The Power

(Amazon TV series) 

Based on the novel by Naomi Alderman

Reviewed by Danielle Papamichael 

Naomi Alderman’s electrifying sci-fi novel The Power (2016) has been developed into a nine-part thriller series by Amazon Prime. This dystopian show delves into the patriarchy and its obsession with power, particularly over females. With its expansive storytelling, compelling characters and thought-provoking social commentary, The Power exposes the oppressive mechanisms that govern societies worldwide. 

The series explores a speculative world where girls suddenly possess the ability to generate and control electrical energy through their fingertips, known as Electric Organ Discharge (EOD). This newly found power disrupts existing gender dynamics, providing women and girls with the means to defend themselves. During a speech by politician Margot Cleary-Lopez (Toni Collette) in her run for the Senate, she asserts that EOD is making the world a safer place for women: 

‘[V]iolent crime is down since the emergence of EOD. Reported rapes are down 75%. Domestic violence is down 61%. There have been no reports of missing or murdered trans women of colour in the last three months.’ 

Even so, as the women and girls with EOD begin to fight back, they must also grapple with the responsibility and consequences that come with power. 

The story follows a diverse cast from around the world; each character is flawed, complex and vulnerable in their own way. In the US we meet Allie (Halle Bush), who hears a female God-like voice empowering her to murder her rapist foster father. Embarking on a spiritual journey, she becomes a charismatic and enigmatic leader, challenging traditional notions of power and reshaping religion.  Meanwhile, Margot Cleary-Lopez, a career-driven politician, uses her position to fight for women’s rights in a reactionary political climate while managing her strained family relationships. Her angst-ridden teenage daughter Jos (Auli’i Cravalho) has developed EOD, her impressionable teenage son Matt (Gerrison Machado) becomes radicalised by an anonymous incel group and her husband Rob (John Leguizamo) struggles in being eclipsed by her political ambitions. 

In the UK there is Roxy (Ria Zmitrowicz), a ruthless and determined young woman. Of all her half-siblings, she is the most like her gangster father (Eddie Marsan), yet is refused any attention or respect by him. She seeks revenge after her mother is murdered, and her EOD powers spark her father’s interest. 

In Eastern Europe Tatiana (Zrinka Cvitešić), a former gymnast, is trapped in a marriage with a misogynistic, greedy dictator who refers to women sex trafficked in his country as whores. Tatiana harnesses her power to aid her nation’s uprising against her husband’s oppression. 

As EOD spreads around the world, CNN hires Tunde Edo (Toheeb Jimoh), a Nigerian journalist, to report on the phenomenon’s global impact and the social upheaval it generates. 

The Power is a captivating and compelling series. While occasionally it feels a bit telegraphed and some storylines get more of an arc than others, it pushes boundaries and sparks vital conversations about the complexities of gender and power dynamics. It explores the fight for one’s own agency and liberation from oppressive forces. Prepare to be both entertained and challenged by this dazzling drama.