1899 invites the audience to step aboard a mind-bending time capsule of a captivating period drama, but beware of the turbulence it brings along. The series transports the viewers to Bhide bhai’s ‘apna zamana’ of the 1800s, filled with secrets, suspense, and societal transformations. Set against the backdrop of a voyage, this sci-fi drama promises an exhilarating adventure through the underbelly of the 19th century. However, setting your standards high because of the creators’ previous sci-fi series ‘Dark’, is gonna go against this show, as it suffers from a handful of flaws.
1899 intricately weaves together a rich tapestry of interconnected stories, seamlessly blending elements of social commentary, supernatural occurrences, and gripping suspense. Itna hi nahi, it also explores themes of class divide, immigration struggles, and hidden identities, with each episode unraveling new layers of WTF moments. However, the rapid pace of 1899 can occasionally be a double-edged sword, because numerous subplots and narrative threads ki khichdi pakne ke kaaran it becomes difficult to follow the narration.
A Mixed Bag Of Mesmerizing Performances And Under-Utilized Characters
The sheer abundance of storylines results in less focus and development for certain arcs, and leaves you with a weirdly incomplete experience. Aur jaise hi you start yearning for more clarity, the series delivers unexpected twists and turns that simply add to the mess. Basically naak ko ulte haath se pakad liya inhone.
The ensemble cast of 1899 has undoubtedly done a wonderful job in portraying their characters.
The actors deliver captivating performances that breathe life into a diverse array of characters.The emotional range displayed by the majority of the cast really works well to with the chaos of the situation. With standout portrayals from the likes of Emily Beecham as Maura Franklin and Andreas Pietschmann as Captain Eyk Larsen, the cast ensures a captivating viewing experience. Par itne bade cast ke saath comes the threat of under-utlization of some supporting characters. And aisa hi hota hai 1899 ke saath. Some roles lacked a proper backstory while some a proper arc, par ngl, utna samajh nahi aata coz you are so tied up in understanding story mei ho kya raha hai.
Baran Bo Odar and Jantje Friese have done a commendable job in transporting us to the sumptuous world of 1899. Backed by meticulous attention to detail in cinematography and spot on production design, the show brings the 1800s era to life. The visual aesthetics are simply perfect, capturing the atmospheric beauty and haunting ambience of the ship. From the dimly lit corridors to the opulent cabins, every set is meticulously crafted to ensure the viewers feel what the scene demands them to feel.
The Supernatural Angle Kinda Acts As A Thorn
1899 has the jigraa to play with supernatural elements that add an extra layer of intrigue to the story. However, the series purposefully leaves some questions unanswered, opting for an air of ambiguity. But ye approach mystery badhane ke jagah, logon ko aur confuse karwa deti hai.The last episode does answer a lot of questions, but prolly it’s too late by then.
Overall dekha jaye toh 1899 is an enthralling period drama that takes you on a spellbinding journey through a bygone era. While it occasionally suffers from pacing challenges and untapped character potential, the series captivates with its intricate storytelling, mind-boggling twists and a strong background score. A thrilling adventure awaits fans of historical dramas and mysteries alike, as 1899 navigates the uncharted waters of secrets and revelations. Still so damn pissed at Netflix for cancelling a show with soooo much potential.
