REVIEW: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Will Cast a Spell On You
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina arrives tomorrow, October 26! Netflix is releasing their brand-new series and you don’t want to miss it. Based on the Archie Comics series of the same name, the series focuses on teenage half-witch/half-mortal, Sabrina Spellman. Even if you haven’t read the comics, the name Sabrina Spellman should still be a familiar one. Sabrina was the subject of an early millennium TV series, Sabrina the Teenage Witch which starred Melissa Joan Hart. A fan favorite in the TGIF line-up, Sabrina the Teenage Witch was a happier tale of a half-mortal/half-witch taking on high school. This new tale will not have the same happy go lucky feeling as that version but that doesn’t mean fans of that series won’t enjoy CAoS.
From the creator of Riverdale, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, this Netflix series tackles the darker side of Sabrina’s life and really dives into the horror genre. The series opens with Sabrina preparing for her 16th birthday and her witch baptism. The baptism will be her final step into accepting her magical side and forgoing her mortal life as she pledges herself to the devil. A 16th birthday is supposed to be a joyous occasion for any teenager and Sabrina’s torn between wanting to celebrate with her friends and boyfriend and putting that all aside for her baptism. For Sabrina Spellman, nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
Joining Sabrina on her journey are her Aunts, Zelda and Hilda, her cousin Ambrose and her mortal boyfriend, Harvey. Salem, the beloved wise-cracking cat in Sabrina the Teenage Witch is there, too, but as Sabrina’s non-verbal familiar (companion). Aunts Zelda and Hilda are different in this series, as well, with Aunt Zelda being a bit harder while Aunt Hilda remains lovable but not as zany. Harvey is the most similar as Sabrina’s sweet but oblivious boyfriend.
Even though this iteration focuses on the horror aspect of the show it is not overly scary. There are some moments where you may want to close your eyes, but nothing will deter you from watching the next episode. The show does a nice job keeping you involved and interested in the characters’ lives without delving too far into the horror genre.
Kiernan Shipka leads the cast as Sabrina and does well to bring the curious and strong witch to life. There is something about her performance that will have you wanting to learn more about Sabrina and have you rooting for her in every episode. Ross Lynch plays her oblivious, but lovable boyfriend Harvey and Chance Perdomo portrays Sabrina’s cousin Ambrose. Chance and Ross’ performances are definitely fan-favorite worthy.
For those looking for a new series to add to their repertoire we highly recommend this one. It is fun, intriguing, and filled with a cast of great characters. It will definitely be a show you will want to binge from start to finish so plan accordingly.
Grade: A