Lazarus
Synopsis
In the year 2048, Dr. Deniz Skinner, a scientific genius dubbed second only to Einstein, developed the revolutionary painkiller Hapna. Being cheap with no reported side effects, the drug gained widespread acceptance, even though Skinner himself silently vanished one year after launching the drug. Everyone revelled in the heaven of relief and ecstasy provided by Hapna, but they would suddenly come crashing down to Earth. It is now 2052, and Skinner reappears, giving the shocking announcement that Hapna was designed to mutate into a lethal toxin, killing anyone who had consumed it. While he claims to have a cure, he will only hand it over if he is physically found within 30 days. Axel Gilberto, a maverick youngster serving a sentence of 888 years in a high-security prison, is unwillingly recruited by a group calling themselves Lazarus. Composed of eccentric misfits, the group has only one task—to find Skinner. With no means to escape and their lives on the line, Lazarus begins the hunt to find Skinner before the countdown to the end of humanity ends. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed. Some appreciate the visual and auditory aspects along with the philosophical intentions, while many criticize the meandering plot, underdeveloped characters, and superficial themes. The series is considered a disappointment given the talent involved and the high expectations set by Shinichiro Watanabe's previous works.
Strengths
- Sleek animation and mature color palette create a visually appealing experience.
- Well-choreographed and fluid fight scenes, especially by Chad Stahelski's team.
- Soundtrack, including works by Kamasi Washington and Bonobo, is a significant strength.
Weaknesses
- Plot meanders, with red herrings and underdeveloped characters.
- Script and story lack depth, with superficial exploration of themes.
- Pacing is inconsistent, with rushed character backstories and a slow overall narrative.
- Characters often feel one-dimensional, with minimal development or chemistry.
- World-building is weak; the crisis doesn't feel impactful in the everyday world.
- Some voice acting performances are monotone and unconvincing.