It's not a masterpiece like the 2010 original, but — separated from its musical trappings — feels like something of a well-executed live action reboot. There are moments of repetition and subtext turned into text and those things aren't great, but it feels good to spend more time in this world, and to drink a bit more of it than usual. (And the execution is tremendous, too, even if I miss Anais and Justin's original vocals.)

★★★★

Lightning bolt
About Hadestown (2021)

Lightning bolt
About the author

I'm Justin Duke — a software engineer, writer, and founder. I currently work as the CEO of Buttondown, the best way to start and grow your newsletter, and as a partner at Third South Capital.

Lightning bolt
Greatest hits

Lightning bolt
Elsewhere

Lightning bolt
Don't miss the next essay

Get a monthly roundup of everything I've written: no ads, no nonsense.