The constant influx of superhero projects has saturated the market to the point where even parodies and social experiments fail to resonate. It’s unexpected, then, that rapper Andrew Onwubolu, known as Rapman, has successfully launched an engaging series about superpowered individuals featuring an entirely black cast, which simultaneously avoids the trappings of the modern inclusive progressive industry.
“Supacell” spans six episodes, with a narrative centered around five characters whose lives intersect in a bid to confront a clandestine organization and alter the future.
Rather than succumbing to overused tropes, Onwubolu and his associate Sebastian Thiel delve into the lives within London’s ethnic ghettos, exploring gang conflicts and narcotics trafficking. The characters’ superpowers serve merely as a vivid backdrop to their individual narratives.
Meet Michael, a successful courier who aspires to marry his true love but instead becomes the lord of time. Then there’s André, who cares for his son but finds himself jobless due to a lingering criminal record. Additionally, the story features a compassionate telekinetic nurse, a minor drug-dealing speedster, and a crime boss with the power of invisibility.
These diverse characters’ paths intersect in the most unexpected ways, leading to alliances and betrayals. They wield their abilities for various ends, from committing murder to amassing wealth swiftly. Meanwhile, the narrative avoids descending into the juvenile antics of “Generation V.”
With each new episode, the intensity of violence and the characters’ despair escalate, yet it does not descend into the kind of racial tension depicted in Spike Lee’s films. Indeed, there are scarcely any white characters present, merely brief extras, but the setting and the origins of the characters’ abilities imply a lack of diversity.
The majority of the cast is composed of relatively unknown actors and newcomers. The notable exceptions are Tosin Cole, known for “Doctor Who,” in the role of Michael, and Edeloyo Ededayo from “Time Burners,” portraying his lover, Dee.
“Supacell” is an intriguing series cloaked in a superhero theme, providing a peek into the gritty underbelly of ceremonial London, where youth gangs thrive, bloodshed is common, and drug trafficking prospers. Netflix has confirmed the renewal of the series for a second season.
