"Santa Clarita Diet" is a comedy series created by Victor Fresco, starring Timothy Olyphant and Drew Barrymore as Joel and Sheila, a married couple working as real estate agents in Santa Clarita, California. The series takes a dark turn when Sheila undergoes a major transformation, turning their lives upside down.
Overview
The show blends humor and horror, showcasing hearts and other human organs for good measure. "Santa Clarita Diet" distinguishes itself as a benchmark in the comedy-horror genre on television. The gore is presented playfully, not frighteningly, and the series emphasizes the theme that true love can overcome any obstacle, even a craving for human flesh. Despite the unusual circumstances, Sheila, Joel, and their daughter Abby strive to live the American dream, albeit with a slightly altered diet.
Plot
The series revolves around Sheila and Joel, who navigate the challenges of Sheila's condition while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy. After Sheila dies and comes back as a zombie, she doesn't resemble the traditional movie or show zombies. She looks and feels better than ever. However, she has to eat people to survive. Joel and Sheila decide to find the worst people to kill so she can eat them. The show presents a series of funny and dark moments as they navigate this new reality.
Critical Reception
"Santa Clarita Diet" has received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the show's humor, gore, and the performances of the cast, particularly Olyphant and Barrymore. Others found the comedy inconsistent and the satire heavy-handed.
Some viewers praised the show as unexpectedly hilarious, with a great cast that doesn't take itself too seriously. The plot twists and turns keep the show fresh, and the combination of gross-out humor and clever writing makes it a worthwhile watch. Others lauded the show's ability to blend comedy and horror, creating an easy-to-watch, funny, and refreshing series with a decent amount of gore. The chemistry between Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant was also highlighted as a strong point.
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However, some reviews were less enthusiastic. Some critics found the show to be a hit-and-miss dark comedy, with moments of brilliance interspersed with less successful jokes. The humor was sometimes seen as forced, and the reliance on stereotypes was a drawback. Others found the show to be tonally unsure, especially in the first episode, and criticized the heavy-handedness of the satire.
Cast and Characters
- Drew Barrymore as Sheila Hammond: Sheila experiences a transformation that turns her into an undead being with a craving for human flesh.
- Timothy Olyphant as Joel Hammond: Joel is Sheila's husband who supports her as they navigate the challenges of her new condition.
- Liv Hewson as Abby Hammond: Abby is Joel and Sheila's teenage daughter, who becomes involved in her parents' unusual activities.
- Skyler Gisondo as Eric Bemis: Eric is the Hammonds' neighbor and Abby's friend, who provides assistance and comic relief.
- Ramona: A store clerk with ongoing gags.
The actors commit to the grotesque events with enthusiasm, and the performances enhance the show's comedic value.
Humor and Gore
"Santa Clarita Diet" is known for its blend of humor and gore. The show features graphic scenes of violence and cannibalism, but these elements are presented in a comedic way. The humor is often dark and absurd, and it may not be for everyone. However, fans of the show appreciate its willingness to push boundaries and its unique take on the zombie genre.
Themes
The show explores themes of love, marriage, family, and identity. Despite the unusual circumstances, the Hammonds remain committed to each other and their daughter. The show also examines the challenges of maintaining a normal life in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
Potential and Inconsistencies
While the show has potential, some inconsistencies exist. Some jokes don't land, and the reliance on stereotypes can be distracting. However, the show's strengths, such as the cast's performances and the unique premise, outweigh its weaknesses.
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