- Rating: 4/5 stars
- Verdict: Under the watch of 'Adolescence' co-creator Jack Thorne, this new adaptation of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies' is a stunningly crafted story of survival and savagery. Anchored by an exceptional young cast, only ill-judged stylistic choices blemish what is a gripping, unsettling cautionary tale told across four episodes.
- Where to watch: "Lord of the Flies" is on Netflix now
Like many Brits, I consider myself something of an expert when it comes to adaptation of William Golding’s seminal “Lord of the Flies.” The 1954 novel has been taught in U.K. schools for decades, with both the original 1963 movie adaptation (good, but a little dated) and the 1990 Americanized version (way too unfaithful to the book) regularly screened in classrooms.
That’s why I feel confident declaring the new TV take on the novel the very best adaptation of “Lord of the Flies” to date. It arrived on the BBC back in February and is now washing up on Netflix U.S. It retains the soul of Golding’s work, keeping its important societal themes intact and razor sharp, and stars a talented cast of young (some first-time) performers.
2026’s “Lord of the Flies” is a gripping watch, and because of its relatively short run of just four episodes, it feels practically hand-crafted for binge-watching. It makes some stylistic choices that are already proving rather decisive, and it’s not afraid to let each narrative beat breathe. But it's an excellent survival drama with a message that feels relevant for our times.
What is ‘Lord of the Flies’ about?
Created by Jack Thorne, the co-creator of Netflix’s smash-hit crime drama “Adolescence,” this adaptation of “Lord of the Flies” is impressively faithful to the written source material.
Set in the early 1950s, during an unnamed nuclear war, a group of British schoolboys is stranded on a tropical island following a plane crash. With no adult supervision, they have to find a way to survive on this isolated paradise, and also seek rescue from their predicament.
Initially creating a set of rules and electing a leader, Ralph (Winston Sawyers), it isn’t long before cracks in their hierarchy splinter the group, and some give in to their savage nature. And that's before a rumor spreads through the boy's camp that a sinister beast is stalking the jungle.
Netflix's ‘Lord of the Flies’ brings this classic survival story to life
Viewed through a modern lens, “Lord of the Flies” might seem cliché. Desert island survival stories aren’t exactly fresh these days, but much of the genre owes a huge debt to Golding. Everything from TV’s “Lost” and "Yellowjackets" to YA favorites like “Maze Runner” takes several elements from “Lord of the Flies.”
While this new adaptation of the book can’t exactly make the story feel wholly fresh, it does laser in on exactly why the story has stood the test of time. Primarily, the unnerve slid into savagery at the heart of the tale. At first, these schoolboys make a real college try at being civilized, but under the influence of the choir leader, Jack (Lox Pratt), they give in to violence.
The extra runtime afforded to the TV show compared to a movie allows Thorne (who wrote all four episodes) to sharpen this unsettling descent. Thorne also frames each episode around one of the core cast, which further fleshes out the principal characters and makes the chaotic finale hit even harder. And yes, that death still breaks my heart even in 2026. Thorne goes one further and draws out the impact, making it even more devastating.
New to this adaptation are a series of flashback sequences that show the lead character’s life before the island. These are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they offer extra insight (Jack’s cruelty comes from his stern father, Ralph’s empathy is linked to having lost his mother etc.), but in taking viewers away from the confines of the island, even for shorter scenes, the sense of isolation and creeping fear is blunted somewhat.
Another choice that I’m sure will be questionable to some viewers is the extensive, and I do mean extensive, use of fisheye shots. These frame the drama, further adding to the constantly ratcheting sense of dread, and suggesting that perhaps someone (or something) is watching the boys, but they can be disorienting, and the effect is used a little too frequently.
Stylistic gripes aside, what is not in question is the performances of the entire cast. David McKenna is a particular highlight as Piggy (a friendly, good-natured boy known by his cruel schoolyard nickname). Piggy has always been “Lord of the Flies’” most sympathetic character, and McKenna brings him to life beautifully. Is it time for a "Piggy for President" campaign?
Sawyers, Pratt and Ike Talbut as Simon are also standouts. Oh, and a shout-out to Thomas Connor as the sadistic Roger, a boy you will quickly grow to disdain. The cast is exceptional and is reason enough to watch this series.
In “Lord of the Flies,” you have an unquestionable titan of the survival drama genre, brought to the screen with clarity, craft and an attention to detail that no other adaptation has matched. It won’t make you feel particularly good about human nature, but it conveys the novel’s message with aplomb. It’s a message that we need to take heed of more than ever.
I'm not alone in my praise of this new series either. On review site Rotten Tomatoes, it scores an impressive (and much-deserved) 95% score from more than 35 reviews. That's enough for a 'Certified Fresh' seal of approval.
The site's Critics Consensus reads, "Fleshing out William Goldman's text with thoughtful observations about boyhood and sharpened by a uniformly terrific troupe of child actors, this retelling of 'Lord of the Flies' seizes the conch shell and commands attention." A sentiment, I very much echo.
However, if a four-part survival drama that lays bare the savage element of humankind bubbling below the surface is just a little too bleak for your watchlist, here’s a guide to everything else new on Netflix in May 2026.
Watch "Lord of the Flies" on Netflix now
