Ratched

Ratched is an American psychological thriller television series developed by Evan Romansky and produced by Ryan Murphy, known for previous successful ventures like "American Horror Story" and "Glee." Released on Netflix in 2020, Ratched serves as a prequel for the character Nurse Ratched, a name that may be familiar to cinema enthusiasts as the infamous nurse from the classic novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" by Ken Kesey and its 1975 film adaptation.

Set in Northern California in the mid-20th century, the series dives into the story of this iconic nurse, Mildred Ratched. The story starts in 1947, just as Mildred begins her journey in the mental health field. Upon finding work at a leading psychiatric establishment, she presents herself as a dedicated nurse but complex layers to her personality gradually unfurl.

Throughout its episodes, the series paints an engaging, somewhat disturbing picture of the American mental health care system of the time using colourful period-centric designs. The show effectively blends elements of psychological suspense with the raw reality of medical horrors, all illustrated with a pinch of Murphy's signature dark humor. Drawing viewers in from the first episode, Ratched skillfully balances the sordid and the thought-provoking aspects of its plot.

Sarah Paulson stars as the titular nurse and her performance has garnered widespread critical acclaim. Paulson, having worked with Ryan Murphy on several prior projects, including "American Horror Story," once more brings a breathtaking performance showcasing Nurse Ratched’s manipulative and cold-hearted attributes. But she also leaves room for an empathetic understanding, delving into the nurse’s vulnerabilities and the formative experiences that shaped her.

Loaded with an impressive ensemble, each actor gives a commendable performance, adding layers to the narrative. Notable mentions include Cynthia Nixon, Judy Davis, Sharon Stone, and Finn Wittrock. They each breathe life into the complex characters sketched by Romansky and developed by Murphy. The elaborate characterization, blended with intriguing acting dynamics, ensures viewers continue to feel emotionally invested throughout the series.

Even though the show lives in the category of psychological thriller, its detailed and glamorous visual presentation shouldn't be overlooked. Its vibrant colour palette reflects the era and the luxurious settings aid in creating a visually appealing contrast with the brutal realities that form the show's backbone. Cinematic shots, eye-catching costumes characteristic of the post-war period, and a haunting soundtrack all work in tandem to orchestrate a palpable atmosphere of suspense and style.

One merit of Ratched is its profound commentary on mental health and psychiatric care system of the period. The series uses its dark and disturbing plot to critically examine the practices of the time, and the systemic flaws which abound therein. Much of the narrative's tension stems from the horrifying treatments administered to the patients, recalling a time when knowledge about mental health was frighteningly limited and approach to therapy was anything but therapeutic.

Narratively, Ratched employs a combination of linear storytelling interspersed with revealing flashbacks, effectively delving into the backgrounds and motivations of its characters. Through these devices, the series works to instill a nuanced understanding of Mildred Ratched, and why she becomes the chilling character familiar to fans of Kesey’s novel and the subsequent movie.

Amidst criticisms for its depiction of mental health and criticism for not living up to the iconic nature of Nurse Ratched’s character from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” the show has been highly praised for its performances, stylish aesthetic, and atmospheric storytelling. It neatly packages mystery, suspense, drama, and horror into a visually striking series that holds viewers' attention.

In essence, Ratched is a daring exploration of a classic, complex character under a modern lens. While it offers gore and suspense characteristic to the genre, it is more than standard horror fare. It explores the origins of a character known for her cruelty, crafting a narrative that's both unsettling and compelling. Its visual grandeur combined with distinguished acting, and occasional doses of dark humor ensure entertainment, while also providing a retrospective of human psychology and the dark corners of psychiatric care in the mid 20th century.

In a nutshell, Ratched, with its story of fascinating characters, signature murkiness, and rich aesthetics, is a tantalizing journey catering to both psychological thriller and period drama lovers.