‘The Changeling’ is a spine-tingling TV series on Apple TV+ that weaves together elements of horror, fantasy, and heart-wrenching drama. Based on Victor LaValle’s gripping novel, the show follows Apollo’s harrowing journey through an alternate New York City in search of his wife, Emma, and their abducted son.
With each episode, we’ll unravel the enigmatic twists and turns that lead Apollo through a world he never knew existed. From heart-wrenching choices to chilling revelations, join us as we dive into the intriguing saga, episode by episode. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as ‘The Changeling’ takes us on a haunting exploration of love, loss, and the supernatural.
Episode 1 of The Changeling launches us into a tale spanning centuries, from a perilous 1825 sea voyage to a chance encounter in a modern library. Apollo, a tenacious book hunter, and Emma, a librarian, form an unexpected connection reminiscent of Apollo’s parents, Brian and Lillian. Their parallel love stories hint at a deeper cosmic tie. Despite Emma’s initial rejections, Apollo’s persistence echoes his father’s nine-year pursuit of Lillian. Emma, raised by her sister Kim in the quiet town of Boones Mill, shares a troubled childhood with her parents and Brian and Lillian. Their shared experiences become apparent, including the significance of Apollo’s name, inspired by the film Rocky.
Emma’s sudden departure to Brazil doesn’t deter Apollo, who vows to wait for her return. When she does, a bizarre encounter in Salvador leaves Emma with three wishes tied to a red string. In a show of devotion, Apollo promptly severs it. Their union leads to marriage and, soon after, pregnancy. During a dinner with Emma’s friend Michelle, a shocking revelation surfaces – an intimate portrait of Emma hangs in a Norwegian museum. Michelle hints at three wishes, but their revelation is interrupted. Only the first two are disclosed: a good husband and a healthy child. As Emma goes into labor, the couple opts for a natural birth, but fate intervenes. In a twist of events, baby Brian Kagwa is born in the subway, concluding the episode with a powerful moment of unexpected triumph.
The Changeling’s pilot is a daring and captivating introduction to a narrative shrouded in mystery and richly woven characters. Stanfield and Clark Backo deliver stellar performances, anchoring the show with palpable chemistry. Their parallel love story, echoing the past, adds depth to the narrative, leaving us eager to uncover the threads that bind them. Kelly Marcel and Melina Matsoukas masterfully craft an immersive experience, drawing us into a world tinged with mysticism. Emma’s encounter in Brazil, coupled with the enigmatic red string, introduces a layer of intrigue that promises to unfurl in captivating ways. The episode’s climax, set in the subway, is a testament to the show’s willingness to take risks and defy conventions. It leaves us on the edge of our seats, hungry for more.
