Panic (2021)
Created by Lauren Oliver, adapted from her 2014 novel, also titled Panic
Produced by Amazon Studios and Glasstown Entertainment
First Episode written by Lauren Oliver
Premiered on Amazon Prime Video, 2021
Starring Olivia Welch, Mike Faist, Jessica Sula, Ray Nicholson, Camron Jones
Genre/Format: Television series/thriller
Rating TV-16 (Amazon)
Plot Summary: Panic is a secret game created by teens in the small town of Carp, TX. Played throughout the summer after high school graduation, those who enter Panic are tested to their limits and must face their worst nightmares. Although only one can walk away with the $50,000 jackpot, the others who make it through to the end are just happy to walk away alive and unharmed. Players never know when their turn is coming, no one knows who the judges are (including the emcee), and no one tells anyone in authority about it.
The first episode focuses on Heather Nill, a recent graduate from a troubled home, who thought Panic was not worth the risk. Heather has been working for years to save money for college, but when she is let go from her job and finds that her mom has stolen her college fund to pay for car repairs, Heather feels she has no choice but to enter Panic to win.
Creator Background: Lauren Oliver is best known as a writer of books for young adults, including the novel Panic that this show is based on. Her other books include Before I Fall which was made into a movie in 2017. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from NYU and lives in Brooklyn.
Critical Evaluation: Panic relies on the viewer not to question why the teenagers cannot go to the next town to get a job, or apply for a loan, or how they keep this annual game a secret from every adult in town. If you can suspend your disbelief, then you will enjoy the suspenseful journey that Panic takes you on. In addition to jump scares and tension, there are plot twists and unexpected character reveals that keep you guessing and interested. This is a fun summer watch as long as you buy into the premise.
Creative Use for a Library Program: We'll host a PG version of "Panic" on a Friday night. Teens will be invited to a lock in and will have to face a series of fun challenges (e.g. puzzles, minute-to-win-it games, and etc...). Points will be awarded for the number of challenges completed and fastest time, but everyone is a winner! Pizza will be served and everyone goes home with a new book.
Speed-Round Talk: Win "Panic" and you walk away with $50,000. But no one knows if it actually exists or is just a town legend. Finding out can mean death or permanent physical injury--are you willing to take the risk?
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: Panic is a thriller about teens and, as such, it is filled with explicit language, sexual content, drug use, violence and more. There might be challenges to it as a result, but those issues are already seen in many other books and movies in the library. Just because this is about teens is no reason to keep them from seeing this show.
Reason for Inclusion: This show will appeal to fans of Hunger Games and other dystopian novels and movies. Also, because Panic is based on a book, those who liked the show might check out the book and others by the same author.
References
IMDb. (2021). “Panic” Cast Shares Movies That Truly Scared Them. You Tube.
Oliver, L. (2014). Lauren Oliver Bio. Lauren Oliver Books.
Comments