One of the most complicated novels written was penned by Octavia E. Butler and that novel is “Kindred.” Although wrapped in science-fiction, sort of, it’s believable. Part of the story takes place in the antebellum South and involves the miserable lives of enslaved Africans and the twisted world of white slaveholders. Here, a slave bounces between timelines; one in contemporary times and the other, in the aforementioned South.
The fantasy works because the reality works because both are fantastical. It’s been 43 years since the book was published and the mini-series (eight-episode season) was made for FX and is available on Hulu.
Here’s the story. Dana James (Mallori Johnson) dreams of becoming a writer for television. The year is 2016 and the location is Los Angeles. Then without warning, she is sucked into the year 1815. The location is a Maryland plantation and she’s only summoned when Rufus Weylin (David Alexander Kaplan), the young son of a plantation owner, is in mortal danger.
Time for Dana is compressed, especially when she’s living in the past. This naturally highlights the suspenseful nature of the story.
“Kindred” was developed by playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (“Octoroon”). In the novel, Dana is married to a white man, Kevin Franklin (Micah Stock), but in the limited series, they are just beginning to date. Adding a modern touch are the steadfast relatives who tend to stay in your business (Eisa Davis and Charles Parnell). We all have them. And there are also the two neighbors (Brooke Bloom and Louis Cancelmi) who represent white privilege and growing paranoia.
The realities of slavery are shown here with the constant threat of violence hanging like an ax over the head of one accused. You can feel the oppressiveness, especially on the Weylin plantation. The mistress (Gayle Rankin) is usually hysterical. The master (Ryan Kwanten) is verbally cruel but rarely demonstrates physical violence. Perhaps this will manifest in future episodes/seasons. The first season ends with one of the novel’s more impactful acts of violence, no spoiler alerts here.
Most of the cast are up-and-comers and solid performers. One of the most interesting and lively characters is played by Eisa Davis (Dana’s aunt), a woman with a heart of gold.
“Kindred” touches on the themes explored in the novel, but what I like is that you believe these two worlds exist and that Dana is in need of our help, too.