The Nerd Series

Exploring a World Where Women Hold the Power: A Review of The Power

Sci-Fi May, 11, 2025

"The Power" is a British science fiction series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in March 2023. The show is set in a world where women have developed the ability to produce an electric charge giving them the power to control men and overthrow the patriarchy. The series is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Naomi Alderman and has been adapted for television by creator and writer Alderman alongside screenwriter Claire Wilson.

The series follows several different characters including Roxy (played by Ann Skelly) a teenager from a criminal family who discovers her power and Allie (played by Lesley Manville) a politician who uses her power to gain control over the British government. There's also Margot (played by Daniela Vega) a journalist who becomes a target of the ruling elite for her reporting on the power's impact on society and Tunde (played by Himesh Patel) a Nigerian photojournalist who travels the world to document the changing political landscape.

The premise of "The Power" is intriguing and the show does an excellent job of exploring the social and political implications of this power shift. The world of "The Power" is a matriarchal society where men are subjugated and forced into submissive roles. The series explores how this power dynamic affects different characters and how it changes the nature of relationships between men and women.

One of the most interesting aspects of "The Power" is how it subverts traditional gender roles. Women are the ones in positions of power and men are often relegated to domestic roles such as caring for children and cooking. The series also explores how women's physical strength and aggression are viewed differently in this world where they are seen as powerful and desirable traits rather than unbecoming qualities.

The show's visuals are striking with a distinct color palette and use of lighting to create a moody dystopian atmosphere. The electric blue of the power itself is a recurring motif throughout the series and the show's cinematography highlights the tension and intensity of the characters' interactions.

While "The Power" is set in a fictional world it draws on real-world issues of gender inequality and power dynamics. The show is not afraid to tackle difficult themes such as sexual assault and abuse of power and it does so with nuance and sensitivity.

Comparisons to "The Handmaid's Tale" are inevitable given the similar themes of female empowerment and societal upheaval. However "The Power" takes a different approach to these themes with a focus on the consequences of power rather than the oppression of a particular group. The series also has a more global scope with characters and storylines set in various parts of the world giving a more expansive view of the impact of the power.

Overall "The Power" is a thought-provoking and engaging series that explores gender and power dynamics in a unique and compelling way. The show's strong performances striking visuals and well-crafted storytelling make it a standout addition to the science fiction genre. Fans of dystopian fiction and speculative fiction will find much to enjoy in this series as will those interested in exploring the complex issues of power and gender in our own world.