The OA

The OA: A Mind-Bending Mystery That Will Leave You Questioning Reality

The OA is a Netflix original series created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij. The show tells the story of Prairie Johnson (played by Marling), a young woman who returns home after being missing for seven years. The twist? Prairie was blind before she went missing and now she can see. As she adjusts to her new life, she begins to tell her story to a group of five strangers who become deeply immersed in her mysterious tale.

The first season of The OA premiered in 2016 and received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. The show’s unique storyline, strong acting performances, and thought-provoking themes have captivated viewers and left them eagerly waiting for the second season, which was released in 2019.

One of the most intriguing aspects of The OA is its genre-defying nature. While it has elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery, it also explores deep philosophical and metaphysical concepts. This blend of genres creates a thought-provoking and mind-bending viewing experience.

The series follows Prairie, who has been given the name OA by her captors, as she navigates the line between reality and fantasy. Through her storytelling, she shares her experiences of being held captive in a strange, underground laboratory by a scientist named Hap (Jason Isaacs). Hap is obsessed with understanding the afterlife and believes that Prairie, who he refers to as his angel, holds the key to unlocking its secrets.

As Prairie’s story unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey through parallel universes, near-death experiences, and supernatural abilities. These fantastical elements are accompanied by powerful emotional themes, such as trauma, grief, and the search for meaning and purpose. The show cleverly weaves these themes into its intricate plot, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

The second season of The OA expands upon the mind-bending concepts introduced in the first season. Prairie’s story takes a new turn as she finds herself in a different dimension, where she is an actress in a TV show called The OA. This introduces a meta-narrative that not only adds another layer of complexity to the story but also explores the power of storytelling and the influence of the media on our perception of reality.

The show also delves deeper into the lives of the other characters, particularly the five strangers who Prairie has been sharing her story with. Each of them has their own struggles and personal issues, which are connected to Prairie’s story in ways that are slowly revealed throughout the season.

One of the most striking elements of The OA is its strong and diverse ensemble cast. Brit Marling delivers a captivating performance as Prairie/OA, bringing depth and vulnerability to the character. The rest of the cast, including Jason Isaacs, Emory Cohen, and Phyllis Smith, also deliver standout performances, each bringing a unique depth to their characters.

The show’s visual style is also worth mentioning, with its use of dream-like imagery, symbolic motifs, and stunning cinematography. Composer Rostam Batmanglij (Zal Batmanglij’s brother) also creates a haunting and ethereal musical score that adds to the overall otherworldly atmosphere of the show.

Despite its critical acclaim and loyal fan base, The OA has faced some backlash for its complex and often confusing storyline. Some have criticized the show for being pretentious or overly convoluted. However, this is undoubtedly part of the appeal for many viewers who are looking for a thought-provoking and unconventional viewing experience.

In conclusion, The OA is a must-watch for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery who are looking for a show that challenges their perceptions and leaves them questioning the very concept of reality. With its captivating storytelling, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes, it is no surprise that this mind-bending mystery has gained a devoted following. The OA is a truly unique and thought-provoking series that will stay with you long after you finish watching.