Maniac: Episode 2 "Windmills"

 Maniac: Episode 2 "Windmills"

“Windmills” drastically improves from Maniac’s first episode. It still is a bit long and clunky but has some interesting characters. No offense to Jonah Hill, but Emma Stone’s Annie character has a better story because she has an emotional, more traumatic background. Although both characters are antisocial, I would rather see Annie’s outbursts rather than Owen’s depression. There are some absolutely bonkers and funny moments such as Annie’s line, “but I am a recreational drug user” (check out the context of this line), Annie’s friend playing chess with a robotic koala, and Fujita reading William Blake poems to the drug study’s machine named GRTA. Cary Fukanaga has a keen mind and does a good job turning weirdness into something that is relatable.

In this episode, this story runs parallel to Owen’s adventure in the premiere. Annie steals money from her father to visit her sister in Salt Lake City and she is very keen on taking this mysterious drug. She blackmails this poor lady to get her into the drug study that both she and Owen are in. As the study begins, Drug A is a drug that has its users recall traumatic memories. Told in flashback, we see how Annie and her sister Ellie (played wonderfully by one of the best young actresses today, Julia Garner) get into a fight that almost ends their relationship. As they try to make up while driving, a truck slams into the car. We do not get a clear answer what happened to Ellie, but I would not judge if you thought she died.

Overall, this is a great episode. It is funny, but also has some highly emotional moments. Once the study began, I became very curious about what will happen next. The machine, GRTA is giving me some 2001: A Space Odyssey vibes. I am also curious to see how the drugs will affect the minds of Owen and Annie and their relationship with one another. Also, Julia Garner has the best elf voice. Maybe a fantasy film/series is in line for her? I continue to love the production design. And that video with Justin Theroux’s character narrates? He seems like an interesting character. Will we meet him soon?

My Grade: A-

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