Is Netflix’s 1899 worth watching? In this article, we discuss the popularity and overall quality of the Netflix show.
The creators of Netflix’s hit series Dark, Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar, are back with another intricate and intense series for viewers to obsess over in the coming weeks. 1899 has already grabbed the general public’s attention from the very get-go, with its complex and sprawling narrative. Netflix has a habit of creating these kinds of frenzied discussions though, with their top ten feature working as an obvious indicator of what is most popular on the streaming platform each passing day. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that these shows are any good or for that matter, worth your precious time. So, let’s explore that question in more detail. Is Netflix’s 1899 worth watching?
Is 1899 a horror show?
1899 is a lot of different genres, all molded into one. The setting is clearly that of a period drama, while there are many mystery elements to the series as well. But is it a horror show? 1899 definitely has large portions of horror running throughout its eight-episode run, there is no doubt about it. There are many eerie moments in the series, and some of the more terrifying scenes would not seem out of place in any given horror movie or TV show.
From the opening episode, the premise hints at these strong horror vibes. The passengers of the Kerberos discover another ship (the Prometheus) that has been missing in the Atlantic Ocean for four months now. Ghost ships are a common staple of the horror genre, an unsettling setup that cannot help but create tension. Stepping foot on this abandoned ship only opens the passengers up to even further horrors. The series isn’t overtly scary per se, and horror isn’t the only genre at play here, but it does add a distinct and cinematic atmosphere to proceedings.
What is the story of 1899?
As I have mentioned above, the opening hook of the series is the unnerving discovery of an abandoned ship. And the Prometheus is the starting point for all the madness that follows, but there is plenty more to this Netflix original. The Kerberos is a ship overflowing with unique characters, all hiding their own dark secrets and reasons for escaping Europe, with the prospects of a new life in New York.
Our lead protagonist is Maura Franklin (Emily Beecham), who is searching for her missing brother. He may have been on the Prometheus or is waiting for her on American soil with his own secrets. There’s an alcoholic Captain, played by Dark’s Andreas Pietschmann, and many more intriguing characters that are explored in detail in each installment. The boat is awash with many different nationalities too, and these characters all speak their own languages. There is English, French, Spanish, German, Danish, Polish, and Chinese. This adds to the authenticity and overall confusion our characters face, bringing an innovative edge to the drama.
Is Netflix’s 1899 worth watching?
The short answer is yes, 1899 is worth watching. 1899 is a masterpiece that deserves all the praise and popularity that it is already receiving. This is one of my favorite shows of the year, hands down. Fans of Dark will love this spell-binding, mind-bending series, while newbies will find the many mysteries on display here highly addictive as well. This is a series that excels in every department, creating an entirely unique story that is topical, unpredictable, and well-thought-out.
The complexities of the plotting and the multiple languages on display may be distracting or off-putting to some, but this is a show that is worth sticking with until the very end. Everything works together perfectly, and the multi-lingual aspect very quickly becomes just another one of the many charms of the show. You will not regret giving this series a go. I strongly recommend joining the masses and succumbing to the mystery that is 1899.
More Stories on 1899
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- Is 1899 connected to Dark?
- 7 shows like 1899 you must watch
