THE MOSQUITO COAST (2021) – A spellbinding and treacherous family adventure
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

This Apple Plus original series is yet another example of TV drama at its best. Based on the celebrated best selling novel by Paul Theroux first published in 1981. This was later made into a movie starring Harrison Ford in 1986. While the movie version followed closely to the plot and spirit of the novel, don’t expect to find any resemblance in this new TV adaptation, leaving probably just the title that they have in common.
Deviating from the original source in such an extreme manner is not necessarily a bad thing if done well. It is just the distraction that it may have should a viewer who is familiar with the source may have reconceived expectations on the tale. They may be purists and feel ouraged that the story has changed (and expanded) so much beyond recognition. Fortunately I do not fall under this category so I am able to completely immerse myself into the amazing adventure and tale of an American family fleeing the country to find their dream place. To make things difficult for our family, they are met with all sorts of ocstacles and being pursued by the law as well as the underground criminals in the form of the Mexican cartel.
Some fun facts to share about this series is that the author Paul Theroux is actually the uncle to our main star, Justin Theroux, who by the way does a great job in the leading role as Allie the father. Both Theroux’s also serve as Executive Producers to the series which indicates their personal commitment and belief in the project. Apart from the overall excellent performances from the entire cast, what stood out for me in the series is its amazing photography. The camera often pans across the beautiful barren landscapes of Arizona and Mexico and location shoots at unusual angles, that would just simply take your breath away. Such detailed and creative use of the camera is rarely observed in movies much less on a TV series. This visual spectacle compliments the story so well and manages to make the whole series feel like a class above anything we have any right to expect on the small screen.
The plot involvement of hot pursuit by police and later the cartel is riveting stuff. Supporting characters are also well fleshed out to make them memorable and people whom viewers would identify with. The social commentary on the corrupted state of American culture and values which was pivotal to the novel’s theme is still as relevant today as it was 40 years ago when it was first published.
My only complaint is that the background story on why the family is being chased by the law is still only hinted at and not fully disclosed even at the final episode. This is annoying and in some ways alienate the viewer from fully comprehending the family’s motivation. The Theroux’s seem to have big plans for the series and have expanded the original novel by so much that they are able to stretch the story out to multiple seasons. This first season with 7 episodes ends at a good logical stop point. Thankfully there isn’t any cliff hanger which will help makes it easier for us to wait another year before we can continue the journey with the family.