"The Changeling: A Nightmarish and Pretentious Thriller That Misses the Mark"

Apple TV+'s adaptation of Victor LaValle's novel "The Changeling" fails to effectively bring together the elements of Norwegian fairy tales, the Black American experience, Ugandan traditions, and magical folklore. The series, told from the perspective of protagonist Apollo Kagwa (played by LaKeith Stanfield), struggles to ground the narrative in themes of memory, parenthood, and childhood. With an overwhelming amount of exposition and a lack of explanation, the show leaves viewers with more questions than answers, resulting in a baffling and disjointed viewing experience.