The Midwich Cuckoos: Sky’s new sci-fi is a touch too budget-Doctor Who to be compelling

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REVIEW: While John Wyndham’s 1957 science fiction novel about the alien invasion of an English village produced two movies, three radio series and countless tributes and riots, strangely enough there has never been a TV adaptation of The Midwich Cuckoos – until now.

Audiences may be divided on whether whimsical children never go out of fashion (or ever offer entertaining looks), but the timing of this seventh-part British series is more than a little haunting given the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent controversial “majority opinion” “about pregnancy within their population.

Updated to modern times by The Night Manager and Hanna TV series writer David Farr, this version begins with the quiet, historic town of Midwich still cherishing the glory of the sixth best place in Britain for raising children.

After a nightmare-like look at a couple trying to flee between military patrols and being caught by an accusing primary school pupil, we are flown back five years to the excitement of Zoe (Aisling Loftus) and Sam (Ukweli Roach) to pick up their keys. first house together.

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This is the same day that aspiring politician Stewart McLean (Mark Dexter) has an important “campaign meeting” with one of his staff, while his wife Sarah (Amy Cudden) visits family psychologist Dr. Susannah Zellaby (Keely Hawes) with their daughter to to help her overcome her anxiety.

In turn, Susannah is somewhat in conflict over a trip to London that night for a rare appointment. Leaving the difficult 23-year-old daughter Cassie (Synnove Karlsen) alone at home weighs on her mind, but the latter assures her that all will be well.

However, as the afternoon progresses, the power in a small area around Midwich Prep School begins and the local stables become increasingly unreliable. The horses become restless and bird life erratic in their movements.

Then, as the night falls, the random pulses become a complete eclipse, with no communication possible in or out. So when Susannah tries to call to let Cassie know the trains are not running, she fails to get an answer and runs to the nearest taxi rank.

However, her progress is halted at the town border, where a police roadblock has been set up. No one is allowed further due to reports that anyone trying to enter the affected area has been immediately made unconscious.

All they can do now is wait – and hope – that this strange phenomenon will pass quickly – without casualties.

While this solid piece of disturbing sci-fi is being dragged into the 21st century in a suggestive way, it all feels a little too heavy. This UK Sky series, which spans seven hours, reminds one of a classic Doctor was story, rather than something truly contemporary and captivating.

It does not help Farr to telegraph and conceive of many of the “big moments” and twists and turns, with a lot of touch of bellies indicating that the cliffhanger ends with episode one.

And while the ensemble cast is captivating, it feels like there are almost too many storylines – at least initially – to really make you care about their fate.

The Midwich Cuckoos are now available to stream on Neon and Sky Go. Episodes will also debut on SoHo, Sundays at 9:30 p.m., starting July 10th.