A poster for “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” is shown. The series, released weekly from July 28 to Aug. 18, takes the “Pretty Little Liars” franchise to a whole new level, making it better than the original series. Photo fair use of Rotten Tomatoes
“Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin”, released on HBO Max on July 28, is a thrilling series that takes the spin-off to new heights.
Eerie notes pierce the watcher’s skull and the chilling imagery of gore and menacing tools fill the opening of the TV-MA HBO Max series “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” directed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Lindsay Calhoon. The mystifying show is a spin-off from the original “Freeform” series “Pretty Little Liars”. Episodes were released weekly from July 28 to Aug. 18.
Straying away from the main series, “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” presents an entirely new and intriguing cast of characters. The teenage protagonists, Imogen Adams (Bailee Madison), Noa Olivar (Maia Reficco), Tabby Haworthe (Chandler Kinney), Faran Bryant (Zaria Simone) and Minnie “Mouse” Honrada (Malia Pyles), each have their own emotional and interesting stories which allows the ensemble nature of the program to shine through.
The program begins right off the bat with shocking carnage and tension in contrast to the peaceful and heartwarming scene occuring minutes after, but yanks the viewer to another possibly triggering scene. This ongoing trend within this intense show keeps watchers engaged with the plot, never allowing the viewer to guess what is next.
The aesthetic of the show gives the viewer a creepy, yet mesmerizing aura through horror movie-esque cinematography and brings the viewer into slasher horror territory with the daunting and immensely terrifying series antagonist, “A”.
“A” plays an intense and formidable character with a complex role. His story within the series will be shrouded in mystery, which helps accelerate the plot.
Throughout “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” complicated subjects like sexual assault, suicide and family dynamics are addressed and while the series can only do so much with hour-long episodes, it isn’t gratuitous. The series provides much-needed trigger warnings for people who are especially susceptible to these subject matters.
While it does feature a “camp” aspect to it through the crazy plot and exaggerated storylines, there can be some cringe-worthy scenes and shaky acting that snatches the immersive experience. Along with some cliche characters and frustrating circumstances that could be avoided, the series can be too incohesive with its storylines.
“Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” gives viewers an interesting and somewhat experimental show that is not for the faint of heart. Those who are brave and enjoy a good chase scene will love this teen horror-drama.
