The Adam Project - The Perfect Representation of Netflix's Adequate Mediocracy
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By Xander Townsend |Misfit Media Editor
The Adam Project, one of most recent Originals released by Netflix, was a film I wasn't too intrigued by nor was it something I was necessarily excited to watch. Staring Ryan Reynolds, I expected it to be another Bodyguard/Deadpool/Underground 6 attempt at 'Ryan comedy' that has seemingly worked well for them for around 10 years. Without too much thought, and an attempt to fill the uneventfulness of a Sunday afternoon, I decided to put in on to see if I would be proven wrong, something I don’t mind as it makes for an interesting excuse for self-reflection. I found that even though it was clearly another showcase of Ryan's successful approach to comedy, It was adequate enough that I wasn't annoyed I'd wasted my time, but It also wasn't really a movie I would recommend others go out of their way to watch.
Netflix currently has a mediocracy problem, with most Netflix Original movies being unique enough that they have a place on the platform, but do not establish a place in the film industry. Netflix Originals are never seen as the next Matrix or Braveheart, and with their budget and access to limitless potential, they really have no excuse not to be. Does the mass commercialisation and shift to streaming platforms mean the start of the decline of the film industry?
Now something that I should make clear is a lot of the time mediocracy isn't necessarily a bad thing, in fact, in many instances it can be good. Mediocracy is adequate, comfortable, reliable, and safe. All of these things have great applications. I am mainly wanted to discuss whether I believe, with the evolution of streaming platforms and the move cinema is making into the digital space, whether Netflix Originals are establishing a standard that will start the decline of cinema in this highly competitive era.
The film industry is one of the industry mammoths of the current era, but it has recently taken a massive economic and financial hit. COVID marked the start of a challenging era for cinema and film, with not only mass restrictions of viewing movies within the cinema, but also regulated and limited filming locations, constant testing and management required for film crews/on set, and distribution hits all over the world. Streaming services become the mainstream method of viewing films. Whether people liked it or not, it was the most accessible and affordable option. After everyone became aware of the ease of use and accessibility of these platforms, it almost became too easy to fully migrate over to streaming services whether you were a viewer or you were releasing a block buster film.
Going to the cinema when I was a child was something I almost did weekly with my friends. Now, most cinemas are empty with hardly any films releasing and the releases being minimal in consistency. As someone who thoroughly enjoyed going to the cinema, I don’t believe it will ever be the same. This marks the start of the migration of cinema to streaming platforms.
With this in mind, It is mildly concerning that streaming service originals tend to meet the bare minimum and not much more. They are produced, executed, and marketed in the same AAA format, which don’t get me wrong works fantastically for them. But being able to polish a somewhat semi-precious stone, whilst pretending that it’s a diamond, may sell it for a higher price, but doesn't mean that it will be worth what a diamonds worth in say 10 years. Cinema has defined some of the most memorable visuals and showcased revolutionary stories. Migrating to streaming platforms for film releases marks the start of the quality decline of the film industry, and the reworking of cinema viewing. I also believe all movies will start to look the same, or will be executed in a similar fashion, as all films will be made in collaboration with the streaming service they plan on having exclusivity with. A film directors choice of streaming platform will mean more than the content of the film for its success, and that showcases the misdirected shift in priorities.
Most new streaming originals don’t need to be impressive or revolutionary, they can be ordinary and their accessibility makes up for the rest.