In 2020, a new streaming platform hit and you probably immediately signed up for it. Disney Plus has finally given us all the opportunity to watch all of our favourite childhood movies, as well as some new ones we have not seen before. But classic animation isn’t all that Disney Plus has to offer – following the company’s acquisition of Marvel, we saw the platform’s first-ever Disney and Marvel original series: WandaVision.
WandaVision focused on the relationship between Wanda Maximoff and her husband, Vision, while playing on the history of sitcoms. While Wanda is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this seemed like quite a departure from the usual superhero movie format. So what was WandaVision all about? And why should you watch?
The WandaVision story
You have probably seen other Marvel TV shows (if you’re a fan!) or at least heard of them. But if not – rest assured that WandaVision takes the usual formula and turns it on its head. This show, only nine episodes in length, focuses on Wanda and Vision – hence the very clever name!
The show reveals Wanda and Vision living in a 1950s suburban neighbourhood, which takes cues from classic TV shows such as Bewitched, complete with a studio audience and fun “advertisements” cutting the action up. As the show goes on though, a darker tone is revealed than the one initially seen – and the WandaVision characters experience quite a transformation from the cheerful black and white world of the 1950s through to a modern-day which reveals the true nature of the story.
The themes of WandaVision
Without spoiling the show too much for those who may not have seen it, the sweet comedy offered by early episodes is undercut by an element of darkness that only grows as the show goes on. As Wanda and Vision try to conceal their true superhero natures, the story explores themes such as grief and mental illness, as well as the strength of love. As is typical for superhero stories, you can also expect some action, as well as a thorough exploration of TV tropes. If you are a Marvel fan and know some of the Wanda and Vision backstory, you might be surprised at how deeply this story explores Wanda’s character and Vision’s presence in the story itself…. But you really do need to discover that for yourself.
The popular style of WandaVision
Another thing worth mentioning about WandaVision is that it takes advantage of its strange and fun setting in order to explore many beauty trends worn by stylish ladies throughout sitcom history. The nine episodes of WandaVision journey from a 1950s setting in black and white, where you will see the swing skirts, polished makeup and perfectly styled hairdos of the era, through the more laid back, long-haired hippie-chic looks found in the 1970s. Wanda embraces each era, whether breaking out with a little bit of a more relaxed look in the 1960s episode or styling her hair big and blown out in the 1980s based episode. These styles are perfect as inspiration, whether for a costume party associated with the decade or as a subtle nod to the era.
The style of WandaVision is also used alongside the TV tropes to show a gradual loss of innocence which follows the plot of the series perfectly – when Wanda is seen in the 2000s based episodes, her style is sloppy and relaxed to reflect her mental state. It’s a truly fascinating watching experience for anyone who loves to see how style is used on TV.
What’s next for WandaVision?
While Marvel’s first original outing on Disney Plus was a huge success in both ratings and love from the fans, receiving high praise for being a fun watch and a beautiful exploration of grief, it is sadly unlikely that WandaVision will be getting a second season. However, there is plenty of other great superhero based series’ showing up that we can take inspiration from – whether that is in fashion and beauty trends or the emotional core of these stories. You may also see versions of Wanda and Vision return in other areas of the MCU – so watch this space.
What do you think? Did you love WandaVision, or will you be discovering this wonderful show in 2022? There was so much to unpack and enjoy, it is definitely worth a watch, even if you don’t usually love superhero movies or shows, you may just discover a new favourite!
In 2020, a new streaming platform hit and you probably immediately signed up for it. Disney Plus has finally given us all the opportunity to watch all of our favourite childhood movies, as well as some new ones we have not seen before. But classic animation isn’t all that Disney Plus has to offer – following the company’s acquisition of Marvel, we saw the platform’s first-ever Disney and Marvel original series: WandaVision.
WandaVision focused on the relationship between Wanda Maximoff and her husband, Vision, while playing on the history of sitcoms. While Wanda is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this seemed like quite a departure from the usual superhero movie format. So what was WandaVision all about? And why should you watch?
The WandaVision story
You have probably seen other Marvel TV shows (if you’re a fan!) or at least heard of them. But if not – rest assured that WandaVision takes the usual formula and turns it on its head. This show, only nine episodes in length, focuses on Wanda and Vision – hence the very clever name! The show reveals Wanda and Vision living in a 1950s suburban neighbourhood, which takes cues from classic TV shows such as Bewitched, complete with a studio audience and fun “advertisements” cutting the action up. As the show goes on though, a darker tone is revealed than the one initially seen – and the WandaVision characters experience quite a transformation from the cheerful black and white world of the 1950s through to a modern-day which reveals the true nature of the story.
The themes of WandaVision
Without spoiling the show too much for those who may not have seen it, the sweet comedy offered by early episodes is undercut by an element of darkness that only grows as the show goes on. As Wanda and Vision try to conceal their true superhero natures, the story explores themes such as grief and mental illness, as well as the strength of love. As is typical for superhero stories, you can also expect some action, as well as a thorough exploration of TV tropes. If you are a Marvel fan and know some of the Wanda and Vision backstory, you might be surprised at how deeply this story explores Wanda’s character and Vision’s presence in the story itself…. But you really do need to discover that for yourself.
The popular style of WandaVision
Another thing worth mentioning about WandaVision is that it takes advantage of its strange and fun setting in order to explore many beauty trends worn by stylish ladies throughout sitcom history. The nine episodes of WandaVision journey from a 1950s setting in black and white, where you will see the swing skirts, polished makeup and perfectly styled hairdos of the era, through the more laid back, long-haired hippie-chic looks found in the 1970s. Wanda embraces each era, whether breaking out with a little bit of a more relaxed look in the 1960s episode or styling her hair big and blown out in the 1980s based episode. These styles are perfect as inspiration, whether for a costume party associated with the decade or as a subtle nod to the era.
The style of WandaVision is also used alongside the TV tropes to show a gradual loss of innocence which follows the plot of the series perfectly – when Wanda is seen in the 2000s based episodes, her style is sloppy and relaxed to reflect her mental state. It’s a truly fascinating watching experience for anyone who loves to see how style is used on TV.
What’s next for WandaVision?
While Marvel’s first original outing on Disney Plus was a huge success in both ratings and love from the fans, receiving high praise for being a fun watch and a beautiful exploration of grief, it is sadly unlikely that WandaVision will be getting a second season. However, there is plenty of other great superhero based series’ showing up that we can take inspiration from – whether that is in fashion and beauty trends or the emotional core of these stories. You may also see versions of Wanda and Vision return in other areas of the MCU – so watch this space.
What do you think? Did you love WandaVision, or will you be discovering this wonderful show in 2022? There was so much to unpack and enjoy, it is definitely worth a watch, even if you don’t usually love superhero movies or shows, you may just discover a new favourite!
More than a fashion game, Lady Popular is a fun and creative online game for ladies who love the latest trends. Just have fu at ladypopularstyle.com
Image by InspiredImages via Pixabay
