If there ever was a time to break out some neon spandex, status quo facial glitter and blast some Tina Turner while you strut around your bedroom like it's nobody's business, now would be it, because the new Netflix Original series GLOW will rouse your inner vixen whether you like it or not.
GLOW stands for Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling and is a fictionalised reboot of the 1986 hit series, brought you by the creators of Orange is the New Black. Set in the 80s, the spirited show reeks innocence and grit from the get-go as the audience is introduced to a variety of characters that wear their hearts, and their personal vendettas, on their sleeves. Alison Brie (Mad Men, How to Be Single) is Ruth, an uptight know-it-all actress who is sick of playing roles that diminish women's worth. In hopes of landing a
worthwhile role, she attends an open audition for what she soon learns is an all-female wrestling show (that adopts the same name as its series), and it takes a while for Ruth to shake her trained actress background in order to embrace all that GLOW is. Brie's talent shines through the viperous atmosphere of the wrestling premise and her platonic chemistry with GLOW's director Sam (Marc Maron) counteracts his cynicism and brutal honesty. In the same vein of OITNB, GLOW leads with an dominant female cast that houses an abundance of SheHulks, SheWolves, too-good princesses and street rats who learn to put aside their creative differences and embrace their flaws, while still maintaining that balance of sugar and spice.
Despite them constantly being beaten down - both metaphorically and literally - the women of GLOW also have a unique way of crafting the show so that it projects an upbeat, feel-good vibe.
The first five instalments of the ten episode season are slow, subconsciously cautious of ticking boxes that sees the adequate character development that drives the fast-moving second half. Nevertheless, GLOW stands out with a dazzling premise that is exclusive and far removed from the mainstream soap operatic series that takes over television today. It's still hard to imagine audiences clamouring in awe of the show just yet, but with the season finale's open ended conclusion, audiences may be intrigued just enough to sit tight in anticipation of a second season.
Rating: ★★★
Creators: Liz Flahive, Carly Mensch
Stars: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel
Watch the trailer here