Wednesday Addams: Full of Woe and Braids

The name Wednesday Addams has been a household name in company with the rest of the Addams family. The Addams Family is a well-known TV family recognized for their pale complexion, which contrasts with their dark personalities and fashion choices. The new 2022 Netflix series, aptly titled Wednesday Addams, will tell a different story than the previous ones.

The original story of the Addams family follows a con artist claiming to be related to the family, with his end goal being to steal the family fortune. Morticia Addams, the family’s mother, suspects something is up with him since his lies do not match up with her memories.This spurs the family to test him in all kinds of devious ways, none of which are new to the family. Ramapo High School staff and Film Club teacher Ms. Miller discussed her memories of watching The Addams Family as a child and the impact it had on her. Miller expressed her emotions while reminiscing about how the 1964 TV show portrayed a married couple, as most TV couples had little to no PDA and personalities beyond their social duties. “To me, they were more ‘normal’ than the other TV families, even though they were a bit ‘odd.’ I believe this new incarnation will be popular with both those in whom it sparks nostalgia and the current generation.” Miller goes on to speak about the fantasy aspect of Tim Burton’s world and the new tools used in the show. Drawing on the nostalgia of her childhood, Ms. Miller is excited to watch a modernized version of the classic Addams Family.

The new Netflix series will follow teenaged Wednesday as she goes to a new boarding school named Nevermore Academy. Jenna Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, who is well-known for her role in A24’s latest film X and prior horror films, for which she has been dubbed a “21st century Scream Queen.” Ortega brings Wednesday to life with her vast variety of emotions and acting abilities. Ortega has talked about her collaboration with Tim Burton closely during the show, proving that the original author is truly a part of the series. Ortega’s dark eyes and serious facial expressions fit the character of Wednesday perfectly. Tim Burton spoke on how incredible Ortega is when she conveys emotion through only her eyebrows (menshealth.com).

Student Addi Palmer shared her first thoughts on the new Netflix show by stating, “I don’t like Gomez and Mortica. The two had a love that I admired so much as a kid, and I felt like it was watered down a lot!” From the first episode, Addi recognized the changes between the characters in the original movie and the new TV show. She goes on to speak on how well-rounded the characters seem to be, even from the first episode. She cannot wait to continue watching the show and urges everyone else to do so if they love fantasy and the gloom of the original movies. Essentially, this new Netflix series will bring a different story and a modern twist to The Addams Family’s original story. 

https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a42028612/who-plays-wednesday-addams-jenna-ortega/