The Archies Review

The Archies - A Nostalgic yet Self-Reflexive Take on Iconic Characters

 

Director: Zoya Akhtar

Cast: Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi Saigal, Yuvraj Menda, Alyy Khan, Tara Sharma, Luke Kenny, Koel Purie

Rating - 2

Streaming on: Netflix

 

Zoya Akhtar's "The Archies," a film based on the characters from Archie Comics, offers a nostalgic and superficial take on the iconic source material. The storyline unfolds in an Anglo-Indian hill town in 1964, portraying an idyllic and utopian world reminiscent of the illustrated pages. The film introduces a conflict between capitalism and modernization, centred around the beloved green park, but refrains from creating true villains, maintaining the inherent goodness of the characters. Despite the apparent simplicity and cosplaying aesthetics, the film takes a self-reflexive approach, critiquing its own legacy and examining the societal impact of the Archie universe.

 

The setting of the film appears tailored to serve as a Bollywood launch vehicle, blending elements of an isolated hilltown with British heritage to provide a backdrop for the characters. The film embraces the traditional musical format, where emotions are expressed through songs and dances, contributing to its nostalgic charm. Debutants, particularly Suhana Khan as Veronica and Khushi Kapoor as Betty, bring life to the characters in musical sequences. The film incorporates retro-themed elements, including founder's balls, ice cream parlors, and picnics, creating an atmosphere that aligns with the original comics and serves as a nod to the past.

 

Beneath the shiny surface, "The Archies" attempts to be a self-aware critique of its own legacy. The film reflects on the Archie effect and revisits the blind spots of the comic book. It acknowledges the limitations and tropes associated with the characters, presenting a modern agency that challenges the time and space it originates from. The film introduces contemporary commentary, highlighting the political nature of seemingly apolitical decisions and emphasizing the connection between reality and fantasy.

 

The film redefines the Archie-Betty-Veronica dynamic, addressing Archie's two-timing as a form of cute compassion, a narrative normalized in the comics. The characters refuse to let a boy derail their friendship, choosing self-empowerment over an adolescent situationship. The film navigates familiar tropes with a refreshing intent, and the commentary becomes an extension of feel-good characters that have influenced generations.

 

While "The Archies" falls short of achieving the creative and witty heights of similar genre-bending films, such as "Greta Gerwig’s Barbie," it succeeds in infusing a sense of modern agency into the Archie universe. The film's design examines the Archie effect and challenges its own legacy, acknowledging the societal consequences of the seemingly harmless characters. 

 

The film, despite its shortcomings, offers a glimpse into the evolving relationship between society and iconic cultural symbols, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the Archie Comics and those interested in self-aware adaptations.