SwarmOnPrime, from Donald Glover and Janine Nabers, is a surreal, darkly comedic take on how to stan correct. Our SXSW2023 review:
Who's your favorite artist? Oh boy, you do not want to answer that question. Especially not once you've seen Swarm. Created by Donald Glover and Janine Nabers , this Prime Video series revolves around that question, and how far someone will go if you don't "stan correct." Swarm follows the story of Dre , a super-fan of an adored pop star called Ni'jah who may or may not be a stand-in for Beyoncé.
There are going to be a lot of questions about what Beyoncé thinks of this show, so let's get that out of the way first. Yes, the story does essentially kick off with Ni'jah releasing a surprise album in 2016 . Yes, there are parallels, both explicit and implied. But it honestly does not matter who Ni'jah is based on. Ni'jah could be literally any popular artist out there, including Donald Glover himself.
Of course, the brilliant directors behind this show have done excellent work, with Glover himself having directed Episode 1. Adamma Ebo, the mind behind the biting 2022 satirical mockumentary Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul., has directed three episodes, including the finale. Ibra Ake directs two, the aforementioned Episode 4 and Episode 5 "Girl, Bye.
Swarm's cast is headlined by the immensely talented Dominique Fishback. The BAFTA-nominated actor delivers a harrowing performance as Dre, showing the character's growth over the course of the season with a raw humanity that's totally absorbing. Episodes 1, 4, 5, and 7 showcase her talent in some truly powerful scenes. Even her lies and manipulations are bewitchingly delivered, drawing you in and keeping you there.
What makes Swarm stand out, especially when compared to other stories of similar people, is that it does not seek to justify or condemn. Even as it tackles the toxicity of fandom and showcases an all-too-literal take on cancel culture, the story unfolds without judgment. As with the idol, the fandom is also just a vehicle for the violence within. Being a fan isn't what makes Dre do the things she does. She is who she is, and that is exactly how a story like this should be: honest.
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