Is Netflix at Fault for Turning '3 Body Problem' and 'Parasyte: The Grey' into Second-Tier Films?

Netflix recently introduced two thrilling adaptations, "3 Body Problem" and "Parasyte: The Grey," inspired by the renowned Chinese science fiction novel and the celebrated Japanese manga "Parasyte" respectively. For the vast majority of Netflix members, these two productions are more than just new items on its extensive 'menu' of films and series. They offer a chance to experience something novel and, while they might not be the most anticipated "dishes" on the menu, they hold definite potential to astonish and enthrall. For a typical Netflix viewer, these additions might be mere entertainment choices, but for hardcore fans of the original works, they demand a deeper level of engagement. Before Netflix came into the picture, there had been other film and series adaptations of the novel and manga. Given how these immortal sci-fi classics are so popular, and because viewers can now compare "3 Body Problem" and "Parasyte: The Grey" with their older adaptations, they would expect more from Netflix.

Judging from the overall impact of and reviews about "3 Body Problem" and "Parasyte: The Grey," while they are not considered a complete flop, they apparently fail to reach the stellar heights of the original works. Casual Netflix viewers looking for a fast, convenient and accessible way (also known as the fast food-style approach) to watch TV series and films will find their hunger for genre-specific narratives and an array of sci-fi phenomena fully satisfied by both series. Yet, for those familiar with the original works, the significant alterations and dilutions of the sci-fi concepts and thematic nuances might lead to discontent. As stated in Rolling Stone's review of "3 Body Problem," "[E]ven with these various smart deviations from the source material, the show’s first season is middling drama at best." Unquestionably, among audiences acquainted with the original works and various media adaptations, Netflix's "3 Body Problem" and "Parasyte: The Grey" can be confidently categorized as second-tier productions.

The intriguing question is whether these adaptations became fast food-style second-tier productions because of Netflix's limited capability or because it is just a strategic choice. Are these productions simply "failed attempts to spice things up," as suggested by an Entertainment Weekly's review of "3 Body Problem"? To conclusively answer these questions, a thorough examination of Netflix's adaptation process of "3 Body Problem" and "Parasyte: The Grey" and a critical appraisal of the ultimate impact of these two series are required.

Leveraging the original novel's resounding success and a production team of unparalleled caliber, "3 Body Problem" stands as a definitive masterstroke set to seize global interest. Authored by the distinguished Chinese writer Liu Cixin, the novel clinched the prestigious Hugo Award. The producers of "3 Body Problem," D.B. Weiss and David Benioff, possess a glorious record of navigating the colossal drama "Game of Thrones" to triumph, irrespective of criticisms about the final season. The main critique of "Game of Thrones" Season 8 revolves around the perceived divergence in character development from George R.R. Martin's novels. Yet, the producers of "3 Body Problem" were undeterred by past events and boldly embraced creative liberties. Liu himself suggested some daring adaptation strategies, such as altering the characters' genders and staging the drama in English to appeal to an international viewership.

In its finished form, "3 Body Problem" retains a plot set amidst the turbulent epoch of China's Cultural Revolution while shifting the background of another vital storyline from China to the UK. It deftly weaves characters from the original trilogy into the Oxford Five, allowing them to debut in the first season before undertaking their unique journeys separately. The series continues to present breathtaking visuals and palpitation-inducing moments, although it simplifies or downplays some of the novel's complex theories and hypotheses like the renowned "Dark Forest Hypothesis" (a hypothesis about the laws of survival in different civilizations in the universe). The series is visibly getting more genre-specific and it has opted for a more formulaic approach, featuring well-defined character development and the mission to rescue humanity from the San-Ti civilization as the main plot, missing the original's speculative intrigue.

Nevertheless, the adaptation of "3 Body Problem" is a strategic endeavor to provide entertainment and at the same time, lower viewers’ expectations. Any complaints from fans of the original novel or critics about the adaptation haven't prevented it from catapulting to Netflix's Global Top 10 Hot Dramas upon its release and maintaining the top spot for two consecutive weeks. With its second season already greenlit, it's evident that Netflix has been successful in seamlessly transforming "3 Body Problem" into a global sensation.

"Parasyte: The Grey" is a bold reimagination of Hitoshi Iwaaki's revered "Parasyte" manga series. Acclaimed for his exceptional direction of the South Korean zombie film "Train to Busan," series director Yeon Sang-ho catapults "Parasyte" to unparalleled heights in the comic and animation realm. Seizing the opportunity to "create something new" within the illustrious Parasyte universe, he approached this task with unshakeable resolve. Iwaaki regards the animated series as a treasured continuation of his legacy and expresses his profound satisfaction with "Parasyte: The Grey" as his "new grandchild".

"Parasyte: The Grey" triumphs as an entirely fresh narrative, relocating the action from Japan to Korea, and placing a new character, Jeong Su-in (Jeon So-nee), at the forefront instead of the male high school protagonist, Shinichi Izumi, in the original manga. Aside from the bloopers at the end of the series, its story barely overlaps with that of the manga. However, fans of the original will immediately recognize the familiar Parasyte universe in the new series. Pivotal elements of the franchise, like the enigmatic human-infecting parasites and the unique hair detection method, are seamlessly woven into the new narrative, creating an unassailable link to the original "Parasyte."

Although "Parasyte: The Grey" is a derivative work, it is not made clear why fights make up the bulk of the series and why other traits of the parasites are not mentioned, besides their ability to cause carnage. The series reflects practical social issues in South Korea, such as cults, while the heroes' mission is solely focused on eradicating the parasites. The relationship between Su-in and the parasitic Heidi that resides in her is only touched upon briefly. Much like the spellbinding dramatization of "3 Body Problem," "Parasyte: The Grey" offers an irresistible blend of spectacle and riveting entertainment, though it does not fully explore all of its deeper themes. This potent combination has catapulted "Parasyte: The Grey" to the top of Netflix's hot show rankings in multiple countries. The introduction of Shinichi from Japan in the series signals a promising second season, and the new season is poised to expand the Parasyte universe even further.

After scrutinizing the stories and resounding successes of Netflix's adaptations of "3 Body Problem" and "Parasyte: The Grey", it is irrefutable that these works are colossal triumphs. Not only do they excel in the realm of entertainment, but they also eclipse the less triumphant adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop". They stand as unequivocal proof of Netflix's prowess in adapting sci-fi classics. Given that Netflix is still being banned in China, with the global acclaim of "3 Body Problem", a Chinese novel adaptation, it is undeniable that it could be the breakthrough Netflix needs to conquer the Chinese market.

Armed with an impressive 260 million membership worldwide, Netflix is tactically positioning sci-fi classics as the spearhead of entertainment. It's not a mistake, it is a strategy. With an average budget of a staggering US$20 million dollars per episode and a total budget exceeding US$160 million dollars for "3 Body Problem", Netflix is not only catering to the novel's fanbase but also ambitiously reaching out to a broader audience. As part of its bold global strategy, Netflix is aligning its content with global preferences. Adopting Hollywood's winning formula that has been applied for the past few decades, the most profitable and universally appealing films are those that are entertainment-centric, accessible, and genre-specific. The provision of such content is the cornerstone of Netflix's global domination strategy.

From the perspective of the viewers, while Netflix has produced acclaimed genre works like "Stranger Things" and "Squid Game", it is understood that Netflix is not a niche film company like A24 committed to producing purely artistic films. In Netflix's fast-paced, consumer-oriented approach to film and television, audiences have the freedom to choose content that appeals to their individual tastes without expecting every piece to be of the highest calibre. As Netflix continues to diversify its content, innovate, and win the hearts of audiences around the world, we can unreservedly look forward to its continued and unshakeable success.