‘Pokemon Concierge’ on Netflix delivers more than just Pokemon antics offering a beautiful lesson in finding peace
If you’d mentioned to me that I’d kick off 2024 with tears over a stop-motion Pokemon series, I’d have agreed: your concern was spot on.
Pokemon Concierge, hitting Netflix in late December, is an unexpectedly fitting start to the year. It serves as a poignant reminder to pause, exhale, and let go before the weight of expectations drags us down.
In this four-episode, 20-minute series, we tag along with Haru. After a string of tough breaks in her personal life, she finds herself as a concierge at the Pokemon Resort under the caring eye of Watanabe.
So, what’s a Pokemon concierge’s gig? It’s making sure their human and Pokemon guests are well-rested, relaxed and, above all, having a blast during their holiday.
Haru’s story is all too familiar, especially for adults navigating the chaotic world of modern office life. With her love life in turmoil, everything that can go wrong does – it’s a recipe for driving even the most composed person mad.
So, who wouldn’t fancy a chance to ditch life’s storm for a laid-back escape, maybe on a tropical island? Pokemon Concierge practically offers us a peek into the daydreams of today’s adults.
But, much like Haru, I’d say there’s still so much for us to discover, a kind of deprogramming journey perhaps, allowing us to step out of the role of just being cogs in the wheel of this industrial world.
In the very first episode, we join Haru on her first day. Tasked by Watanabe to experience the day as a guest, essentially to savour the resort, Haru however in all her charm, starts to overthink it turning a leisurely day into what she believes is a full-blown test. (Have we all not been there?)
Fortunately, the resort’s crew, including the laid-back Tyler with his trio of monkey buddies – Pansear, Pansage, and Panpour – and the easygoing part-timer Alisa, quickly put Haru’s concerns to rest.
As a Pokemon fan, it was quite a treat witnessing the rock Pokemon Graveler casually taking a joyride alongside the iron-legged Metagross – both formidable monsters from the mainline games – cruising around the island together, just chilling and vibing.
It’s not exactly what I signed up for, but the sheer randomness of it slapped a big smile on my face. Unexpectedly adorable Pokemon friendships for the win!
The real emotional core of the story, though, revolves around Haru’s bond with Psyduck, a fan-favourite Pokemon known for its migraines caused by its potent psychic abilities, which often erupt with a bang.
Much like Pikachu, Psyduck is emblematic of Pokemon – cute, round, and a bit dopey, especially in the endearing stop-motion felt puppet rendition.
In the series, we get to cheer on the budding friendship between Haru and Psyduck, all thanks to Watanabe’s quirky request. She tasked Haru with the mission to befriend a Pokemon and give them a taste of the laid-back and fun-filled life at the Pokemon Resort.
What follows is a series of adorable blunders as Haru tries to teach Psyduck to control its powers and manage those pesky migraines.
The story then takes an unexpectedly charming turn with our favourite electric mouse, sharing a message of embracing individuality and rejecting the idea of fitting into the crowd.
This heartwarming point is cleverly brought to life through the eyes of a trainer learning not to burden their Pokemon with unrealistic expectations and realising that such expectations can be more hindering than helpful.
In this playful puppet and felt festival called Pokemon Concierge, a collaboration between the Pokemon Company and Dwarf Studios, which made its Netflix debut in late December last year, you’ll find not just Pokemon, but also some hidden gems of wisdom.
Naturally, there’s a parade of your favourite Pokemon making their grand debut into the world of stop-motion puppetry, and let me tell you, each one is an unexpected cuteness overload.
In the end, Pokemon Concierge isn’t just a stop-motion spectacle; it’s a heartwarming journey into the Pokemon world’s softer side.
So, whether you’re a Pokemon pro or a rookie in the realm of Pikachu and pals, this Netflix puppetry spectacle guarantees to wrap you in a warm smile and rekindle your admiration for the Pokemon enchantment.
All the while, it serves as a gentle reminder to actively seek and safeguard our inner peace. – Wardi Wasil
