Netflix’s ERIC, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, is a journey into the life of puppeteer Vincent, whose world spirals into chaos following the disappearance of his son Edgar (Ivan Morris Howe). The limited series, which includes a darkly symbolic monster puppet named Eric, serves as a metaphor for Vincent’s internal struggles and societal issues of the 1980s New York, such the inequality—both racial and queer—and the AIDS epidemic.
Cumberbatch’s portrayal is a deeply flawed yet compelling character, obsessed with finding his son, is hard to look away from. The series juxtaposes Vincent’s frantic search with another investigation and the life of Detective Ledroit, played by McKinley Belcher III. In contrast, the men and the cases highlight the systemic issues within the NYPD, and the broader social injustices of the era.
Despite occasional missteps, ERIC has a narrative hook for those who like their magical realism twisty, while confronting the darker aspects of humanity. As a showcase for the performances and the creativity of Abi Morgan, the series becomes a reflection of the monsters we face, both real and imagined. Its willingness to play on similar grounds to Avenue Q is intriguing, if sometimes overly dark without the balancing levity. As a result, the abundance of complexity—while both important and appreciated—can feel too crowded.
