Nurse Ratched. The name alone evokes chills. But is the Netflix series 'Ratched' just a glossy prequel to 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' or does it offer a different perspective on the character's descent into darkness? Both narratives explore the abuse of power within mental institutions, but their approaches diverge.
'One Flew Over' presents Ratched as a monolithic force of oppression, a symbol of the dehumanizing nature of the system. We see her through McMurphy's rebellious eyes, making her a clear antagonist. 'Ratched,' on the other hand, attempts to humanize her, showing the traumas and motivations that shaped her cruelty. While some appreciate this attempt at nuance, others argue it softens her villainy and diminishes the impact of 'One Flew Over.
Ultimately, both 'Ratched' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' serve as chilling reminders of the dangers of unchecked authority and the importance of fighting for individual freedom, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Which version of Ratched resonates more with you depends on whether you prefer a stark symbol of institutional evil or a complex, albeit flawed, character study.
