Why Critics are Dead Wrong: Director of New Apple TV+ Horror Series Breaks Silence on Negative Reviews

Summary

Director Jonathan van Tulleken is proud of the negative reviews of Apple TV+ series The Changeling because they show that the show aims to be ambitious and different.

The Changeling has garnered a polarizing reception, with certain critics applauding the cast's performances while others scrutinize the pacing and the unresolved enigma.

The more unconventional the horror, the more opinions will diverge, yet for those intrigued spectators open to embarking on the cinematic voyage, The Changeling could prove to be a worthwhile watch.

Jonathan van Tulleken, the director of the new Apple TV+ series The Changeling, shares his honest thoughts on the show's mixed reception. Based on Victor LaValle's novel, The Changeling stars LaKeith Stanfield and Clark Backo and follows the journey of Stanfield's character, Apollo, as he searches for his wife following a disturbing incident after the birth of their child. With eight episodes and developed by Kelly Marcel, known for Venom, the show has received both praise and criticism.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, van Tulleken addresses the divided response to The Changeling. As one of the directors alongside Melina Matsoukas, who directed Queen & Slim, van Tulleken admits to feeling a peculiar sense of pride in the negative reviews. According to him, these critiques highlight the show's intention to offer something unique. Read van Tulleken's full statement below.

Why The Changeling’s Reviews Are Sharply Mixed

Creating something that strives to be daring and audacious, not the type of television that can be passively consumed while multitasking, requires genuine engagement and active participation," he expresses. "I take immense pride in the project, surprisingly even in the negative reviews, because it demonstrates that we ventured into uncharted territory. That's the kind of television I aspire to produce.

The response to The Changeling has been a mixed one, with critics offering both praise and criticism. Many have commended the performances of Stanfield and Backo as standout aspects of the series. On the other hand, some feel that the adaptation suffers from the common issue of pacing in modern TV, taking too long to unravel the mystery. Despite this, The Changeling leaves room for a potential second installment, which is acknowledged by Van Tulleken in his remarks.

Despite receiving some negative reviews, The Changeling has garnered praise. Featuring Adina Porter from American Horror Story as Apollo's mother, the series has a standout episode centered around her that is highly recommended. Reviews have been mixed regarding the pacing and level of intrigue. However, some critics find the adaptation to be a captivating mystery from start to finish.

Typically, as the horror becomes stranger, there is a more noticeable divide among opinions. The Changeling incorporates elements of fairytales and explores significant thematic interests. While not suitable for everyone, curious viewers who are open to the experience may find the series to be worthwhile.

Source: THR