The Changeling, based on Victor LaValle’s 2017 fantasy-horror novel of the same name, is either a smörgåsbord of delights or a frustrating mess. You watch your eight episodes – of gorgeously shot, beautifully played, multiple narratives, repeated motifs and woozy dream sequences that never quite resolve into anything cogent – and you take your choice.
The last straightforward thing that happens after book dealer Apollo (LaKeith Stanfield, an actor so good you will follow him just about anywhere) gets together with librarian Emma (Clark Backo) is that, in an uncharacteristic moment of bravado, he cuts off the red string bracelet she has worn since her backpacking trip through Brazil. Alas, this was tied on by a witch who granted her three wishes that would come true as long as the string was never cut. Apollo, it becomes clear – very, very slowly – has just made an ungodly mistake.
