Summary
While it doesn’t pass the test, Luna Park leaves enough in the finale to warrant curiosity for a continuation.
This review of Netflix’s Luna Park season 1 does not contain spoilers.
Read the ending explained of season 1.
From the offset, Luna Park attempts to highlight a class difference. A family is making life by living in the confines of a carnival, making ends meet, while another family enjoys a lavish estate. Between both family lies a secret, and the Netflix series attempts to manifest it amongst a conspiracy in a compelling way.
And so, when Rosa meets a tarot reader named Nora, she learns that her long-lost sister could still be alive. However, she’s completely unaware that Nora is potentially the sister. The scene in the first chapter is telling, as Nora’s face almost turns pale after Rosa’s inquisitive session with her.
But this is not simply a tale of a missing family member, there are layers behind why Nora did not enjoy the life on a fancy estate, and Rosa did. The series attempts to weave intricacies within a 6-chapter window that feels claustrophobic within the confines of the plot. That’s not to say it is not well-presented, but there is a need to let the story breathe rather than roll in plenty of dramas.
While darkness creeps under the story, the direction feels light in itself. The scenarios never feel as dangerous as it looks. It’s like the writers were struck between a family feel and a profound mystery, and what they got is a confused middle-ground. It doesn’t take away from the well-driven performances, but it can be argued that they were let down.
Fortunately, the series does enough to warrant attention, especially when it reaches the last two chapters and everything comes to fruition. As usual, and as per Netflix’s model, Luna Park leaves the cliffhanger, tempting our imagination of a second season. Let’s hope it gets one.
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