Colman Domingo has spent the better part of his career being an impressive scene-stealer, making it extra exciting that he finally has been given the chance to be at the center of projects that he is also creatively involved with. After setting the bar high for himself when he received two back-to-back Academy Award nominations for his performances in <em>Rustin </em>and Sing Sing respectively, Domingo proved he was also a complex hero and an action star in the Netflix thriller series The Madness. It’s not only a compelling whodunit that examines the complexities of justice in an era where determinations are made digitally, but a showcase for Domingo as an actor who can capture the sentiments of the moment.
Netflix’s ‘The Madness’ Is a Conspiracy Thriller for the Modern Age
Domingo stars in The Madness as Muncie Daniels, a politically outspoken media pundit who has earned both praise and criticism for his willingness to call out inequities. The Madness transforms from a low-key character drama into a high-stakes thriller when Daniels stumbles across a body and finds that he is being framed for murder. The stakes are heightened when it’s revealed that the murder victim was a member of a white supremacist faction known as The Forge, which Daniels had already been the target of. Not only does this provoke more speculation suggesting he was involved, but it multiplies the enemies that Daniels has as he tries to clear his name. The Madness is gripping, surprising, and a true showcase for what Domingo can do to keep the momentum of a narrative going.
The Madness is a compelling new take on a conspiracy thriller because the series addresses the way that justice has changed within the contemporary era. Loud public opinion means that it can be impossible for someone to be truly perceived as innocent when they’re subjected to scrutiny, and it also means that someone like Daniels is at an inherent disadvantage. Not only does he live within a country in which racism has been intertwined with law enforcement — which makes Black Americans more vulnerable — but he has become an even greater target because of his public profile. He might legally be protected by “freedom of speech,” but Daniels begins the situation knowing that the system is slanted against him. It’s a compelling hook for the series because Daniels doesn’t only have to prove his innocence, but also find the real culprit so that there can be no question as to what actually happened.
Colman Domingo Strikes the Perfect Balance of Mystery in This Twisted Dark Comedy
Domingo’s performance as a twisted pimp encapsulates the wild, darkly amusing tone that makes the film work so well.
The Madness has thoughtful commentary on the power that the media has to impact justice and shows how Daniels’ quest to redeem himself will be filtered by the narratives that it might coalesce around. Daniels recognizes that he was made the perfect scapegoat, and that the ramifications of his potential conviction would mean more than a life behind bars; it would forever destroy the lives of his family and would give credence to right-wing extremists that start conspiracies about cover-ups and radical anti-fascism. Daniels makes for a compelling hero because he had never truly seen himself as one, as he had simply spoken the truth as he saw fit as a means of adhering to his own personal ethics. The greater responsibilities that he’s shackled with mean that he must make active choices to put himself in danger, as he knows that he isn’t the only one that is at risk.
Netflix’s ‘The Madness’ Features One of Colman Domingo’s Most Dynamic Performances
The Madness is tailor-made for binge viewing because of how fast-paced it is. The length of the show allowed it to incorporate more of its ensemble, with Marsha Stephanie Blake being a standout as Daniels’ ex-wife, Elena. Despite any differences that they may have once had with one another, Elena finds herself in a situation where her ties to Daniels are scrutinized, putting her in a position in which she must vouch for him when the evidence seems stacked against his innocence.
Also brilliant in the series is Thaddeus J. Mixson as Daniels’ son, Demetrius. The scenes they share showcase vulnerability from both characters, who have each been taught to mask their feelings in public in order to conform to standards of Black masculinity. Mixson is a breakout star with only a few prior credits, and he delivers a deeply felt performance that stands toe-to-toe with Domingo, indicating that he has a very bright future ahead of him. Bradley Whitford, who has a habit of stealing whatever show he happens to be on, thrives as one of The Madness‘ most motivated and vindictive antagonists.
The Madness succeeds as an intimate character drama with shades of Alfred Hitchcock, as the notion of an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances seems derived from the “Master of Suspense.” The Madness is also a thought experiment that raises timely questions about how the real world would react to the given scenarios. The focus on far-right billionaires with fascist leanings, false narratives peddled by the media, and the shaming of Black activists who speak truth to power feels eerily reminiscent, even though it’s only been a year since the show debuted. The Madness is first and foremost a work of entertainment and hits all the right notes that a Netflix binge-drop should in terms of constantly going in unpredictable directions and reaching an unexpected ending. However, those willing to look into just how similar the narrative of The Madness is to the news cycle it was released in might find that it’s even more necessary than expected.
