Picture the scene: there are parades and picnics lining the streets as red, white, and blue fireworks glisten overhead. The sound of carnivals fills the air as families gather together for a moment of celebration – a celebration dedicated to the Fourth of July, otherwise known as America’s Independence Day.
It’s the land of the free and the home of the brave, but as the United States gears up for a day of reflection, Netflix has struck while the iron is still piping hot to launch the grim first teaser for Ozark, a ten-part original series coming by way of Jason Bateman.
As well as directing and serving as executive producer, Bateman also heads up the cast as Marty Byrde, a Chicago financial advisor/money launderer who decides to relocate his family to the quaint Ozarks on the belief that a rural setting will help bring them closer together. But the truth is much, much worse.
Doubling down on the irony, the haunting first teaser is also set against a slowed down version of “God Bless America,” as Bateman, Laura Linney (Wendy Byrde) and the remainder of the cast look on in horror as their new resort becomes their last resort. Local gangsters are closing in and to make matters worse, Bateman’s lead has also been placed under investigation by the FBI.
Here’s the synopsis:
The Byrdes, husband and wife Marty (Jason Bateman) and Wendy (Laura Linney), their teenage kids Charlotte (Sofia Hublitz) and Jonah (Skylar Gaertner) — are for all intents and purposes an ordinary family. Ordinary save for Marty’s job: The top money launderer for the second largest drug cartel in Mexico.
All ten episodes of Ozark will premiere via Netflix on July 21st. It may not be as binge-worthy as, say, Jessica Jones or some of Netflix’s other original series, but Jason Bateman’s family drama could well fill the void left by Bloodline, which aired its third and final season earlier this year.