The latest TV adaptation of an acclaimed Stephen King novel is the perfect reminder to watch Netflix‘s best science fiction movie. Boasting an almost perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%, the film in question remains relatively obscure two years after its release and seemingly deserves a lot more attention.
Although a lot of Stephen King adaptations come out each year, only a few are able to recreate the chills and thrills from the author’s works. A new TV adaptation of a six-year-old book is not exactly up there with the best movies and shows based on Stephen King’s works. However, it seems far better than most Stephen King TV shows that have come out in recent years.
In more ways than one, the new Stephen King TV adaptation also seems reminiscent of an underappreciated Netflix science fiction movie. Owing to the similarities between the two, viewers who are enjoying the Stephen King show will undoubtedly have a good time watching the original Netflix sci-fi movie.
Watch Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone If You Love Stephen King’s The Institute
When it comes to their roster, Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone and MGM+’s The Institute could not be more different. While They Cloned Tyrone focuses on three adult characters who learn the dark truth about their neighborhood, The Institute revolves around a group of superpowered children who are imprisoned and exploited by a government-run facility.
However, what makes the two intriguingly similar is that they seemingly riff on many real-world conspiracies to add a layer of relatability to their fictional narratives. In more ways than one, They Cloned Tyrone also almost comes off as a wackier version of The Institute, since both feature government organizations that experiment on a marginalized group.
In both the movie and the show, the primary characters reach the end of their wits and set out to fight back against exploitation, only to discover that they have only scratched the surface of a much bigger conspiracy. Owing to these thematic and narrative overlaps between the two, it is hard not to see them as the perfect sci-fi companion pieces, and watching one is a solid reminder to check out the other.
They Cloned Tyrone Is Easily The Best Original Sci-Fi Movie On Netflix
They Cloned Tyrone boasts an impressive critics’ score of 95% and an above-average audience score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. Even from a commercial standpoint, the film performed well on Netflix when it premiered in July 2023. However, despite its initial performance, the film has gone relatively under the radar over the years.
Even though it is obscure, They Cloned Tyrone is a brilliant sci-fi film that carries a lot of personality despite drawing inspiration from the likes of Get Out, Sorry to Bother You, and classic Blaxploitation cinema. While it presents biting social commentary, it avoids taking itself too seriously by adopting fun and pulpy sci-fi tropes and delivering effective dark humor.
To add to its retro feel, They Cloned Tyrone features the iconic “cigarette burns” in the upper right corners of several scenes, which were once indicators of where the projectionist had changed reels. Several movies like Fight Club, Death Proof, and Machete feature the same effect to evoke a sense of nostalgia or break the fourth wall.
The Netflix sci-fi movie’s compelling drama is further elevated by its disorienting but immersive visuals that combine elements from many different eras and genres. John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris also shine as its leading trio, making it one of the best Netflix sci-fi movies of recent years and a worthy thematic twin to Stephen King‘s The Institute.
