Quick Read
- Geena Davis stars in the hit Netflix series The Boroughs.
- The show explores aging and grief through a supernatural lens.
- Davis recently shared a story about George Clooney’s past frustration over losing a role to Brad Pitt.
The Resurgence of a Cinematic Icon
Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis is currently at the center of a major cultural moment as the Netflix mystery-thriller The Boroughs, produced by the Duffer Brothers, captures global audiences. The series, which blends supernatural horror with the poignant realities of aging, has trended at the top of streaming charts, providing a platform for an ensemble cast that includes Davis, Alfred Molina, and Alfre Woodard.
Institutional Success and Genre-Bending Narrative
The Boroughs has been praised for its departure from traditional supernatural tropes. Creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews designed the show to explore themes of grief, mortality, and the human desire for permanence, all set within a deceptively serene retirement community in New Mexico. The show’s success is largely attributed to the Duffer Brothers’ creative influence, which has woven a complex, multi-layered mystery that keeps viewers engaged while maintaining deep emotional resonance.
The series marks a significant reunion for Davis and Bill Pullman, who previously starred as husband and wife in the 1992 classic A League of Their Own. Pullman noted the unique chemistry of the cast, stating, “I think back to when I was at a point where I didn’t trust being involved with television. But this one, ‘Oh Jesus, sign me up.’”
Historical Context and Career Reflections
Amidst the current success of The Boroughs, interest in Davis’s historical contributions to film has spiked. During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Davis discussed her pivotal role in the 1991 film Thelma & Louise. She famously advocated for Brad Pitt to be cast as J.D., a decision that launched his career but famously caused lasting resentment in George Clooney, who was a finalist for the same role.
“I got on a plane, and the flight staff was waiting at the entrance to the plane for me expectantly, and they said, ‘Guess who you’re sitting next to? George Clooney,’” Davis recounted. Clooney later confessed to Davis his frustration, stating, “I hate that Brad Pitt… because he got the part in Thelma & Louise.” This anecdote highlights the high stakes of Hollywood casting and the long-lasting impact of Davis’s professional influence on the industry’s trajectory.
The Future of The Boroughs
As The Boroughs concludes its first season, showrunners are already teasing plans for a three-season arc. The finale, which features a profound exploration of life and death, has left fans with lingering questions regarding the “glitching” reflection of the protagonist, Sam, played by Alfred Molina. With the show’s current momentum, the creators are optimistic about expanding the supernatural mythology established in the first eight episodes, focusing on the mysterious “Cave of Wonders” and the underlying secrets of the retirement community.
The success of The Boroughs serves as a testament to the enduring power of veteran performers in the streaming era. By anchoring a genre-bending narrative in the authentic experiences of aging and grief, Davis and her colleagues have demonstrated that mature, character-driven stories can command the same level of cultural influence as high-budget blockbuster spectacles. As the industry continues to evolve, the ability of established stars to pivot into complex, serialized storytelling remains a critical driver of audience engagement and critical acclaim.