It’s rare to read a book and then watch a TV or movie adaptation and find it comparable; it’s even more rare to think that it’s perfectly accurate. Disney Plus’s The Mysterious Benedict Society is faultlessly accurate to the book and so much more: engaging, filled with beautiful cinematography, and as mysterious as the title would lead you to believe. With only three episodes released so far, the season is already off to an exciting start, whether you’re a fan of the books or a newcomer to the series.
Trenton Lee Stewart, the author of the original novel and its sequels, wrote the series with such detail that the producers of the show had plenty to draw from, from colors and clothing to scenery and architecture. The story follows four gifted children—Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance—as they pass a challenging test to become members of Mr. Benedict’s secret society. Their journey takes them from children leading ordinary lives, to being trained by an eccentric bunch, to trying to take down an evil operation, which as of Episode Three is yet to be revealed (but spoiler alert, it’s about mind control and taking over the world).
Luckily for viewers, the showrunners chose to follow the directions given in the novel to the smallest detail, bringing the world alive in TV form. Number Two, Mr. Benedict’s assistant, is perfectly costumed in Ticonderoga yellow pencil skirts just as described in the book, as would be expected to fit her unique name. The mansion at the heart of the story is grand and picturesque as Stewart narrated, filled with mazes, puzzles, and elaborate libraries.
The only hiccup the show presents, as of Episode Three, is about Sticky’s life. Spoiler alert: in the novel, Sticky has loving, doting, and worried parents, but so far Sticky has maintained his story that he is an orphan like the other children. However, Episode Three alluded to Sticky having a secret, and showed him being uncomfortable sharing details about his family, which implies that this misdirect will be resolved to perfectly mirror the book.
Every individual reader of a novel will imagine the characters, setting, and events differently. I imagined Mr. Benedict to be more stout than the show’s portrayal, and Kate to have bright blonde hair. But the show’s commitment to the time period and tone of the book overrides any disappointment a reader might have that their visualization is not actualized, and instead captures the viewer and welcomes them into the charming world the show has created.
For adults considering watching The Mysterious Benedict Society, I’d highly recommend it. As the show focuses on four children it can have the feel of a Nancy Drew adaptation or Spy Kids at times, but is simultaneously akin to a Wes Anderson film, or a much more light-hearted Mare of Easttown. Plus, Veep and Arrested Development fan-favorite Tony Hale plays Mr. Benedict alongside a well-seasoned cast of other adult characters with intricate and intriguing story lines themselves. Fans of The Queen’s Gambit are sure to find the show enjoyable as well, as the show begins by focusing on a brilliant and misunderstood orphan in his 1960s era-ish orphanage. No matter the reason a viewer begins the show, you are sure to be enthralled by the storyline and at least slightly jealous you are not a member of the Mysterious Benedict Society yourself!