Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Outstanding actors in sci-fi scenarios with mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Solos
What's the Story?
SOLOS is an anthology series of seven separate stories that connect to each other in surprising ways. They all involve technology, AI, or futuristic themes. Some episodes focus on emotional and philosophical issues, a couple episodes are thematically intense, and all of them ask whether we are trapped or freed by technology. A diverse cast of veteran actors delivers narratives that intertwine in subtle ways. In an episode starring Helen Mirren (The Queen, Monsters University), a 70-something woman has answered an ad to explore the outer reaches of space. Anne Hathaway (The Witches, Alice in Wonderland) explores time travel in her mother's basement. Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby, Batman Begins) suffers from memory loss until a strange visitor played by Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) shows him how his life has affected others. Some episodes are frightening, some are inspiring, some are humorous. But they all seek to explore the use of technology, and how we are connected with others, even when we are alone.
Is It Any Good?
Visually grand and often compelling, the seven episodes of this series vary in quality. Deep questions about technology and the nature of life are given the schmaltz treatment in a couple of episodes; other episodes effectively answer hard questions. Is Solos timely? Yes. Is it well-written? It depends. Helen Mirren gives an absolutely beautiful, life-affirming performance as an elderly woman named Peg who's reflecting on her life. Anne Hathaway as Leah screechily struggles with her future self in a profanity-laced effort to get to the bottom of a deeply emotional commitment. In an episode that wavers between believability and absurdity, Uzo Aduba as Sasha totally owns the virtual world she's trapped inside of. Morgan Freeman struggles to give a spritely performance as a man with dementia named Stuart, but he's hamstrung by a lackluster script. The episodes have plots and characters in common, but they don't feel entirely cohesive.
Teens will like the exciting and immersive scenarios that show AI enveloping lives irrevocably. One episode in particular explores a very macabre theme of an engineered birth gone wrong, but do expect some happy outcomes. A couple tear-jerker moments surprise, too. Ultimately, adults might be left wanting a little more complexity behind the philosophizing, but the questions are good, and there are memorable performances to enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about technology and its influence on the characters in Solos -- AI is everywhere. How much does technology influence your life? Can you really shut it off?
The stories in this series look at the consequences of choices in a life. Which other shows show consequences of behavior? Why is that important?
Some of the stories in Solos show people completely immersed in technology, so much so that they don't know what is "real" anymore. How much interaction with technology is too much? Can you get addicted to technology?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 21, 2021
- Cast : Morgan Freeman , Helen Mirren , Anthony Mackie , Dan Stevens , Constance Wu , Anne Hathaway , Nicole Beharie
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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