Critic Reviews

Heartbreaking, funny and endlessly fascinating.

The supernatural element here is snicker-worthy scary. But where “The Boroughs” sizzles is in its May-December romance between Renee — played with such appeal and zest by Davis — and helpful new security guard Paz (San Francisco native and dreamboat Carlos Miranda). Their interplay sparks the kind of chemistry most romantic comedies beg for and gives Miranda a part that will melt hearts and turn him into a breakout star.

A consistently surprising new-by-way-of-old-school genre affair that appears primed to be the streamer’s next big thing.

It is, obviously, a fine cast and any fears (deriving from the presence of the Duffer brothers, famed for Stranger Things, as producers) that some of the best actors in the business are about to be wasted on hokum are soon laid aside by an intelligent, witty script and a plot that nods to all the most entertaining monster tropes without being slavishly devoted to them.

Part Thursday Murder Club, part Stranger Things, The Boroughs may not sweep the board at the Emmys but it is an unexpectedly entertaining mix of adventure and wonder, drama and humour.

It’s The Goonies for senior citizens, full of warmth and never taking itself too seriously.

Never as intense as Stranger Things, but also never as surprising, The Boroughs charms while plucking the heartstrings as its characters, especially Sam, contend with grief, loss, and regret while displaying admirable resilience and a timeless respect for Bruce Springsteen.

The series is pretty terrific.

“The Boroughs” may feel like “Stranger Things” meets “Coccoon,” but that oversimplification is a disservice to what viewers get here. Even in moments that are shaggier than the 1960s carpets in their homes, the experience of this cast matters in carrying multiple genres at once.

Overall, it’s a fun ride with just enough emotional weight given to it by an excellent ensemble.