Watch The OA

The OA was a Netflix original series that premiered in 2016 and concluded in 2019 after two seasons. Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, the show has gained a cult following for its mysterious and intricate storyline that explores themes of faith, spirituality, and identity. The series follows the journey of Prairie Johnson (Brit Marling), a young woman who returns to her hometown in Michigan after being missing for several years. Prairie was blind when she disappeared, but miraculously gained her sight while in captivity. When she returns to her community, Prairie insists on being called "The OA," and refuses to talk about what happened to her during her absence. The first season of The OA centers around Prairie's attempts to put together a team of individuals who can help her with a mission that she claims is meant to save the world. This group includes Steve Winchell (Patrick Gibson), a troubled high school student; French (Brandon Perea), a sensitive and intelligent teenager; Buck (Ian Alexander), a transgender teenager who is struggling with his identity; Jesse (Brendan Meyer), a drug addict with a troubled home life; and Betty Broderick-Allen (Phyllis Smith), a teacher who has lost her sense of purpose. As Prairie shares her story with the group, The OA explores the boundaries between faith and science, reality and fantasy, and individualism and community. The show's complex narrative style incorporates elements of thriller, science fiction, and existential drama, and is known for its nonlinear structure that jumps between timelines and dimensions. One of the key subplots in the first season revolves around the relationship between Prairie and Homer (Emory Cohen), a fellow captive who she meets while in captivity. Homer becomes a significant figure in Prairie's mission, and as the two grow closer, the show further explores the themes of love and sacrifice. The second season of The OA picks up where the first left off, with the group embarking on a new mission that involves traveling to another dimension. This season introduces several new characters, including Karim (Kingsley Ben-Adir), a private investigator who becomes involved in Prairie's mission, and Pierre Ruskin (Vincent Kartheiser), a tech billionaire who has ties to the mysterious organization that holds the key to Prairie's mission. In many ways, the second season serves as a continuation and expansion of the groundwork laid out in the first. The show's themes are further developed, and the stakes are raised as the group faces new challenges in their quest to save the world. The OA also pushes the boundaries of its stylistic and narrative structure, incorporating new medium such as video games and interpretive dance. Throughout its two seasons, The OA is a show that rewards close attention and engagement from its viewers. Its storylines and characters are complex and multi-faceted, and its themes are often open to interpretation. However, for those willing to invest the time and effort, The OA is a unique and compelling journey that offers a rare blend of storytelling, spirituality, and cinematic innovation.