Netflix recently released a show called “The Accident.” This Mexican drama has become increasingly popular due to its bizarre premise, based on shocking real-life events. Since its release on August 21, “The Accident” has dominated streaming top 10 lists, despite not having much pre-release hype. Similar to the incredible success of “Under Paris” on Netflix, it seems the streaming service has found another winner with its international shows.
The Spanish-language show is a 10-episode drama thriller that follows a horrific tragedy that occurs at a boy's birthday party in Santa Cruz, Mexico. The characters in “The Accident” are a group of family and friends caught up in an unexpected event, but the group is torn apart when justice is sought. The central tragedy is the deaths of three children who are trapped inside an inflatable bounce house that goes airborne during a birthday party. Believe it or not, this outlandish premise is not completely fictional.
Netflix's 'The Accident' was inspired by a real bounce house tragedy
The show is not based on any specific actual events.
Custom image: Kate Bove
Strictly speaking, The Accident is not based on a true story or any specific event. However, the basic premise of The Accident's central tragedy was inspired by several true stories where bounce houses caused injuries and deaths. Bounce houses and castles have been known to fly into the air if not set up correctly due to strong winds or sudden weather changes. Strong winds can send the inflatable flying into the air, potentially trapping anyone inside, and that is exactly what happens in The Accident.
According to Netflix's Tudum, between 2000 and 2021, 28 deaths and about 500 accidents have been reported due to inflatable bounce houses. While some cases involve injuries to people inside a rolling bounce house, more serious cases such as accidents involve people falling from high in the air from an inflatable or structures falling to the ground, causing injuries. Similar cases have also occurred with trampolines that are not fixed to the ground like bounce houses.
This accident has become a topic of conversation because of its outlandish premise.
The viewer can't decide if it's funny or scary.
Despite not having a well-known cast familiar to mainstream audiences, or any major hype that accompanied its release, “The Accident” has immediately shot to third place (for now) on Netflix's TV shows list upon its release. Much of its popularity has come from word of mouth and social media buzz, with viewers sharing their thoughts on the thrilling family drama. Additionally, clips are being shared at every turn that attest to just how incredible the show is, which has undoubtedly helped make it go viral.
The Accident's melodramatic portrayal of a tragedy, complete with a flying bounce house, makes the premise an unintentional laughing stock.
Of course, the deaths of the children and the subsequent grief depicted in “The Accident” have led some viewers to call the show heartbreaking. While this is not a topic most people take lightly, “The Accident”'s melodramatic portrayal of the tragedy, complete with a bounce house flying through the air, has led some viewers to unintentionally poke fun at the premise. Viewers have also made fun of the family and friends' desire for justice for what was essentially an event caused by unpredictable weather.
Is this accident worth watching?
Netflix show being compared to NBC show from 2015
Instant reviews of The Accident have been mixed at best, with most notable reactions coming from traditional viewers. While the melodrama seems to have been embraced by some viewers, viewers who consider The Accident a “must-watch” seem to be declaring the thriller a “funny-so-terrible” scenario. After the bounce house tragedy, the show takes many twists and turns as the victims' families seek explanations. The show unfolds across multiple storylines, so if you can get past the bounce house element (whether you find it entertaining or frightening), it may be worth watching.
Interestingly, the buzz around “The Accident” has reopened discussion about another bizarre drama that began at a birthday party. NBC's “The Slap” had a similar “you have to see it to believe it” premise, but in this one, a man at a birthday party slaps the young son of another party-goer. The rest of the episode deals with the emotional aftermath.
Despite generally positive reviews, The Slap only aired for one season on NBC.
If “The Slap” caught your eye back in 2015, then “The Accident” might be the new wild show for you. It's also true for anyone who likes to stay on top of trends and doesn't want to be left out of major pop culture discussions. It might not be Netflix's next big thing, but it's easy to see why it's getting so much attention.
Source: Tudum
