SHADOW AND BONE: A Shining Adaptation

Young adult adaptations have provided a wealth of material for movie studios to tackle over the years, especially those who lend themselves to vast world-building and multiple installations. Most notable in the last century, Twilight, Divergent, and The Hunger Games have honored loyal fan bases and solidified new devotees, all while filling theater seats along the way. And where Hollywood studios have found immense success, streaming services have grown to wield the power as well. With Bridgerton and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina under their belt, Netflix’s latest venture brings out all the stops, attempting to fill the void left behind by HBO’s Game of Thrones. And while it has some bumps along the way, Shadow and Bone just might be the answer.

From the start, there is a clear indication that Netflix had a solid confidence in the potential Shadow and Bone promised, its initial trilogy and spinoffs primed for adaptation and further world-building. And with a solid team of creators at the helm, Shadow and Bone has been nourished to life. Yet, where it finds success, it also finds pitfalls, leaving devoted fans of the series realigning their expectations, while also creating a launchpad for more seasons to come.

What’s it all about

There has been a lot of build-up to the release of Shadow and Bone – and rightfully so. It is intriguing and magical, with an undeniable chemistry the will ignite interest for both fans and newbies of the series. With each episode, there is a new animated title introduction of the episode, speaking to the focus of the series, but also giving each installment a flare of both confidence and skill.

Adapted from the book of the same name, Shadow and Bone follows the story of Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), a mapmaker in the first army. Orphaned as a child, she was taken in, along with orphan Mal, and given the best opportunities her position could offer her. Yet, in Ravka, the best opportunities are those that keep you away from the front lines – or out of the Fold.

Centuries earlier, a magical Heretic created the Fold as a weaponized form of magic. Dividing the country of Ravka in half, citizens east and west must transverse the darkness of the Fold, whose creatures called the Volcra feast on those who dare venture within its treacherous terrain. Yet, legend has it that one day, a Saint will come, bringing light to the darkness, reunifying the divided land, and ending the various wars that plague the country.

When Alina finds herself crossing the border with fellow orphan and soldier Mal (Archie Renaux), an attack on the skiff and her fellow comrades unleashes a power within, one that could be the miracle everyone in Ravka has been waiting for.

Crafting of Shadow and Bone

Kicking off with episode 1 “Searing Burst of Light”, the filming of Shadow and Bone is gorgeous, the revelation of Alina Starkov’s power hypnotically delivered. Where cheap tricks and an attempt to cut on budgeted special effects could have cut the effectiveness, the series leans into the need for these opening revelations to hit the mark. And where the special effects of her power are illuminating of the filmmakers’ dedication to the series and to the text, their inclusion of various viewpoints witnessing the miracle within the Fold give it a heightened effort and perspective. A few moments later, in the tent with General Kirigan (Ben Barnes), Alina’s arm is sliced, revealing a gorgeously contrasted combination of power, further driving the importance and strength of delivery. Honestly, one of my favorite shots of the series, the reflected light in Alina’s eyes likens to the lightsaber’s reflection in Rey’s in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It is these moments, along with others, that will generate much of the series’ viewership.

I was pleasantly surprised by the execution of the first episode, though more so by the inclusion of the series’ spin-off books Six of Crow. At first, only having read the first book at the time, I was confused about who these individuals were. As it turns out, this was the best part of the series adaptation and, in the end, the success of not only this season but future seasons will depend on their inclusion. While Six of Crow takes place three years after the events of the Shadow and Bone trilogy, here they are given a wider breadth of exploration into character and creation. A prequel for the eventual six crows, their inclusion not only immediately establishes world-building but delivers dynamic character interactions (especially amongst the central three) that give the series its first true Game of Thrones feeling.

Though as much of a Game of Thrones feeling the first episode might resonate, it does not take hold within the series until about episode four and five. Shadow and Bone attempts to give each of its characters the time and attention they deserve, but at times, at the expense of others. While the chemistry between Kaz (Freddy Carter), Jasper (Kit Young), and Inej (Amita Suman) was an interaction I wanted more of, I was initially here for Alina’s story, which to often was severely condensed, rushed and under-attended. While the series does resolve this at the halfway mark, finally finding its balance, it felt as though establishing the Six of Crow was more important than the initial story the world was originally built on.

Unfortunately, this may be the first of two grievances within the series for fans of the books. While welcomed at points, and driving a deeper investment, the absence and fast-paced delivery of Alina’s story may leave a bad taste. I must admit, I was not thrilled about it at the beginning, and even though the series finds its balance, it is a hard thing to reconcile. I wanted to see more of her story brought to life, learn more about her and her struggles both past and present, but for the first half, I felt cheated as a growing fan of the series.

The second potential grievance, and one most common with adaptations, will be the changed state of events within the series versus the books. In some cases, it is welcomed. Personally, I was overjoyed to see the vulnerable yet stronger Alina presented here than was delivered in the books. She is still young and naive, but she can at least throw a punch. Too often, the female leads inner psyche through first-person narration lends them to be presented meeker. We as readers are invited into their inner sanctum, every element of their thought exposed. Yet, with this perspective, we are only allowed the self-critical version, the lack of confidence higher than the projected version others see. For Shadow and Bone, it was a pleasant surprise to see the strength on the outside contrasted so delicately to the vulnerability within.

However, while Alina is stronger, her story is definitely altered. The evolution of Alina’s journey ends as intended, but her path leads her, and the characters in general, in new directions and new interactions along the way. For fans, some may welcome the changed state of events, but for others, the series may not resonate as well. Honestly, with the introduction of the Six of Crow, the changes to the narrative make sense, though shake at first, and present a fluidity for the additions all around, perfectly setting up Season 2 (yet to be announced).

Conclusion: Shadow and Bone

While it takes the series a few episodes to find its footing, Shadow and Bone eventually settles into an even pace, balancing the story that has drawn its central viewership with the addition of characters for further world-building. Strong performances lend themselves to dynamic chemistry as well, especially among Mei Li, Carter, Suman and Young. And with the embracement of the series as a whole, the opportunity for continued world-building and audience investment, Shadow and Bone almost solidifies a return for Season 2.

Have you seen Shadow and Bone? What are your thoughts on the adaptation? Let us know in the comments below!

Shadow and Bone will be released on Netflix on April 23, 2021.

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