Cassandra: Netflix Review

Guten Morgen, Guten Morgen!

Cassandra – no ordinary AI assistant

Consider turning off your Alexa, as she is probably listening to everything, much like Cassandra.

"Cassandra" is a new Netflix limited series consisting of six episodes, exploring themes like AI, the misuse of technology, and family dynamics. Set in Germany, the narrative begins with a family moving into 'Germany's first ever Smart Home'. The house appears deserted and silent, except for the squeak of a mouse, until Cassandra—an AI home assistant—is repaired and activated, ready to serve the family and ensure they do not leave under any circumstances. Oh, and regarding that mouse mentioned earlier? Cassandra kills it upon activation, so don't grow too fond of it.

However, Cassandra is more than just wires and circuit boards. The show alternates between the present and the late 60s/early 70s, providing a glimpse into Cassandra's human origins and the unsettling – if not disturbing – sequence of events that lead to the current situation. It's a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, with barely any slow moments in the plot. If you enjoy thrillers with a dark (and somewhat retro) sci-fi twist, you'll love Cassandra.

Cassandra is undoubtedly a well-paced and well-plotted story, with the past and present skilfully interwoven while keeping the audience in suspense. However, there are occasional plot holes, mostly related to technology and the clear limitations of the 1970s compared to today. For instance, AI was nearly nonexistent in the 1970s, so there are some questions about small details concerning Cassandra's origins. These issues are minor in the overall context and seldom detract from the rising tension. Each episode ends with a compelling twist, gradually bringing the story closer to present reality and painting a more vividly terrifying picture of the past, pushing the viewer to question is Cassandra is really the villain here.

The actors' performances are visually stunning, particularly Lavinia Wilson as Cassandra, both in person and through the AI interface, achieved using nearly perfect facial recognition software. While I say nearly perfect, it suits the era from which the technology originated. Cassandra's image on nearly every monitor in 'her' home is somewhat glitchy, with her smile pixelating and her eyes blurring. We watched the show in English (dubbed), which feels a bit odd at first, but you quickly adapt. You can also watch it in German with English subtitles, of course. Interestingly, Cassandra relies very little on music and soundtrack, which often frustrates me in thrillers; being misled into thinking something is more intense due to the score (which has its purpose, of course) can detract from the rapidly unfolding plot. Cassandra rarely uses crescendos for jump-scares, opting instead for special effects and breathtaking cinematography. The costume design too, particularly the 1970's version of Cassandra compared to the cold colours of the characters in the modern day, is a nostalgic visual element, if not an excellent way to contrast easily between the two time periods.

When it comes to special effects, it's refreshing to see physical robots instead of CGI, with Cassandra's vintage robot form moving around the set, occasionally assisted by off-camera rails and some computerised effects. For instance, her robotic arms slice bread in a somewhat menacing manner. Indeed, Cassandra has several attachments, all intended for domestic tasks and certainly not for cutting off fingers or impaling anyone...

It's a nail-biting experience appropriate for audiences aged 15 and up, primarily due to its chilling elements and graphic scenes (such as a girl trapped in an oven – no spoilers!), as well as its exploration of deeper themes like child neglect and murder.

Exceptional writing, exceptional acting, and an increasingly thought-provoking watch with each new episode.

9.5 /10 amputated fingers

An Absolute Must Watch