What/If (2019)

What/If is a thought-provoking Netflix original series debuted in 2019. The show depicts an intriguing exploration of the fact that how the choices we make can drastically alter the path of our lives. What/If is a neo-noir social thriller series that divulges into the uncanny depths of the human psyche, yet maintaining an inscrutable charm that keeps audiences apprehended.

Jane Levy, the dynamic and versatile star, helms the leading role as Lisa Donovan, a woman endeavoring to revolutionize the health industry with her groundbreaking medical startup alongside her devoted husband, Sean (Blake Jenner). They are both weighed down, not only by the stress of Lisa's struggling business but by haunting pasts and secrets they are desperate to bury deep. Their worlds suddenly take an unforeseen twist when they encounter none other than the manipulative, wealthy, and enigmatic venture capitalist, Anne Montgomery, played by the Academy Award-winner Renée Zellweger, who offers them a chance to save their drowning business but at an alarming personal price.

In ten compelling episodes, What/If draws viewers into a turbulent and exciting ride, where each decision has consequential impacts. The gripping narrative and the series' knack for keeping the audience on edge is demonstrated through its narrative filled with twists and turns, alternating between past and present timelines and underpinning its stories within stories. The plot line is far from being linear as it ingeniously connects dots throughout as the story unfolds.

What/If's secondary plot line introduces Todd (Keith Powers), Lisa's loyal and endearing brother, and Angela (Samantha Marie Ware), who is Lisa's bubbly best friend and Todd's girlfriend. Their seemingly idyllic relationship is constrained by its own complications which, while separate on the surface from Lisa and Sean's ordeal, intertwines intricately with the main storyline as new secrets unfold- revealing that not everything is as simple as it seems.

Renée Zellweger's performance as Anne Montgomery is notably energetic and charismatic, depicting her role as a power-conscious femme fatale with a morally ambiguous character. Her unscrupulous character, coupled with her sophisticated and largely unflappable demeanor, adds another layer of complex intrigue to the plot. Jane Levy and Blake Jenner, on the other hand, provide a more empathetic counterbalance with their emotional performances as a couple grappling with external demons and internal challenges- a testament to their range as performers.

The creators of What/If diligently play with the themes of morality, ambition, hidden truths, and power dynamics. The premise that urges the characters to trade their morals and ethics to achieve their deepest desires brings forth the fundamental question of "what if" reflecting the show's title, creating a moral puzzle that the audience is left to unravel. The cinematography and sound designs bolster the mystery and suspense, resulting in a visually captivating and atmospherically tense series.

Complementing the main plot, the show incorporates strong elements of finance, scientific innovation, and business politics, adding another dimension to its narrative. The real-world relevance of these elements potentially strikes a chord with the audience, adding to the overall appeal of the series.

What/If also excels in its representation of diverse characters, from varying socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, and sexual orientations. It delves into multifaceted human experiences which, when interwoven with dramatic elements, makes the series more relatable and inclusive. Above all, the show commendably addresses important discussions about gender dynamics, power abuse, deception, and the lengths to which individuals might go to preserve their secrets or attain their ambitions.

The series, while providing an entertaining and engrossing storyline, also offers an introspective journey into human ethics and the lure of success. It sets forth to question the distance between right and wrong, and the blurred lines traversed when faced with temptation of achieving one's ultimate goal.

In conclusion, Netflix's What/If is a thoroughly engrossing neo-noir thriller filled with suspense, moral conundrums, and deep character connections. It's a show that goes beyond mere entertainment with its thought-provoking narrative and robust character development, underlining the unfathomable extent of human desires and the consequences implicated by seemingly inconsequential choices. This series definitely has something for everyone- from drama and romance to mystery and suspense, making it a captivating watch that sticks with the viewer long after the finale's credits have rolled.