What Is the Story About?
Just Beyond is a web series which is split up into 8 unique short stories, based on the graphic novels of the same name, written by acclaimed novelist, R.L. Stine.
Performances?
Since Just Beyond is an anthology TV series, there is no single artist alone to focus on. Pretty much everyone on the show is great. And it is true; every actor from each episode does a good job. Because the stories are short and concise, every onscreen performer needs to work together with each other and the crew to give us something worth remembering, so, yes – every onscreen performance is important. Mckenna Grace, Nasim Pedrad, Lexi Underwood, Jy Prishkulnik, Cyrus Arnold and many others deserve a mention for their performances on Just Beyond.
Analysis
This new anthology series is mainly targeted at children who are in middle school and high school. So each episode on Just Beyond provides a message of some kind – it is okay to be different, do not be afraid of something you don’t understand, learn to conquer your fears, be careful what you wish for, puberty is a natural process, etc. And while the show is for these children primarily, it still manages to give us unique stories to keep everyone who watches it interested. R.L. Stine’s writing is key and with Seth Grahame-Smith at the helm – the graphic novel series turned horror-thriller series is quite fun to watch.
And they do this by using R.L. Stine’s unique stories. The author is known for his ability to create brilliant horror stories targeted at children, and Just Beyond has used that premise for this show. His unique writing which alternates between wanting you to throw the book to a corner (because of its thrills/ scares) and keep reading (because of anticipation), the show keeps us glued to the screen as well. The show will likely not win many awards, but it is quite solid
However, the show does have a few negatives though. Each episode is fun and unique, the running theme is pretty much common in every episode – “There is nothing wrong in being unique”. While this message is solid, repeating it in 4 or 5 episodes in a row can get tedious to watch (making the aforementioned message a bit ironic). So, this show may be good – it is certainly not a bingeable one. Take your time and watch a couple of episodes at a time. Also, the high school setting gets a little tedious as each story comes and goes.
The show is unique in a similar manner as the Netflix show, ‘Love Sex & Robots’. Similar to the 18+ show, Just Beyond mixes up its 8 episodes for each user, so the order is not the same for everyone. This unique approach enhances the experience and makes it that much better.
Just Beyond is also a good example of how good casting, acting and crew performances come together to give us good work all around. The music, cinematography, screenplay, direction all deserve mentions, as much as its primary cast.
Overall, Just Beyond is a good, enjoyable TV series. While it may not be a bingeable show, it does manage to be one of those shows that makes you come back, to finish what you started.
Other Artists?
As mentioned earlier, every actor on screen gives us a good performance. There are no real side characters on the show, but Riki Lindhome and Elisha Henig are decent shout outs as supporting cast for this anthology series.
Music and Other Departments?
David Katzenberg, Marc Webb, Anna Mastro and Ryan Zaragoza – the directors of Just Beyond all deserve a mention for their work. The special effects team, production team, arts department, music, cinematography and editing all deserve praise as well. The showrunner, Seth Grahame-Smith, has found a good cast and crew team to make his vision of the R.L. Stine graphic novel series come to life – and it shows in the end product.
Highlights?
The Acting
Each Story Has A Unique Premises
Good Production Value
Drawbacks?
The Message Of Each Episode Feels Repetitive
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes. But watch one or two episodes at a time. The series can get a little repetitive if it is viewed in one sitting.
Just Beyond Review by Binged Bureau
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