From creator and executive producer, Patrick Somerville and director Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective and Beasts of No Nation) comes a thrilling Netflix limited series about a facility-run drug trial, in a bid to eradicate human pain. Based on the Norweigan television series of the same name, Academy-Award winner Emma Stone and Jonah Hill triumph with their characters Annie and Owen striking an unusual connection.





In the first episode, we establish why both Annie and Owen want to participate in such a risky pharmaceutical trial. We understand from the outset, that mental illness drives their characters to such drastic approaches, with Owen's egotistic wealthy family who make him feel invisible and Annie's "inner demons" of her past. And of course, the pioneers of the drug trial, Dr Azumi Fujita played by Sonoya Mizuno (Crazy Rich Asians) and Dr James Mantleray played by Justin Theroux (who we don't meet until episode 2) miraculously share an odd bit of chemistry. It does have a very 80s vibe to it especially with Theroux's character, but evidently highlighting that even the so-called professionals have personal problems too.





Maniac is visibly an insight into the American mental health crisis and this drug trial is an attempt to save "billions" of people, according to Azumi constantly saying this which is seemingly repetitive. However, Owen and Annie's journey is one rollercoaster during the trial. In episode 2 alone, we learn of Annie's traumatic past involving her baby sister Ellie played by Julia Garner (The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Ozark), with a turbulent car crash the resulted in the death of her. Clearly, Annie's guilt significantly carries her through this drug trial where Ellie occasionally pops up in her simulated self.





Further, into the series, Owen and Annie begin to connect and overlap each other's simulated journeys within the drug trial. Which to Azumi's surprise begins a conflict of interest with her attempt to separate the two constantly and failing miserably. The computer running the trial, GRTA (programmed with elements of Sally Field's character Dr. Greta Mantleray, also James' mother), still mournful of Dr Robert Muramoto's, played by Rome Kanda death which seems to be brushed aside straight away. This probably fuels GRTA's strange behaviour as the series progresses, eventually leading to Annie being tricked in episode 7 to have the option of "staying" with her sister. And can we note, Emma Stone's iconic British accent (even if it was a bit bizarre), it blended well with its LOTR/Hobbit inspired episode!!





In the finale, Owen and Annie and the other subjects finish their simulated drug trial, and we learn how these 2 characters have similar pain and use one another to get through it. When Owen's family put him into a mental facility after telling the truth in a sexual assault court case involving his brother, Jed Milgrim played by Billy Magnussen (Into the Woods and Game Night), where he was told to lie. Obviously, his mental illness is brought up in the case regarding his schizophrenia, which puts his testimony into question which was harsh to watch.





When Annie learns of Owen's other facility placement in a local newspaper she attempts to save him and successfully does! Expressing how friendship can be formed in unlikely ways, and that mental health affects pretty much everyone, whether they like to admit it or not. Stone's portrayal of Annie's persistence to help Owen sheds a light on those who may feel like they have nobody to help. There's no doubt Stone and Hill will excel in the Limited Series categories in the next awards season for Maniac, if perhaps not? This will be very surprising, to say the least.





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