'Kaleidoscope' review: Heist done right

Kaleidoscope takes us on a roller-coaster ride

70-Kaleidoscope

A washed-up ex-con obsessed with revenge, a svelte attorney who doubles as a fence for stolen goods, a cute chemist who wants out from her drab life, a loudmouth thug who rubs everyone wrong, a harassed smuggler tired of his nagging family, and a silent bloke who quietly goes about his job―the ‘crew’ that sets out for the ‘heist of the century’ is in itself a ticking time-bomb of raw emotions. Locked in a web of hate, suspicion and betrayal yet fuelled by greed and a thirst for revenge, the team pulls off the impossible. Or, does it?

Over eight episodes, which Netflix sequences randomly for different viewers, Kaleidoscope takes us on a roller-coaster ride of heavy drama, swinging emotions and constant thrills.

Over eight episodes, which Netflix sequences randomly for different viewers, Kaleidoscope takes us on a roller-coaster ride of heavy drama, swinging emotions and constant thrills. The ‘each to their own’ viewing experience also makes it special. Except for the last episode that covers the actual heist, the rest can be viewed in any order.

Giancarlo Esposito, of Breaking Bad fame, appears in a lead role as ex-con Leo Pap, the mastermind behind the $7 billion heist. While he is not really the dashing bandit one would expect to lead a heist, Leo, with his cool demeanour and calm perseverance―aptly portrayed by Esposito―makes one relate to his angst. Locked away for 17 years from his family, with fate drawing him closer to certain death, Leo sets course on a dangerous act of retribution. Vacillating at times between a deep desire to be reunited with his daughter and the cold thirst for revenge, he pieces together an outrageous plan. Undercurrents of hate, greed and treachery that spill over at every turn, however, threaten his best-laid plans. Throw in some conscientious sleuthing by FBI agent Nazan (Niousha Noor), who has her own axe to grind in the story, and you have an edge-of-the-seat thriller.

For those who may miss the precise planning of The Professor and drama of Dali masks from Money Heist, this new limited series could be a refreshing contrast where a perfectly planned heist is jeopardised by betrayal, greed and treachery.

Paz Vega as Ava Mercer, Tati Gabrielle as Hannah Kim, Rosaline Elbay as Judy Goodwin, Peter Mark Kendall as Stan Loomis, Rufus Sewell as Roger Salas and Jai Courtney as Bob Goodwin don key roles in the series.

The seven episodes narrate a gripping story spread over 25 years―the betrayal, events in jail, the outrageous plot and the build-up to the grand finale, peppered with several action-packed moments. The final episode does full justice to its buildup, with unexpected twists that leave you spellbound. The signature palette of colours, so central to the series, draws a direct connection to the highs and lows of life. In this aspect, as well as in its distinctive presentation, Kaleidoscope differs from most thriller series, offering a unique adventure that is more than just a heist story.

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