brothers.
In my perspective, I’d like to introduce Selma (Paulina Gálvez), a captivating character who hides a chilling secret – a high-powered individual accused of murder. She has an amusing knack for bonding with Londoners by casually referencing local figures such as Harry Kane and popular tunes like “Parklife”. However, the seemingly innocent interaction often leads to a compulsory involvement in a high-risk adaptation of Britain’s Got Talent.
In a skillful manner, director David Kerr (of Johnny English Strikes Again) effectively portrays the terrifying atmosphere that surrounds the gang, hinting at the possibility of a lengthy imprisonment they face.
Additionally, he manages a blend of crime and humor effectively, creating suspense one moment and releasing it with a dark joke or visual gag the next. For instance, a character might comment on a fellow’s health issues during a game of ‘Who Wants to Volunteer a Kidney?’, saying “Even with one eye, I can see he’s got cirrhosis.” On the other hand, a sight gag like an accidental death by toilet seat could be a first in this show.
Regrettably, from what I’ve seen so far (episodes 1 and 2), the storyline doesn’t seem to encourage us to care about the prisoners’ destinies. The initial 10 minutes, which depict the chaotic and drug-fueled events of the bachelor party, appear to prioritize excessive vomiting scenes over character growth.
Additionally, the characters displayed are predominantly obnoxious ones. Stu and his companions are similar to rude vacationers you’d go out of your way to avoid if ever you were unlucky enough to be near them. Mostly, they remind me of the characters from the films that defined Danny Dyer’s career in the 2000s, often portraying unsavory types.
In my humble opinion, amid one commendable act of self-sacrifice during an excruciating ordeal, these characters prove surprisingly eager to backstab each other. Reminiscent of numerous survival dramas, Stags unfortunately squanders its captivating premise on a cast of unlikable and self-serving personalities, leaving the audience oddly empathetic towards their tormentors.
Even with their survival at stake, there’s plenty more happening inside the prison to keep things intriguing. The secret plot that reveals some members of the party aren’t as pure as they appear, and the escalating power game between Selma and Branco, are both captivating aspects that maintain our curiosity beyond just their survival.
In the opening scene, it appears as if two security guards have been mysteriously overpowered by an unknown, malicious entity, hinting at the possibility of a supernatural influence making an appearance later on.
Without a doubt, Stags deviates from typical prison dramas. If you’re searching for gritty, Jimmy McGovern-style realism, you might want to explore other options. However, its unapologetic style accurately reflects the bold claims made about it.
Deer hunting enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The exciting series “Stags” will make its UK premiere exclusively on Paramount Plus starting from August 15th. Don’t miss out; sign up for Paramount Plus today!
Read More
- JASMY PREDICTION. JASMY cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- Top gainers and losers
- LUNA PREDICTION. LUNA cryptocurrency
- CTC PREDICTION. CTC cryptocurrency
- CLV PREDICTION. CLV cryptocurrency
- DOP PREDICTION. DOP cryptocurrency
- LOKA PREDICTION. LOKA cryptocurrency
- KAI PREDICTION. KAI cryptocurrency
- SCOMP PREDICTION. SCOMP cryptocurrency
2024-08-15 10:35