Soundtrack

Netflix's Soundtrack, which debuted in 2019, is a one-of-a-kind musical drama that explores the defining moments in people's lives, all set to iconic hits and original compositions. Produced by "Gossip Girl" and "Smash" creator Josh Safran, the show uses an innovative narrative format to tell stories of love, loss, ambition, and resilience, and seeks to demonstrate the inherently pivotal role that music plays in our journeys and everyday experiences.

At the core of this 10-episode series is the intertwining love story of two struggling Los Angelinos - Nellie O'Brien (Callie Hernandez) and Samson Hughes (Paul James). Nellie, an aspiring writer from Kansas, navigates the trials and tribulations of her personal life while trying to make her dreams come true in the City of Angels. Samson, a widower and single father, faces his own set of challenges as he tries to build a better life for his young son. The viewer is taken through their poignant journey of self-discovery, woven through flashbacks, with music forming an integral aspect of their narrative.

One unique facet of Soundtrack is that the characters don't literally sing the songs; instead, they lip-sync. The show uses both the original artists' renditions as well as contemporary recordings to give a visual and sonic representation of the characters' emotions and experiences. This imaginative and emotionally rich melodrama features well-known music from many genres and decades, creating a unique soundscape that accompanies these character's stories, striking a chord, no pun intended, with viewers who appreciate a well-curated playlist and storytelling through tunes.

Soundtrack steps away from the realms of the usual formulaic musical dramas and walks into a more complex and meditative space. The episodes oscillate between the past and the present, exploring pivotal moments in each character's life and the role music played during these times. Its distinct style offers a more profound form of storytelling where significant moments are expressed through song and dance routines, further intensifying the depth of these experiences.

The cast also includes other talented actors like Madeleine Stowe, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Jahmil French. Their stories, layered with complexities from their pasts, weave in and out of the central romance, adding dimension and variety to the narrative structure. Notably, the ensemble's excellent performances bring an authentic essence to the show, breathing life into its vivid, music-infused Los Angeles backdrop.

Despite the musical component's dominance, Soundtrack is very much a story about the individual journeys of its characters. It beautifully portrays the spectrum of human emotions, painting portraits of love, heartbreak, grief, ambition, and resilience in its narrative tapestry. The characters' relationships are deeply explored, perils and triumphs are laid bare, and every decision or turning point is intensified through the distraction-free delivery of the coordinated dances and well-known lyrics.

Thematically, Soundtrack tackles substantial issues from economic hardships and cultural diversity to parental rights and mourning. It serves as a contemporary take on the diverse challenges encountered by individuals while aspiring to achieve their dreams, reflecting the highs and lows of life in a humbling and touching manner, all tied together with its music-centric narrative approach.

Furthermore, the series builds a unique relationship with its viewers, allowing them to relive their own memories, connect with the characters, and furthermore, the music itself. It's a show that uses music not just as a backdrop but as a tool to dive deep into the nuances of human experiences.

In essence, Soundtrack is a show that may not be everybody's cup of tea due its abstract narrative approach, but for those who enjoy an emotion-driven storyline punctuated by musical compositions, Soundtrack organically blends these elements and creates a compelling viewing experience. Its narrative is intricate, it characters are well-textured, its themes are resonating, and it is worth the watch for anyone who appreciates music as more than just a series of notes strung together, but rather, as the soundtrack of one's life.