1899 Series Filmy4wap Review
Starring: Emily Beecham, Andreas Pietschmann, Aneurin Barnard, Fflyn Edwards, Maciej Musial, Miguel Bernardeau, Mathilde Ollivier, Isabelle, Clara Rosagar, and others
Director: Baran bo Odar
Producers: Pat Tookey-Dickson
Music Director: Ben Frost
Cinematography: Nikolaus Summerer
Editor: Anja Siemens
Related Links: Trailer
Following the massive success of the DARK series in the OTT space, director Baran bo Odar returns with a new web series, 1899. With high expectations, the show is now streaming on Netflix. Let’s delve into its offerings.
Story:
Set in the year 1899, the series opens with the passenger ship Kerberos on its journey from London to New York. Passengers, each with unique backgrounds and dreams of making it big in New York, find their voyage disrupted when they encounter the Prometheus, a ship that has been missing for four months. Despite the passengers’ reluctance, Kerberos’s captain Eyk (Andreas Pietschmann) decides to investigate. This decision triggers a series of strange events on Kerberos. What follows are the mysteries and challenges they face as they continue their journey. The series keeps viewers on edge, unraveling the answers to these enigmas as the story progresses.
Plus Points:
The show stands out for its exceptional writing, with a logically constructed plot that keeps viewers engaged. Each episode features a surprising twist, particularly the mind-blowing climax. The series manages to remain accessible and straightforward, making it easy for a general audience to follow. The atmosphere is effectively eerie, enhanced by the background score and top-notch production design. The narrative, though centered around Maura Franklin, is enriched by multiple characters with compelling backstories, adding emotional depth.
As the series progresses, the unfolding mysteries provide a thrilling experience. The casting is superb, with Emily Beecham delivering a standout performance as the protagonist. Her portrayal of a confused woman is particularly noteworthy. Scenes like the passengers leaping from the ship and the storm sequences are executed with remarkable skill, showcasing the creators’ craftsmanship. The use of multiple languages by characters from different nationalities adds authenticity and a unique feel to the series.
Minus Points:
Despite its strengths, the series has some drawbacks. The pacing in the initial episodes is slow, which may test viewers’ patience. The character development takes longer than necessary, and a faster-paced screenplay could have improved engagement. Some scenes feel overly dragged, and tighter editing would have enhanced the viewing experience. Additionally, fans of DARK might find 1899’s simpler plot line slightly disappointing. The prevalence of adult scenes also limits the show’s appeal to a broader audience.
Technical Aspects:
Technically, 1899 excels. The art department’s meticulous work is captivating, making the ship setting immersive. Ben Frost’s background score creates a tense atmosphere that lingers. Nikolaus Summerer’s cinematography is world-class, perfectly capturing the series’ serious and spooky tone. The costume design effectively replicates the 1890s period. The production value is evident in every frame. However, the editing could have been tighter to create a more significant impact. Director Baran bo Odar, along with co-creator Jantje Friese, effectively tells the story without causing confusion, though the pacing could have been better managed.
Verdict:
Overall, 1899 is an engaging series with stellar performances, excellent production design, and an outstanding background score. While its slow pacing and some tedious sequences affect the overall impact, the director compensates with strong twists and turns. Fans of gripping mysteries will find this series worth watching.