Sophia Michaels
In Donald Glover and Janine Nabers’ “Swarm,” the design of the show was meant to illustrate the paradoxical nature of Dre’s (Dominique Fishback) character. Production designer Sara K White explains that they wanted to show how Dre is both ferocious and sympathetic. To further emphasize Dre’s fractured worldview, White and the team drew from real events, such as true crime murders and stalkers, to blur the line between truth and fiction.
White also notes that the show was heavily inspired by the concept of parasocial relationships, or one-sided connections between highly-invested people and those who are unaware of their existence. An example of this is Dre’s connection to Ni’Jah, who is based on Beyoncé. In addition, White says that she drew inspiration from influencers who have become major forces in culture, as well as cults such as NXIVM.
The cinematography of “Swarm” also helps to illustrate Dre’s detachment from reality. For example, when Marissa (Chloe Bailey) dies, Dre’s world begins to splinter and the show’s cinematography reflects this. Furthermore, White explains that they used mirrors and screens to reflect back the world in a way that is slightly off.
Overall, “Swarm” is a reminder of the power that major pop culture figures have over the masses, and how it is impossible to really know another person’s inner world. By blurring the line between truth and fiction, the show effectively communicates how things that seem benevolent can quietly breed terror and madness.
