A Preview of ‘Chloe’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Something that is genuinely fascinating about our modern world, is how people are suddenly eager to lose themselves within worlds that were previously unknown to them. A feat that is being accomplished by way of technology, since the internet and its vast information, along with the power of social media… are allowing for us to experience the lives of others. And the power and allure of connecting with a stranger and the fascinating lives they lead… does indeed compel us to immerse ourselves not only within their story, but anything else about them that tickles our fancy. Their career for instance, or their city… the list just goes on and on. 
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Which are acts that some could say, are positive in nature, since that does help us to learn. But what makes this so fascinating and compelling these days… is the sheer fact that so many, take such curiosity to such dark places. For some become obsessed with the person that has caught their eye and that newfound obsession leads them to take part in wild behaviors, the kind that are unhealthy and uncomfortable. Which leads all of us wonder, what is it that motivates someone to want to escape reality in that manner, and what could compel them to indulge in behaviors they absolutely know are wrong deep down, and well, it just so happens that Prime Video is about to be host to a brand-new series that explores just that, in Chloe.

Now in this particular series we are introduced to a woman named Becky Green, who is doing her best to get by in life. For her mother is ill and that puts a lot on her shoulders and that seems to motivate her to use social media and an Instagram-esque site to help her to cope, since she does find solace in escaping into the online life of a woman named Chloe Fairbourne. But when Chloe dies suddenly one day, Becky’s world is turned upside down. For her core escape is gone and she simply must know how or why this happened, which in turn, motivates Becky to adopt a new identity and lie and push her way into the lives of those left behind by Chloe to get the answers she seeks. But it doesn’t take long for this attempt to understand to become unhealthy in nature, leaving the viewer to wonder… if this push for the truth is more about closure… or obsession and escape.

Which is… a brilliant setup for a brilliant series. One that really does dive deep into the dangers of social media and the inherent problems that accompany the need for some to escape their everyday lives. Since that brings about a fascinating character study. One that leaves no stone unturned in its exploration on those two topics… while weaving together a powerful story. One that manages to surprise the viewer at every turn and goes far deeper than one might expect. But what truly matters more here, is that this show offers up that no-holds barred look at a problem that is growing in our world and that makes this show a must-watch for certain. Since it genuinely solves the mystery of and why people are so eager to embrace an online obsession over the ups and down of everyday life. But of course, to properly inform us and engage us, a quality cast has to sell the obsession and the desire to escape and that’s present here too.

For Erin Doherty is simply electric as Becky and sells every strange decision she makes with a gravitas that feels painfully real and organic, and she is bookended wonderfully by her supporting cast with Pippa Bennett-Warner and Brandon Michael Hall offering up some performances of note, since they add incredible depth to the journey and well… all of these elements make for a compelling watch. One that grabs hold and never lets go and the best news of all, is that we are days away from being able to experience this show. For Chloe arrives on Prime Video this Friday, June 24, 2022, and we here at NTG cannot wait to break down each episode with all of you in great detail and share our interviews with the cast and crew of this dynamic series in the days to come, as we count down to the premiere of a poignant and powerful new show.    

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