TV: BEYONCÉ-INSPIRED 'SWARM': A DARK JOURNEY INTO THE MIND OF A STAN TURNED KILLER

BY IRVIN RIVERA

Now that the Beyonce’s Renaissance world tour is about to conclude soon in New Orleans, I guess it’s nice to look back at this underrated, captivating show that premiered on Amazon Prime Video last March 2023- SWARM. I've got to admit, I'm still reeling from the jaw-dropping experience that I had with the show. This Amazon Prime Video gem, tucked away from the usual mainstream buzz, was an absolute wild ride!

At the heart of "SWARM" is Andrea "Dre" Greene, brought to life with sheer brilliance by Dominique Fishback. Her portrayal is like a siren's call that draws you into this eerie world of obsession and mayhem. You'll find yourself strangely addicted to this show, and yes, I must confess, I became a stan for Dominique. I became stan watching a stan-turned-murderer.

The show's premise, an exploration of fan obsession turned serial killing, is as disturbing as it is engrossing. Janine Nabers and Donald Glover's character study is nothing short of masterful. It's a reflection on our culture of idolization and the dark, twisted corners and dark alleyways it can lead people into. "SWARM" delves deep into this disturbing rabbit hole, painting a picture of attachment, survival, and the relentless pursuit of one's goals on a grand scale.

What really sets "SWARM" apart is its impeccable production. The direction, cinematography, and soundtrack create an atmosphere that's both visually striking and psychologically haunting. But let's talk about Dominique Fishback again – her performance is the linchpin of this series. No wonder she earned that Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress.

The thing is, this show isn't just a tale of a killer grappling with their own demons; it's a sharp critique of modern fandom. It's here that the show treads a fine line. While it offers a fascinating look at the dark side of standom, it's hard to ignore the glaring Beyoncé influence in Ni'Jah. It sometimes feels like an unintentional jab at the Beyhive, which could have been handled a little bit more delicately, if anything.

Despite its occasional hiccups, "SWARM" has several moments of brilliance. It seamlessly weaves real-world Beyoncé lore into its fictional narrative, adding a layer of humor that's genuinely enjoyable. But, if I'm being honest, there's a feeling that it falls just short of true greatness, which is a real shame because it's teetering on the edge.

Now, let's talk about those undeniably memorable performances and cameos. Billie Eilish's turn as Eva, the cult leader, was a standout, making for one of my favorite episodes. Her portrayal as a manipulative leader was solid and just a tad creepy. And when Paris Jackson steps into the scene as Hailey, it's an intriguing twist. Kiersey Clemons as Rashida, Dre’s girlfriend adds a layer of complexity and a breath of fresh air amidst the darkness of this series’ world.

So, is "SWARM" worth your precious binge-watching time? Absolutely, especially if you're drawn to series that peel back the layers of an obsessed serial killer's mind. It’s a dark and mesmerizing world to