The latest TV adaptation of an acclaimed Stephen King novel serves as a perfect reminder to watch Netflix‘s best science fiction movie. With an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%, the film remains relatively obscure two years after its release and certainly deserves more attention.
While many Stephen King adaptations are released each year, only a few manage to recreate the chills and thrills found in the author’s works. A new TV adaptation of a six-year-old book may not rank among the best movies and shows based on Stephen King’s creations, yet it appears to be significantly better than most recent Stephen King TV adaptations.
In various aspects, the new Stephen King TV adaptation also seems to echo an underappreciated Netflix science fiction movie. Given the similarities between the two, viewers enjoying the Stephen King show will likely have a great time watching the original Netflix sci-fi film.
Watch Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone If You Love Stephen King’s The Institute
When considering their rosters, Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone and MGM+’s The Institute could not be more different. While They Cloned Tyrone focuses on three adult characters uncovering the dark truth about their neighborhood, The Institute centers on a group of superpowered children who are imprisoned and exploited by a government-run facility.
Nevertheless, what makes the two intriguingly similar is their tendency to riff on numerous real-world conspiracies, adding a layer of relatability to their fictional narratives. In many ways, They Cloned Tyrone also feels like a wackier version of The Institute, as both feature government organizations experimenting on marginalized groups.
In both the movie and the show, the main characters reach their breaking point and set out to fight back against exploitation, only to realize they have merely scratched the surface of a much larger conspiracy. Due to these thematic and narrative overlaps, it is difficult not to view them as perfect sci-fi companion pieces, where watching one serves as a solid reminder to check out the other.
They Cloned Tyrone Is Easily The Best Original Sci-Fi Movie On Netflix
They Cloned Tyrone boasts an impressive critics’ score of 95% and an above-average audience score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. From a commercial standpoint, the film performed well on Netflix upon its premiere in July 2023. However, despite its initial success, the film has remained relatively unnoticed over time.
Even though it is obscure, They Cloned Tyrone is a brilliant sci-fi film that carries significant personality while drawing inspiration from films like Get Out, Sorry to Bother You, and classic Blaxploitation cinema. While it delivers biting social commentary, it avoids taking itself too seriously by embracing fun and pulpy sci-fi tropes alongside effective dark humor.
To enhance its retro feel, They Cloned Tyrone features iconic “cigarette burns” in the upper right corners of several scenes, which were once indicators for projectionists to change reels. Several films like Fight Club, Death Proof, and Machete employ this effect to evoke nostalgia or break the fourth wall.
The compelling drama of the Netflix sci-fi movie is further elevated by its disorienting yet immersive visuals that blend elements from various eras and genres. John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris shine as its leading trio, making it one of the best Netflix sci-fi movies in recent years and a worthy thematic counterpart to Stephen King‘sThe Institute.
