Netflix Supercharges International Audiences with Black British Super-Drama “Supacell”

Written by Kameron Bain

"Supacell," a fresh take on the black superhero genre, brings a unique and gripping story to the small screen, thanks to its creator and director Rapman. The Roc Nation repped rapper, record producer, screenwriter, and film director captures a new side of South London with its finger on the pulse of the black superhero genre. 

The series, set in the vibrant locales of South London, is a bold exploration of the Black British experience intertwined with superpowers, making it a standout in contemporary entertainment. "Supacell" introduces its core characters in their ordinary lives before their sudden discovery of extraordinary powers. As these powers manifest, each character reacts in realistic, relatable ways, grappling with the implications of their new abilities within their specifically challenging the contexts of life as a young Black Brit. The show gradually reveals a larger, interconnected plot as Michael time-travels into a future where he must unite the other powered individuals to prevent a tragic event involving his fiancée Dionne.

(Courtesy of Netflix) 

The two leads Michael (House Party, Burning Sands, Bob Marley’s One Love) is a delivery driver juggling life with his childhood sweetheart Dionne (Adelayo Adedayo) and caring for his ailing mother. Michael discovers he can time travel, playing into the non-linear storytelling nature of the series. Sabrina (Nadine Mills) is a nurse with telekinetic abilities, navigating a tumultuous personal life while dealing with a chaotic sister and a challenging work environment, Tazer (Josh Tedeku) is a gang leader who becomes invisible at will, using his powers amid a violent turf war. The last two of the superpower pack Rodney (Calvin Demba) is a low-level weed dealer who gains super-speed and uses it to dominate his illicit trade and Andre (Eric Kofi-Abrefa) is an ex-con struggling to connect with his teenage son, endowed with super strength. With all of these unique storylines, the stage is set for a compelling story arch for all of the characters. 

 (Key Art Courtesy of Netflix) 

The series is interestingly shot by cinematographers Aaron Reid and Sam Heasmanm with a serious UK drama style while integrating characters' powers seamlessly into the characters' worlds. At times, I think I was reminded often that this was a Netflix drama due to the shooting and coloring style, however, the Teen Wolf fan in me knew that things could get even more exciting if this series found its way into a second season with a darker, grittier tone more reminiscent with AMC+ Interview with a Vampire or Netflix’s Stranger Things. While some of the stunts and visual effects were a bit underwhelming (in a post-Marvel Universe), the chemistry between the characters felt very real and captivating, and the action felt well-positioned and purposeful. 

 (Courtesy of Netflix) 

The story balances heavy themes such as gang violence, racial profiling, and economic struggles with the exhilarating aspects of superhero abilities. Michael and Dionne serve as the main catalyst for the series as Michael tries to avoid the inevitable future while protecting his girlfriend Dionne. The tension certainly carries the story from episode to episode, however, the acting and performance between the two are even better. The series uses its South London setting to ground the fantastical elements in a world that feels authentic and lived-in while at the same time, this show felt a bit closer to Black Lightning than I would have hoped, Supacell overall stood on its own two feet in terms of its “Sickle Cell” to “SuperHero” origin story. The powers are depicted sparingly, focusing more on the characters' journeys and the impact of their abilities on their lives, their loved ones, and how they are using their powers to fight against mysterious evil mercenaries. Micheal stands out as the show's closest comparison to a  “hero”  against these mercenaries while he struggles to make a comfortable life for himself and his girlfriend, he also must bring together four complete strangers to avoid being captured. 

 (Courtesy of Netflix) 

With the feeling of Top Boy meets Black Lightning, we can get an intimate look at what Black British life feels like and how it materializes in this show through the Afrobeats soundtrack and visuals of the series while at the same time, we watch the full panning out of a romantic drama fused with a bit of sci-fi

All in all, I enjoyed Supacell and didn’t have many complaints about the series, especially considering this is only season one. From the looks of it, there is definitely room for budgets to grow and world-building to continue, however, as Supacell demands an intentional audience coming in a No.1 in in viewership and I am sure they will be getting a season two order very soon. 

Watch the trailer below!