Spoiler Alert! “Stung,” the pilot episode of the new Donald Glover directed series, Swarm, will have you thinking, “What in the world did I sign up for?” From the trailer, it was apparent that the series, starring Dominique Fishback as Dre (and Carmen, Kayla, and Tony), would give its take on crazed fandom, or so we thought. However, that perception changed the moment that Marissa (played by Chloe Bailey) revealed a healed slit over her wrist in a heartbreaking scene between two best friends sharing an apartment in Houston.
It was clear that although this story is framed around fanatics, specifically those who idolize Ni’Jah (Nirine S. Brown), a mock idol in the vein of Beyonce, the real story lies in a narrative that parallels Dexter, the long-running Showtime TV series that followed a man who rationalized his addiction to killing through the illusion of being a vigilante with a righteous manifesto to rid the world of horrible people.
By the second episode, “Honey,” it is solidified that Dre is not only off her rocker, but she’s a psychotic serial killer on a destructive path to end the life of anyone who doesn’t answer the question, “Who is your favorite artist?” to her liking.
The tragic loss of Marissa and an obsession with social media sends Dre on a tailspin that brings attention to the severe mental health issues and trauma she is obviously ignoring. Dre, who started off a likable protagonist, becomes more and more one-dimensional with each frivolous kill.
At one point in the series, she’s unknowingly ensnared in a real cult of women led by Eva, a subdued and monotone conduit of calm played by Billie Eilish. Through a form of therapy, Dre reveals a deep-rooted childhood trauma that stems from a situation with her grandmother. But even that moment of introspection quickly escapes and it’s back to the surface-level killing spree in the name of her favorite icon.
It isn’t until the sixth episode, “Fallin Through the Cracks,” that viewers have the chance to peek into the pandora’s box of Dre’s issues, and there are many. Revelations about Dre’s past in the foster care system and troubled childhood are minced out through a spoof of a true crime story docuseries. The episode is arguably one of the most important, with the exception of “Stung,” which brought awareness to tough topics, such as sexual abuse, life deletion, and financial insecurity.
Overall, Swarm has a similar personality to Glover’s Atlanta, using the show within a show concept and off-centered storytelling that delves into worlds different from that which Dre is used to. While fanaticism is a driving force behind Dre’s ridiculous antics, the Beyonce references are clear mechanisms for marketing the series as it uses the clout of the “Break My Soul” singer’s fans, known as the BeyHive, to sensationalize its story and spark conversation.
“Weird” would be the one word to describe this series. Swarm is too dark to be centered around someone so bright and the residual feeling left on the viewer is one of pity. What makes it watchable is Fishback’s outstanding performance as the delusional Dre — one of her best moments comes in the form of a stirring monologue where she describes having brunch with Ni’Jah and the singer’s mother, something she concocted from her imagination.
That, in addition to unpredictable story plots and the various surprise appearances of popular young stars, including Snowfall’s Damson Idris, Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris Jackson, comedian Byron Bowers, and famed actors Rory Culkin, Kiersey Clemons, and Leon, Swarm is worth the watch, although it might not be a pleasant one.
All seven episodes of Swarm is available on Prime Video.
