Ozark: A Look Into the American Crime Thriller

The Netflix crime drama Ozark has been a hit since its premiere in 2017. With its three seasons and critically acclaimed performances by lead actors Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, Ozark has only gained more fans since it started airing. But for those unfamiliar, what exactly is Ozark about? Here’s a look into the world of the American crime thriller.

What the Show is About

At its core, Ozark follows the Byrdes, a financial advisor and his wife, after they move from Chicago to the Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. The Brydes do whatever it takes to stay on the good side of their employer, as well as the locals of the Ozarks, as they try to balance their family and work lives.

The Byrdes’ journey brings them into contact with many layers of criminal activity and interwoven storylines, giving each episode an intensely complex web of intrigue and drama. Over the course of three seasons, the Byrdes attempt to outrun the cartel and the FBI, while also attempting to keep their family together and stay afloat in an economically unstable and dangerous environment.

Exploring Troubling Themes

All of these gripping storylines, however, revolve around much more than a simple money laundering scheme. Ozark tackles a multitude of troubling themes, such as mistrust in government, corruption, power, and morality. It paints a picture of a world in which few wear the masks of righteousness and no one is immune from the consequences of their actions. To make matters worse, Ozark gives its audience glimpses of the all-too-real aspects of the opioid crisis in rural areas of the US.

The show also allows viewers to explore the devastating effects of poverty, addiction, and police brutality. What’s more, Ozark also dives deep into the power dynamics of family and relationships, as the Byrdes navigate through their own crises of conscience and pitfalls of personal ambition.

Conclusion

The gripping crime thriller Ozark has attracted audiences from around the world, earning praise for its powerful storylines, creative direction, and spellbinding performances. With its exploration of timely and relevant themes, Ozark has become much more than a drug money laundering show, demonstrating why audiences have been so captivated by the Byrdes’ story.