Key Highlights
- Harlan Coben’s “Lazarus” premieres on Prime Video tomorrow, October 22.
- The series stars Sam Claflin as Joel “Laz” Lazarus, who returns home after his father’s suicide and begins to have disturbing experiences that can’t be explained.
- “Lazarus” is set apart from its peers by the hallucinatory visions Laz begins to have of his father’s patients, many of whom he slowly realizes are long dead.
- The series explores themes of family secrets and the sins passed down through generations, with a focus on solving the murders of Laz’s sister 25 years ago and his father’s suicide.
Introduction to “Lazarus”
The streaming landscape has seen numerous adaptations from beloved authors like Harlan Coben. From the Polish miniseries “The Woods” to Netflix’s “Missing You,” Coben’s works have been adapted frequently, making it challenging to discern which stories still hold potential for new narratives. With Prime Video’s latest offering, “Lazarus,” Coben ventures into original content specifically designed for the small screen. This six-part series promises a unique blend of mystery and horror, distinguishing itself from its predecessors in the genre.
Plot Overview
In “Lazarus,” Joel “Laz” Lazarus (Sam Claflin) returns to his hometown after the tragic suicide of his father (Bill Nighy). As Laz navigates through this tumultuous period, he begins experiencing hallucinations that blur the line between reality and imagination. These visions, often of his father’s deceased patients, provide clues into unsolved murders from 25 years ago, including the murder of his sister.
The series delves deep into these mysterious occurrences as Laz relies on the support of his sister Jenna (Alexandra) and best friend Seth (David Fynn).
The hallucinatory sequences are a central element of “Lazarus,” offering a surreal and unsettling experience. These visions, combined with Laz’s memories, paint a picture that could lead to the solving of his sister’s murder or reveal disturbing truths about their family past.
Analysis and Critique
The initial episodes of “Lazarus” captivate viewers with its imaginative storytelling and claustrophobic atmosphere. The series employs a technique where Laz cannot distinguish between his hallucinations and reality, adding to the tension. His interactions with ghostly patients, who offer cryptic riddles and secrets from their past sessions, create an eerie and compelling narrative.
However, as the series progresses, some viewers may find these sequences becoming repetitive and predictable.
The plot begins to unravel, with each episode revealing more about the murders but losing the supernatural edge that initially set it apart. This shift raises questions about the balance between maintaining intrigue and delivering a coherent storyline.
The performances by Sam Claflin are noteworthy, as he navigates the complex emotions of grief, confusion, and determination. The hallucinatory scenes offer him opportunities to explore his character’s psyche in a way that is not always possible in more conventional narratives.
Conclusion
“Lazarus” represents an interesting evolution for Harlan Coben’s work, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved on streaming platforms. While it may not entirely succeed in maintaining the initial excitement and mystery throughout its run, it still offers a compelling exploration of family secrets and the sins passed down through generations. As viewers tune in to Prime Video tomorrow, October 22, they will have the opportunity to judge for themselves whether “Lazarus” delivers on its promise as an original series.
