Kaleidoscope is a Netflix original miniseries of 8 episodes released on New Year’s Day 2023. It follows a group as they plan the heist of the century. The show was written by Eric Garcia, with Giancarlo Esposito portraying Leo Pap, the heist group’s leader.

Initial Thoughts | Pre-Viewing Thoughts

So, Kaleidoscope came into my orbit when I was scrolling through Instagram one day near the start of December 2022. I know Netflix has done an interactive show, so when I heard this show could be watched in any order and the story would still make sense, I was up for it.

This concept is what made the show a definite watch. From what I’ve gathered from small whisperings I’ve seen online (I’ve been trying to avoid as much as possible), it follows a group of people trying to pull off a robbery/heist. That’s all I really know.

As this show is different, claiming that regardless of viewing order, the story will make sense, but the perspective will change, I’ve got some help from family. I’m going to write a post discussing the results. Still, essentially my sisters, Mum and I are going to watch Kaleidoscope in different orders, then answer some questions before discussing it together and see how our perspective differs. We’ve ensured we aren’t watching the episodes in the same order. 

Plot

The plot was okay. It was a typical heist storyline. 

“It’s going to be the biggest heist that’s ever been. We must be careful, in and out, no funny business.” 

And it lived up to that. It was interesting to see the new advancements that were introduced for security. And the complexity of the system meant so many moving parts, which additionally made it enjoyable. 

The individual storylines were intriguing. The constant wondering how everyone came together or how they knew each other helped the storyline. The backstory gave insight into the characters but never went off on a tangent. It was always relevant to the heist.

Attraction

The attraction to this miniseries was how Netflix advertised it as a story that could be entered and exited in whatever order you wanted. So, naturally, I went at this series by using a randomiser.

I was surprised to find out that even though I watched Episode Yellow first, then right after Episode White, the story made sense. Seeing how everything made sense after two episodes, even though I was missing so much information, I could still follow along easily.

As I watched more episodes, I found the questions I had answered, with Episode Violet, my last episode offering the final piece of the puzzle. 

I’m looking forward to seeing how people’s opinions of the story differ depending on the order they watch them. I have two family member’s watching the show differently so that I can hear their differing opinions.

Theme

For the theme of a heist, the concept was nailed. It was well executed, with the heist being the continuous forethought of every action in the story. Every episode was linked to that single point in time, which was terrific.

It was like watching all the key points of history occurring to create the final outcome eventually.

Acting

The acting in this was brilliant. Jai Country, who portrayed Bob, and Tati Gabrielle, who portrayed Hannah, were my two favourite on-screen performances. 

Jai portrayed the “absolute prick of the group” character perfectly. He constantly amazed me each time he was on screen. Even as he walked on screen with his first words, I felt my whole body agree that he would be a twisted character. And he was! Jai seriously did terrific with this character!

Tati also stunned me each and every time. In the first episode I saw, I got whiplash trying to figure Hannah out. Tati was able to give Hannah this aura of sweetness, kindness and innocence while also being cutthroat and able to hold her own regardless of who stood in her way. Tati gave Hannah the beautiful elegance that matched her sharp intelligence beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed every second she was on screen.

Additionally, Austin Elle Fisher, who played young Hannah, was able to capture the essence of the character and match with Tati so well! I was so impressed with her that I forgot that I was watching a show and that this wasn’t just a younger Tati.

Cinematography 

Throughout the series, I was amazed by how good the cinematography was. It gave classic old heist film vibes, which perfectly fit the concept and set the mood for each episode and the series.

Some shots were also just so satisfying to see that a few times, I went back a few seconds just to appreciate what I had seen fully!

Editing/Pacing

The editing and pacing was good. The story kept moving at a continuous steady pace. There was no point where it felt like the story was being dragged out to make up for the time. 

I appreciated that some episodes were longer or shorter, depending on the story needed. Some episodes did need a slightly longer time to explore everything needed during their section in the story for things to feel complete and make sense, especially since there were about eight individual storylines to follow up to the present day.

Did I enjoy it?

Kaleidoscope was okay. I wanted to switch to something else but ultimately enjoyed the story after finishing all the episodes.

Conclusion/My Opinion

Overall, Kaleidoscope was a good heist show with an attractive pull. I liked the idea of watching it in any order, and I’m excited to see how the different orders affect people’s points of view. Will they think the same of some characters as I do? Did their opinions change?

Information & Rating

Rating: 5/7

Where Did I Watch?: Netflix UK

Date Watched: Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th January 2023

Show: Kaleidoscope 

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 9

Original Release Date: 1st January 2023

BBFC/UK Age Rating: 15

Director(s): Mairzee Almas | Everardo Gout | José Padilha

Writer(s): Eric Garcia

Main Cast: Paz Vega | Rosaline Elbay | Peter Mark Kendall | Giancarlo Esposito | Rufus Sewell | Jai Courtney | Tati Gabrielle

Native Language: English

Sub/Dub: Has Both | Used Neither

Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller,