‘Case 63’ Podcast Review: A Compelling, Must-Listen Audio Drama
Spotify’s Gimlet studios released its latest podcast today — Case 63. An English language adaptation of creator Julio Rojas’ Caso 63, this 10-episode audio drama follows a New York psychiatrist (Julianne Moore) who begins treating a patient (Oscar Isaac) that claims to be from the year 2062. Following a format that presents itself as recorded therapy sessions, listeners are taken along for the ride as the story quickly evolves into something that threatens the boundaries of the possible and the real.
The success of an audio drama, outside of the script and sound design, is largely dependent upon the performances of its voice actors. Both successful, talented screen actors in their own right, Moore and Isaac offer up brilliant performances in Case 63, portraying two dynamic characters that grow exponentially more intriguing as the plot progresses.
Listeners experience Case 63 from Dr. Eliza Knight’s perspective, which is heightened by the intimate vulnerability that Moore brings to her character in the midst of a series of therapy sessions that will prove to forever change her life as she knows it. Meanwhile, as her enigmatic patient tries to convince her that he is indeed a time traveler, Isaac’s steady and alluring cadence works to effectively draw audiences into investing in this man’s compelling tale right alongside Dr. Knight. Together, Isaac and Moore bounce off of one another as their characters eventually reveal the raw, emotional sharp edges beneath the initially smooth surfaces of their personas. It’s worth noting that while Isaac touts an extensive filmography with a diverse collection of characters, his performance in Case 63 most recently echoes his layered portrayal of Marc Spector (and his alters) in Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight.
Although the stories that unfold between the two are ultimately different in their scopes, Case 63 feels slightly reminiscent of another thrilling Gimlet audio drama that also happens to star Isaac as a mysterious character in the midst of therapy sessions — Homecoming. Fans of Homecoming will undoubtedly enjoy Case 63‘s riveting ride.
Case 63 offers a fast-paced, satisfying audio drama experience that can be consumed fairly quickly with a collection of 10 episodes that are generally between 10 to 15 minutes in length. Its narrative strength can be found in its adept use of each and every minute of runtime, as it manages to both succinctly provide adequate world-building for the overall story while also interweaving a handful of gripping plot twists that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats until the final line is spoken.
Case 63, which is produced by Gimlet studios, Moore’s production company FortySixty, and Isaac’s Mad Gene Media, is now available exclusively on Spotify.
