The Gerwig Touch
When it was announced that Greta Gerwig would be helming the Netflix Narnia reboot, there was plenty of skepticism. Could the director of Lady Bird and Barbie handle the high-church allegories of C.S. Lewis? The answer, as seen in this first season, is a resounding yes. She leans into the 'portal' aspect of the story—the idea that childhood is its own kind of disappearing world.
Beyond the Allegory
One of the biggest wins here is the casting. The Pevensie children actually look and act like kids from the 1940s who have been through the trauma of the Blitz. Their transition to kings and queens of Narnia isn't just a costume change; it’s a character arc. Tilda Swinton’s shadow is long, but the new take on the White Witch is equally terrifying in a more subtle, manipulative way.
Compared to the 2005 film, this series takes more time to breathe. We see the winter of Narnia not just as a backdrop, but as a character that wears down the spirits of the creatures living there. It makes the 'Always winter, never Christmas' line feel like a genuine threat rather than a catchy hook.
How to Watch
If you have the books, read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe first. The show adds some connective tissue and expands on the world-building, and it’s fun for kids to spot the differences. This is a show meant for the big screen in your living room, not an iPad in the back of a minivan. The sound design and the score deserve your full attention.
