Max’s Full Circle attracted attention even before its premiere due to its star-studded cast, featuring the likes of Claire Danes, Dennis Quaid, Timothy Olyphant, Zazie Beetz, and Jim Gaffigan. However, what truly captivated viewers was the unexpected narrative that unfolded, focusing on two Guyanese teenagers trying to navigate their way back home from New York. This unexpected twist in the story is what drew director Steven Soderbergh to the project when it was presented to him by writer Ed Solomon. In a roundtable discussion with reporters, Soderbergh explained, “You think it’s about this group of well-off white people being victimized. And then over the course of the show, the whole thing starts to tilt…It was this melodrama that had this very interesting subterranean thematic thread bubbling along that eventually comes up and takes primacy in the last two episodes.”
For Soderbergh, the heart of the story lies with the brother and sister duo, Louis and Natalia, portrayed by Gerald Jones and Adia. After disrupting a kidnapping, they manage to find a way back to Guyana, albeit facing numerous obstacles along the journey. Soderbergh highlighted their resilience, saying, “Although at the end of it, they’re sort of back to where they started…they’ve learned something, but it’s not a happy conclusion. It’s good; they survived. But that was a very difficult ride for them to get back to where they started.”
The series concludes with Louis and Natalia walking around the unfinished Colony at Essequibo, a failed development that connects the Guyanese characters with Danes’ character’s family. The final shot centers on a billboard advertising the project’s existence in 2003, emphasizing the cyclical nature of their lives. According to Soderbergh, this last image was envisioned from the beginning, serving as a pivotal moment within the storytelling.
However, many aspects of the project underwent changes from when Solomon and Soderbergh initially collaborated. One significant alteration involved scrapping the idea of a branching narrative, which would have run parallel to the linear series. This concept drew inspiration from their work on the 2018 HBO murder-mystery series Mosaic, where viewers could follow the story from different perspectives using an accompanying app. Soderbergh explained that this approach was not viable for Full Circle due to the distinct visual and directorial style he had envisioned for the app version. Consequently, the linear series and app version needed to be approached separately.
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Additionally, various other changes were made throughout the production process. The relationship between characters Garmen, played by Phaldut Sharma, and Xavier, portrayed by Sheyi Cole, was further developed. Soderbergh recounted a scene in the finale that involved a break-in, mentioning how the original script featured a violent bedroom fight. However, this scene was reimagined to create a more meaningful confrontation between Danes’ character, Sam Browne, and Louis. According to Soderbergh, the revised scene provided a pivotal moment of realization for Sam, as she ultimately understands her role in the events that unfolded.
Speaking in interviews, Soderbergh emphasized his trust in the relatively unknown actors, particularly in their portrayal of the Guyanese characters. He emphasized the importance of treating every character as a lead and highlighted the need for gradual character development. Casting director Carmen Cuba played a vital role in finding the right actors for the roles, and Soderbergh was determined not to limit their search based on location. Despite logistical challenges, they were able to secure their first choices, including Sheyi Cole, Phaldut Sharma, and Jharrel Jerome, who resided in London and Los Angeles.
As the series progressed, Soderbergh and Solomon took opportunities to expand the storyline of the young characters, particularly Louis, Natalia, Xavier, and Garmen. Changes were made during the shooting process to further develop their relationships and give them more depth and significance within the narrative.
In summary, Max’s Full Circle surprised and engaged viewers with its unexpected storyline and intricate character development. Despite initial expectations, the series centered around two Guyanese teenagers, highlighting their resilience and determination to find their way back home. Along the way, the series underwent changes and revisions, resulting in a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
