'Obsession' series review: How graphic sex scenes elevate 'storytelling' in Netflix miniseries
Mild spoilers ahead for Netflix's 'Obsession'.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix has finally released the steamy and erotic series 'Obsession'. The four-episode mini-series tackles the unconventional sexual affair between William, a family man and respected doctor, and Anna, the fiance of his son, Jay Farrow. The Netflix show does not hold back in portraying the sensual chapters of William and Anna throughout the series. This, however, raises the question, of whether sex is a hindrance or an advantage in the progression of the whole show. Let us find out.
Directed by Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn, Netflix's 'Obsession' stars Richard Armitage as William Farrow and Charlie Murphy as Anna Barton as the main leads. The series also stars Rish Shah as Jay Farrow, Indira Varma as Ingrid, Sonera Angel as Sally Farrow, Anil Goutam as Edward and Pippa Bennett-Warner as Peggy.
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'Obsession' on Netflix Review: Dark erotic mini-series delivers what it promised
The steamy sexual adventure in 'Obsession'
Netflix does not hold back in showing some of the most unapologetic sexual scenes in the show. Being an erotic thriller, 'Obsession' stays true to its genre by having several chapters of sexual adventures and nudity throughout the series. Be warned, there are several full-frontal nudity in the series. But, it is the steamy physical pleasure between Anna and William that drives the plot of the show and it is through this couple that we get to see some of the most intricate and sexually forward scenes. Starting with Anna's friend's flat, 'Obsession' gets explicit, with both main characters exploring each other bodies several times. They take on their love-making session beyond the flat as well. From Paris to an outside garden, the sexually charged couple cannot keep their hands to themselves. And these sex scenes serve not only as a selling point for the show but also as one to drive out the entire plot of the show. It is because of their sexual encounters that we were able to learn about Anna's abusive past and it is their sexual encounters that lead to the Farrows family break up. Instead of using the sex montage scenes as fillers throughout the series, 'Obsession' tries to take on a different approach by using sex as a storytelling tool.
A sexually-forward approach
Another interesting point to be noted is that Netflix's 'Obsession' explores the concept of a sexually forward woman, through Anna. While the sexual exploration of a woman is still considered taboo and less explored, 'Obsession' breaks on that stereotype with Anna exploring the wild side of sex. It is Anna, who makes the first move towards William and it is Anna who gives William the power to own her. Anna and William indulge in some '50 Shades of Gray' type activities. Anna wants to widen her sexual horizon with William and she continues to fulfil her wishes by meeting up with William in her friend Peggy's flat and enjoying the sexual bliss. She even writes down her sexual adventures in her personal diary. Anna's characterisation does not justify her behaviour but most importantly does not shames her character either.
The irretrievable damage in Netflix's 'Obsession'
On the other hand, it is because of sex that each of the major characters meets their downfall. William gets smitten with Anna and grows an obsession towards her. He constantly wants to meet her and touch her. This leads him to lose his good-natured character and he starts to behave like a stalker. William and Anna engage in several BDSM activities and after each sexual encounter with Anna, William's obsession grows further. Jay walks in on William and Anna, while they were having sex, and which leads to Jay's ultimate death. And as for Anna, she loses Jay (literally) because she could not keep her hands off of William even after getting engaged. Sex surely has done some irretrievable damage in 'Obsession'.
Though the sex scenes of this show led to the downfall of William and Anna as a whole, the intricate sex scenes from the show have created the intended impact for the narration of the story. It helps the plot to move forward and blended with the layered core plot. Thus, sex is indeed an advantage to the Netflix show 'Obsession' as a whole.
All four episodes of 'Obsession' is available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
