Snakes & Ladders Season 1 Review: A Captivating Crime Game Where Thrill Takes Precedence Over Reasoning.
Synopsis: After four children inadvertently engage in criminal activity, they explore various methods to conceal their actions. However, akin to their ascent via ladders, ominous snakes are hidden in the shadows.
Review: In Amazon Prime Video’s nine-episode series Snakes and Ladders, each character is crafted with intention and precision, occasionally to an excessive degree. The interconnectedness of most characters with the narrative compels viewers to observe the unfolding crime. Nevertheless, when every seemingly trivial action is designed to yield a specific outcome, certain scenes can come across as merely convenient narrative decisions—clever yet overly convenient..
A school student named Ghilli inadvertently finds himself involved in a crime, prompting his friends Irai, Sandi, and Bala to intervene and conceal the incident. However, they quickly discover that they have become embroiled in a far more complex situation that includes their parents, local law enforcement, and even perilous criminals. While the reasons for the children's hesitation to report to the authorities are best understood through viewing the series, they are both compelling and emotionally resonant, fostering an immediate bond with the young characters. The narrative also delves into the influence of parent-child dynamics on the youth. For example, when a young boy witnesses his father, whom he idolizes, committing theft, it profoundly affects him. Notably, creators Kamala Alchemis and Dhivakar Kamal choose to extend the story with a poignant dialogue between the father and son.
The antagonists may not appear particularly menacing on the surface, despite the earnest performances by Naveen Chandra and Vettai Muthukumar. This seems to be a deliberate choice, as it allows for the incorporation of rich dark humor, which serves as a hallmark of the series. Each reaction and consequence stemming from serious situations is infused with humor, creating a unique viewing experience. Thus, even in moments of distress, such as a young girl experiencing continuous bleeding or the excavation of a corpse, viewers may find themselves feeling emotional one moment and laughing the next, often before they even realize it.
As the situation escalates, the children begin to resist. However, the series tends to overlook several critical aspects. Initially, when Ghilli makes a mistake, he finds himself alone at home, forced to confront the issue by himself. In subsequent scenarios, the adults appear largely oblivious and absent. For example, Irai’s younger brother frequently wanders the house wielding a hammer, yet no family member reprimands him. This behavior ultimately has significant implications later on, raising questions about its rationale. Similarly, each time a corpse is unearthed, a new clue conveniently surfaces, suggesting that the creators resort to burying their next plot twist when they lack direction. Additionally, whenever gunfire occurs, a loud sound blares from the television, creating distractions through such convenient choices. Nevertheless, the strong character development, the bond of friendship among the children, the intrigue surrounding their next actions, and the series' dark comedic elements foster a deep investment in these characters and their experiences, allowing viewers to overlook the inconsistencies and relish the small pleasures of the narrative.
🎬 Movie: Snakes & Ladders Season 1
📅 Year: 2024 -
🔊 League: Tamil
🔅 IMDB: 7.5
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Written by: JD