Netflix’s latest sci-fi offering, Cassandra, has earned a rare and impressive 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and it’s no surprise why. This German-made show, consisting of six episodes, has struck a chord with both critics and viewers alike.
The show follows Germany’s oldest smart home, which awakens its AI assistant, Cassandra, after years of dormancy. When a new family moves in, Cassandra is determined never to be abandoned again. Using the home’s resources, the AI manipulates events to become part of the family.
While the “self-aware android” trope is nothing new, Cassandra stands out with its retro aesthetic. Picture a ‘70s-era smart home with a Jetsons-like robot assistant, all brought to life by actress Lavinia Wilson, who plays both the android and the person it was originally modeled after.
What makes Cassandra different from other sci-fi shows is its focus on the history of how Cassandra came to be. The show doesn’t just dive into the idea of an android going rogue; it takes its time exploring how this AI was created and how it evolved into what it is today. This balance between the present-day unsettling Cassandra and the backstory is what keeps viewers hooked.
Though Cassandra hasn’t received much mainstream critical attention, it has remained on Netflix’s top 10 list in the U.S. for over two weeks, even outranking popular shows like The Night Agent. Unlike other long-running series, this is a limited series, which means it won’t be returning for another season, making it a unique and concise viewing experience.
While it might not reach the level of greatness of Netflix’s Dark, another standout German sci-fi series, Cassandra is still an engaging and highly recommended show for any sci-fi fan. If you’re looking for something fresh and thought-provoking, this one deserves a spot on your watchlist.
