Life in a retirement village can be quite an adventure. This is certainly true for those living at The Boroughs in the beautiful surrounds of the New Mexico dessert.
‘The Boroughs’ becomes home for a reluctant Sam (Alfred Molina), still grieving from the death of his wife. At first, Sam is not wanting to join in with the community. Sam begins to notice that things are not quite what they seem. To uncover the truth he is looking for, Sam realises he cannot do it alone and enlists the help of other residents: Renee (Geena Davis), Judy (Alfre Woodard), Wally (Denis O’Hare), Art (Clarke Peters) and Jack (Bill Pullman).
The actions of the residents have some people questioning their ability to continue living independently. Sam is convinced there are owls in the walls and that monsters are trying to kill them. But don’t be fooled. These sharp-minded adventurers will get to the bottom of the unanswered questions, even if Boroughs management do everything they can to covet their perfect, idyllic oasis. Together this motley bunch – a retired engineer, doctor, reporter and band manager, form a plot to keep the Boroughs safe.
The Boroughs characters challenge negative stereotypes about older people. While exchanging hospital battle scars from hip replacements and heart surgeries, they complain they are sick of being ignored and Renee proclaims “Let’s start a revolution!” This group of friends are smart, kind and strong. They successfully challenge management’s addiction to a “fountain of youth” mentality.
The residents of The Manor dementia accommodation hold secrets and experiences that are crucial to Sam and the gang’s quest. In one of the more heart-wrenching moments of the show, Sam sends The Manor security into a frenzy when he sings karaoke to Bruce Springstein’s “Thunder Road”. The whole room lights up as the residents remember their passions.
As summarised by a family member: “It’s ‘Stranger Things’ in a retirement village”. Try not to binge-watch all the episodes at once, irresistible as it might seem!
The Boroughs is available to stream on Netflix.