Netflix Review: The Circle

A promotional image for the show. Image via.

Netflix’s new reality series “The Circle” is an intriguing look at human relationships in the social media age. The concept is simple: eight contestants live in the same apartment building but cannot interact face-to-face. The only communication permitted is through a voice-activated social media platform called The Circle, in which players can share photos and statuses as well as message each other. The contestants can play as themselves or catfish: most choose to alter the truth in some way, such as lying about being single.

At different stages throughout the competition, the players must rank each other. The most popular players get to choose which of the least popular players to send home. The blocked contestants are replaced and the cycle is repeated until one player walks away with $100,000 at the end.

The cast of “The Circle.” Image via.

At first glance, “The Circle” appears to be your typical trashy reality TV show, featuring all of the classic archetypes - vapid Instagram model, awkward nerd, mama’s boy. But it becomes apparent over time that the show is intended to be more of a social experiment than anything. It questions whether people actually do respond better to authenticity on social media and how people would use social media if it was the only form of human communication they had.

Each player is given ample screen time, allowing for the audience to actually get to know them beyond the archetypes they fall into and to see the players build genuine relationships with each other, albeit over a form of communication that isn’t entirely honest. It’s certainly not the kind of reality TV that’s so bad it’s good or where you feel like you’re losing brain cells. “The Circle” surprisingly proves to be thoughtful and enjoyable on its own merit.

Contestant Chris Sapphire in his apartment. Image via.

“The Circle” isn’t the kind of TV show that’ll have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. It’s not particularly dramatic for a reality competition show, and the concept can get a bit repetitive after a while. But it’s an original and innovative concept featuring interesting, dynamic characters, and it’s certainly worth a watch. Despite the lying and catfishing, it’s actually a pretty wholesome show that’s got a lot of heart and that will keep you entertained.

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