Typewriter Review: An Engaging Story with Likeable Characters!

Coming off the disappointment of Leila – an underwhelming and a poorly executed drama, Netflix India’s new Original Series, Typewriter is created, co-written and directed by Sujoy Ghosh, who directed Badla – a nail-biting thriller earlier this year. The ensemble of cast stars Palomi Ghosh, Sameer Kochhar and Purab Kohli in the lead roles with Jisshu Sengupta portraying the antagonist role.

Set in Bardez, Goa, the storyline of this five-episode series follows the Fernandez family moving into Bardezvilla also called as the bhoot bangla (haunted house) by the locals. As supernatural occurrences begin to reel one day after another, Sam, Nick, Gablu and Bunty collectively called as The Ghost Club get down to business and researches and finds out more about the lore of the spirit which is haunting the mansion.

Similar to what we love and adore about another hit Netflix Series Stranger Things, the characters and their charm play a significant part in Typewriter. Especially, the ghost club four, who are relatable and entertaining in every aspect. The brief backstories make their characters more appealing as we as the audience get behind their continuous adventures, interactions and dialogue throughout the runtime.

Co-written by Sujoy Ghosh, Suresh Nair and Raj Vasant, the storyline is engaging enough to get through the entire season. Crowded with multiple characters who get involved with several aspects within the story arc made the creators move the series on a swift pace as there are no dull or tedious moments from beginning till the end. However, there are quite a few spots which are not impactful enough or did not make a long-lasting impression. Especially, the pay-off at the end of the fifth episode is not impressive and was effortlessly concluded.

Also, more on the positive side of things, Typewriter did not rely heavily on CGI ghosts or disturbing imagery to amp up the scare factor. The perplexing narrative itself served as the unsettling aspect of the series, and the added panic and the tension between the characters elevated the frightening vibe a bit more. Shot through and through in North Goa, the scenic locations and the less-crowded, terrain dominated whereabouts enhanced the harrowing experience and the production design along with the cinematography were top-notch inside and out. But despite that, one of my primary gripes which bothered me throughout the season is the generic, undistinguished sound design. It just felt like I’m watching a traditional Indian soap-opera where the stunning moments were extremely loud and cheesy. The un-inspiring background score was also a huge letdown as I didn’t feel like I’m watching a Netflix Original Series in 2019.

The performances were thoroughly impressive from the complete cast. Purab Kohli, as an honest police officer and a compassionate dad, carried his role without a hitch. Palomi Ghosh is an added surprise and shines in an orthodox character packed with different layers. But, the show-stealers were, in fact, the four kids from the Ghost Club who conveyed their characters with an alluring screen presence, desirable energy and were entertaining to watch. In particular, Aarna Sharma who plays Purab’s daughter Sameera Anand was outstanding in her role and is without a doubt the Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) of the series.

Overall, Typewriter shines the brightest when it comes to showcasing likeable characters and a gripping storyline which is exhilarating from start to finish. But few ordinary, less-impactful moments and the lackluster sound design damage an otherwise entertaining, binge-worthy series.

Rating – 3/5 | Grade – B