I think it's no surprise that sci-fi thriller is a genre loved by a lot of people. A lot of the movies, TV shows we watch, games we play, books we read are of the sci-fi thriller genre. Which is why Netflix's German sci-fi mystery thriller "Dark" is the topic to talk about with its genre's fans. But, while on the surface a science-fiction mystery thriller, Dark also tackles themes of day-to-day people's flaws, scrutiny, lies and more. Considering Netflix's net worth, I am both impressed but then again not that a show like Dark exists. I don't mean that in a bad way, no. no, no, not at all, but more so in a casual way. Today, I'd like to delve into why Dark is more than an average sci-fi mystery thriller (yes, I will be throwing around that name a lot), but also doesn't impact or change storytelling or plot-structuring as we know it.
When a child mysteriously disappears without leaving a trace, the fictitious town of Winden, Germany is petrified, and a lone teenager must set out on an emotional, identity-altering and cathartic journey to restore everything to normal.
The gripping thing about Dark isn't the weaponizing of the genre itself, but the way the plot is written around the pillars of the genre. From the first moment of the first episode, intrigue sets in with grim scenery, followed by more intrigue, and then the main conflict presented three episodes in and then just a roller-coaster of twists, emotions, surprise, fear, longing and whatnot. Director Baran bo Odar and writer Jantje Friese were critically mindful of pacing and rhythming these beats and bops. But it's also not just the careful plotting that makes Dark enthralling. In every episode, flaws and shady aspects of day-to-day people are shown, constantly reminding the audience that these are people, much like us, they have flaws that some of us may have, not just characters for a web series. And so, a constant theme of Dark beyond the intriguing mind-bending plot is the imperfect side of us. And this, in turn, makes the narrative that much more compelling and enthralling to follow. A constant message is that how much we may try, this imperfection stays. But then again, it's not completely cynical, as it later shows that with enough push, those imperfections can be minimalized to a great extent. And it's not just a message, in the big picture, it's the driving force of the plot itself. Hence the title of this review: "Our In/Ability To Change."
These flawed, nuanced characters are brought to the big screen by a talented slew of actors. Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, Andreas Pietschmann, Maja Schöne, Karoline Eichhorn, Antje Traue, everyone gives their all to bring these offensively-relatable characters to reality. Every emotion, line, facial expression is emoted perfectly by everyone.
Another compelling subject about Dark is its music. It's unnerving, uncomfortable, totally sells the value of tension and unease masterfully. Ben Frost did a charm with this score. Dark also uses various original songs like "You Spin Me Right Round", "Me and The Devil", "Irgendwie, Irgendwo, Irgendwan." The choice of music is fitting for the thematic parallelism of Dark.
Cinematography is another crucial part in the craft of Dark and Nikolaus Summerer doesn't disappoint. The framing choice, color science, shot composing is done intricately. Dark is easily a visual treat to the eyes.
What Dark has achieved in its own right is amazing. But then again, one short qualm I have is that the extent of hype and excitement it receives may be somewhat unwarranted. I don't mean to shit on Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese's accomplishment, but the way this show is thrown around with immaculate hype might make you think that this show is a revolutionary one that redefines storytelling and plot-structuring in gargantuan ways. It does but then again not, again not discrediting Odar and Friese's work, I think they did an excellent job, it's the fanbase's attitude that worries me.
In the end, Dark is an amazing show and it's a must-watch for sci-fi thriller fans all around. Netflix definitely did the right thing by financing this show.
Definitely adds an excellent layer of variety to Netflix's already-rich catalogue.