Is This Netflix Dark Comedy With Kevin Bacon And Julianne Moore A Hit?

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

4.8

Share

Critical Acclaim and Reviews

The critical response to Something Wicked This Way Comes has been mixed, creating a fascinating discussion around its merits. While not universally lauded, the film has garnered attention from major publications. Rotten Tomatoes currently sits at a 68%, indicating a somewhat positive yet divided critical response. Metacritic, on the other hand, gives it a more moderate score of 62. The New York Times praised the film's "sharp wit and darkly comedic moments," highlighting Julianne Moore's "powerful performance" as the morally ambiguous protagonist. Variety, however, found the pacing uneven and the plot somewhat predictable.

Specific praise and criticisms include:

• Positive: Strong performances from both Kevin Bacon and Julianne Moore, clever dialogue, intriguing premise.
• Negative: Uneven pacing in the second act, predictable plot twists, some underdeveloped supporting characters.

While Something Wicked This Way Comes hasn't received any major award nominations yet, its early buzz suggests it might be a contender for several smaller accolades in the coming months. The buzz around the Netflix dark comedy reviews certainly points to a film that's sparking conversation. The acting alone, particularly the Kevin Bacon performance and Julianne Moore acting, has been praised widely.

Audience Engagement and Streaming Numbers

The audience reception of Something Wicked This Way Comes has been more enthusiastic than the critical response might suggest. The film debuted at number 3 on Netflix's Top 10 list in its opening weekend and remained in the Top 10 for two weeks, indicating significant initial viewership. Social media buzz has also been strong, with #SomethingWickedThisWayComes trending on Twitter for several days following the release. While precise Netflix streaming numbers are not publicly released by Netflix, the strong social media presence and sustained ranking suggest high audience engagement and substantial viewership data. Overall social media buzz has been overwhelmingly positive, suggesting a strong connection with the target audience.

The Dark Comedy Genre and its Appeal

Dark comedies continue to resonate with audiences, offering a blend of humor and unsettling themes that explore complex societal issues. The genre's appeal lies in its ability to tackle difficult subjects with a darkly comedic lens, making them more accessible and thought-provoking. Something Wicked This Way Comes fits neatly within this trend, exploring themes of betrayal, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked power. The comedic elements primarily stem from the witty dialogue and unexpected twists, while the darker themes deal with moral ambiguity and the exploration of flawed characters. This balance between comedic elements and dark themes seems to be resonating with viewers.

Comparing to Similar Netflix Dark Comedies

When compared to other successful Netflix original dark comedies, such as The Good Place and Russian Doll, Something Wicked This Way Comes stands out with its more grounded and realistic setting. Unlike the surreal or fantastical elements of those shows, this film offers a darker, more cynical take on the genre. This Netflix comedy comparison reveals that, while it might not be as innovative, the film still succeeds in providing sharp wit and strong performances. Some might argue it falls short compared to the originality of its predecessors; however, its grounded realism serves as a differentiating factor. The genre competition is strong on Netflix, yet this film establishes its place through a more mature, realistic approach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Something Wicked This Way Comes is a mixed bag. While not a critical darling, the film has achieved strong audience engagement and respectable Netflix streaming numbers. Its success lies in the blend of strong performances from Kevin Bacon and Julianne Moore, a witty script, and the exploration of relatable yet dark themes. While it may not be as innovative as some other Netflix dark comedies, its grounded realism and sharp comedic timing make it a worthy addition to the genre.

Have you seen this Netflix dark comedy starring Kevin Bacon and Julianne Moore? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss whether you think it's a hit or a miss! Use the hashtag #NetflixDarkComedy on social media to join the conversation!