Jessica Jones Review

In this review, we’ll talk about the second Netflix MCU installment, Jessica Jones.
The show is about Private Investigator Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), whose attempt at being a superhero abruptly ended in tragedy and left her with a severe case of PTSD. Now she’s just a girl with superpowers, drinking problems, and a lot of demons, trying to make a living.
You might think that Jessica Jones isn’t the typical superhero show and Jessica isn’t your typical superhero, more like an anti-hero, but it comes with good reason. Actually, Jessica Jones has a more neo-noir tinge as the photography, lighting, and soundtrack bring out the noir feeling in the story, which allows a totally different approach to the superhero genre. It can’t be defined strictly neo-noir since it goes beyond that, but it truly is a game changer.

A lot can be said about the main character. Jessica Jones is extremely interesting. She’s a unique hero, although she’ll never admit to being one. The viewer gets to see deep inside her mind, her fears, her shame, her sufferings. She’s someone that has completely lost faith in humanity and most of all in herself, but yet manages to fight against her demons and along the way finds a way to help those in need. As the story unfolds one can see this character’s growth throughout the series and it’s quite inspiring to see her face her fears and evolve.
What’s also wonderful about the show is that it doesn’t focus just on the main character’s story and development. It manages to tell other characters’ stories without losing focus of the main story. For instance, Trish Walker, her adoptive sister and best friend, manages to conquer fears and although she doesn’t have superpowers, she manages to help Jessica through her journey, proving to be her biggest emotional support and to be a hero of her own.
Another case is Malcolm Ducasse who Jessica manages to save from himself and then tags along to be an integral part of Jessica’s journeys. He plays an essential part in the story itself, finding his place in this filled with complicated and superpowered people, helping people like him and Jessica who have suffered trauma. In the end, Malcolm and Trish prove that you don’t need to have superpowers or to be trained to help those in need and become a hero of your own.
Another appearance in the show is Luke Cage. Apparently, Jessica’s past is entwined with Luke’s, her darkest moment was one of the turning points in Luke’s life. One gets to see how emotionally distressing this event still is for her and her battle to overcome it. The resolution of it works as means of character development for Luke.

The villain, Kilgrave, is perhaps one of the best villains in the MCU at the moment, maybe even on TV. This isn’t just a misunderstood guy (something that’s been plaguing villains as of late), this is someone with no regard for anyone else, no remorse and is completely twisted. He truly thinks he’s done nothing wrong, that everybody’s happy doing his bidding and when something goes wrong it’s everybody else’s fault, therefore he lacks empathy. This makes the story more compelling and thrilling because the viewer knows there are no bounds for him and they see the effect his actions have on Jessica’s character and the development of the story.
The development of these characters allows the storytelling to be gripping and insightful, and the viewers get to understand the characters and what they’re feeling. The pacing in the storytelling is just phenomenal, there are no dull moments and each episode leaves the viewer hanging on the edge of their seat. Once you start watching it you can’t stop.

This show is magnificent, the characters, the story, and the breathtaking visuals make it one of the darkest, rawest, most real and most insightful shows airing at the moment.

Rating: 9/10

Jessica Jones season 1 is streaming on Netflix

Cecilia López Closs