The OA Part II – hold onto your faculties

March 27, 2019

The “mind-bending” story returns with The OA Part II, which follows OA as she navigates a new dimension, one in which she had a completely different life as a Russian heiress, and one in which she once again finds herself as Hap’s captive. Part II introduces Karim Washington, a private detective tasked with finding a missing teen, Michelle Vu. His path crosses with OA, as they try to solve the mystery of Michelle’s whereabouts and a house on Nob Hill connected to the disappearance of several teenagers. Meanwhile, back in the first dimension, BBA, Angie and the boys find themselves on a journey to understand the truth behind OA’s story and the incredible realities she described.


Daniel Rueda and Anna Devís, art for The OA: Part II, 2019. Courtesy of Netflix.

If the above blurb does not appeal to you, go away and watch Supergirl, because you’re not built for this confounding series.


Still from The OA: Part II, 2019. Courtesy of Netflix.

Part I was a slow-moving, infuriating, weird and confusing tale of near-death experiences. It was also haunting and gripping and addictive. You cared deeply for these broken characters being driven to the edge of their humanity. Oh, and let’s not forget the ‘dance’ sequences, that are totally freaky and weird, until it is evocative and life-changing.


Kyle Thompson, art for The OA: Part II, 2019. Courtesy of Netflix.

Part II is a fast-paced, less weird and a tad less confusing tale of different dimensions and how we move between them. This time around it is even more haunting and gripping and addictive. And yes, the five-movement dance sequences are as prominent and poignant.


Olivia Bee, art for The OA: Part II, 2019. Courtesy of Netflix.

There are individual scenes that will knock you out, but fits perfectly within the narrative of the story, and of life today. (Whereas Legion, another firm favourite of mine, sometimes consisted of beautiful scenes for the sake of beautiful scenes.) You will not be ready for the octopus in the cage. You will not see the tree root conversation either. Let it wash over you. Let it take you to that dimension.


Teresa C. Freitas, art for The OA: Part II, 2019. Courtesy of Netflix.

Every actor was carefully selected, and their performances are beyond reproach. There is not one rotten apple amongst them. Brit Marling, who we nearly lost to a career as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, has all the fragility and power required of the titular character, The OA. Then there’s Phyllis Smith as BBA, the shy, frumpy high school teacher that turns out to be quite the rebel.


Eda Dürüst, art for The OA: Part II, 2019. Courtesy of Netflix.

Of course, Part II has spawned a litany of YouTube videos explaining the end. I haven’t watched any of it. I want the mystery to linger a while longer. Or until Part III airs.

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