The Sandman (2022) spoiler free review

Back in January 1989 Neil Gaiman next to DC Comics published the first volume of what would become one of the most influential fantasy graphic novel The Sandman. Ever since 1991 it has been efforts to adapt the series as a film, but after creative differences and prolonged development the adaptation ended in hands of Netflix on 2019. The deal was closed, turning the adaptation into a 10 episode series starting filming in October 2020 ending in August 2021. The series officially premiered on August 5, 2022 on Netflix.

When the Sandman, aka Dream, the cosmic being who controls all dreams, is captured and held prisoner for more than a century, he must journey across different worlds and timelines to fix the chaos his absence has caused.

Official plot

While the series was created to be as faithful as possible to the original material some changes had to be made to the narrative and characters. Instead of taking place in 1989 it was modified to be set in 2021, making Dream being imprisoned for 105 years instead of 75 years. Characters like John Constantine and Doctor Destiny were rewritten as Joanna Constantine and John Dee while references to other DC Comics characters like Martian Manhunter and Mister Miracle where removed. The Corinthian character was expanded to be the main antagonist of this first season.

The cast includes: Tom Sturridge as Dream, Boyd Holbrook as The Corinthian, Patton Oswalt as Matthew the Raven, Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne, Vanesu Samunyai as Rose Walker, Mason Alexander Park as Desire, David Thewlis as John Dee, Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine, Joely Richardson as Ethel Cripps, and Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar.

My opinion

From the first episode to the last the story will trap you making it hard not to continue and watch the whole season in one day. Each episode is on average 50 minutes long, but this allows for more details from the source material can be added to the adaptation. Ever since it release it has received positive reviews from both the critics and the audience holding a score of 86%. This being a surprise after the changes that has been made to this fantasy classic.

With a budget of $15 millions per episode is not surprising the quality levels of the settings, props, and special effects. This three combined create an adaptation worthy of Gaiman’s work. While a seconds season is not confirmed yet it won’t be surprise the announcement. If done right, The Sandman can become one of the biggest Netflix adaptations. In the meantime, enjoy the first 10 episodes of season one now available on Netflix.