🎬 The Nevers (2021–2023) — Review

Movie Overview
Title: The Nevers
Release Date: April 11, 2021 (Season 1 Part 1), February 2023 (Part 2) 
Genre: Science fiction · Historical drama · Steampunk 
Creator/Director: Joss Whedon (initial episodes), showrun by Philippa Goslett 
Cast: Laura Donnelly (Amalia True), Ann Skelly (Penance Adair), Olivia Williams, James Norton, Ben Chaplin, Amy Manson, etc. 
Where To Watch: Originally HBO/HBO Max; parts now available on Tubi

1. Plot Summary

Set in Victorian London, The Nevers centers on a group known as the Touched—mostly women who gained supernatural abilities after a mysterious event three years prior. Among them, Amalia True, a fierce widow with visions of the future, and Penance Adair, a brilliant inventor, run a sanctuary for the Touched orphanage. Together, they face violent prejudice, deadly conspiracies, and a serial killer among their ranks as they try to understand and protect their emerging powers.

2. Notable Elements

• Production & World‑building: The show impresses with rich production values, exquisite period costumes, and steampunk flourishes — often compared to neo‑Victorian genre peers like Carnival Row or Penny Dreadful

• Standout performances: Laura Donnelly as Amalia channels both rough-edged authority and emotional complexity, earning accolades and award nominations . Ann Skelly’s Penance brings youthful energy and emotional clarity, while Amy Manson as Maladie/Amy delivers chilling menace.

• Narrative scaffolding: The first six episodes establish tension and mystery; transition into Part 2 shifts into cosmic stakes involving an alien entity called the Galanthi — culminating in philosophical and visually bold climax scenes .

• Overstuffed storytelling: Despite strong components, many critics point to the series as overly complex—divided between subplots, tonal shifts, and unresolved threads. Some consider it hallmarked by Whedon’s style overload .

3. Themes & Messages

• Marginalization and identity: The Touched embody themes of belonging, ostracization, and empowerment—their abilities met with fear and exploitation by Victorian society.

• Duty and sacrifice: Amalia’s journey—revealed as an ancient alien soul inhabiting a modern body—reflects themes of destiny, redemption, and rebirth

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• Power dynamics and inequality: The series critiques class tensions and patriarchal control through characters like Lavinia Bidlow and Dr. Hague.
  While not tied to holiday traditions, The Nevers weaves motifs of renewal, community, and challenge to oppressive norms reminiscent of moral tales during reflective times of year.

4. Personal Impressions

Strengths:

• Visually and emotionally ambitious, with standout lead performances and immersive production design. The ambition to merge steampunk with hopeful drama is commendable.

• The blend of action, mystery, and character-driven moments gives the show genuine cinematic scope.
  Weaknesses:

• The dense plot and multiple character arcs often feel underdeveloped or disconnected. Critics describe it as “overstuffed” or jumbled in tone

• Despite moments of brilliance, tonal inconsistency and Whedon’s controversial legacy may distract or hamper audience engagement.

5. Audience Recommendations

• Who might enjoy it:

  • Fans of genre-bending dramas like X‑Men or His Dark Materials looking for period/supernatural fusion.

  • Viewers intrigued by female-led narratives and steampunk aesthetics.

  • Those open to ambiguity, character complexity, and long‑form storytelling with worldbuilding depth.

• Who might skip it:

  • Viewers seeking streamlined plots or resolute endings.

  • Those averse to tonal shifts or high-cast ensemble series with loose threads.

6. Conclusion & Rating

The Nevers is an impressive, high‑concept Victorian sci‑fi saga with strong performances and visual flair. Yet, its storytelling ambition is both its allure and burden—resulting in narrative clutter and uneven pacing. For fans of imaginative, character‑rich genre drama, it’s a bold watch. But it’s less recommended for viewers expecting clarity or emotional consistency.

Final Recommendation: Worth watching for the ambitious world-building, lead performances, and genre blending—pause where needed, enjoy its highs, and be prepared for mystery and complexity.
⭐️ Rating: 3/5