Is Unknown: The Lost Pyramid real or fake? We discuss the Netflix documentary and debate its authenticity.
I admit that I lean toward fanciful documentaries focusing on the babble usually found in Slapped Ham uploads on YouTube.
Ghosts, ghouls, UFOs, and lost civilizations intrigue me, and I know that I am not alone in this, as I sometimes read the comment section and can quite clearly see that there are many, many people who love to lose themselves in the darker and unknown side of reality.
Streaming platforms are very aware of the popularity of pseudo-scientific shows. We see them on the schedules because they attract a curious audience looking for more evidence to either validate their beliefs or to watch them shoot themselves in the foot with ridiculous claims.
Either way, these types of shows get great watch and completion time, so it’s a win-win for the makers.
Netflix is on hand in 2023 to present us with a four-part look at some curious cases, starting with Unknown: The Lost Pyramid.
This is the first in a short series of documentaries under the Unknown umbrella, hoping to capture the imagination of fans of the other world. We thought it would be entertaining to look at the show more closely for you as we present our take on Unknown: The Lost Pyramid, real or fake?
What is Netflix’s Unknown: The Lost Pyramid about?
This documentary is directed by Max Salomon and looks at the work of Dr. Zahi Hawass and his trusted crew, that are working at an archaeological dig close to the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
The site is located in the Saqqara Necropolis, and the team hopes to find evidence of another pyramid that has never been found.
The Pyramid of Huni has been the subject of many arguments, mainly because it should exist, but nobody can figure out where it is.
Dr. Hawass is desperate to locate the pyramid, as it would undoubtedly contain many historical artifacts and treasures that would have invaluable value to the country.
The Egyptologist wants to ensure that if the four-thousand-year-old lost legends are finally found, the contents will remain in Egypt and not be removed by teams from other countries.
Is Unknown: The Lost Pyramid real or fake?
The show and the participants are real, and this type of research is constantly being done about historical finds. The problem with shows of this nature is how to present the proceedings in a way that casual viewers can invest in,
Luckily for this production, Dr. Hawass and his sidekick Dr. Waziri are very watchable, and despite what their motivations are, they come across as passionate about their work, which helps sell the show.
The trailer makes the episode look like an Indiana Jones spin-off, with lovely cinematography, dramatic music, and an excellent voice-over.
Why would some audiences believe Unknown: The Lost Pyramid is fake?
As the subject matter might not be the most exciting, the temptation to inject some drama and intrigue into the proceedings is sometimes a little too on the nose, making certain scenes in the show look a little staged.
It has to be expected, though. We would be naïve to think that shows of this nature are always able to capture spontaneous moments of intrigue without a bit of planning or possibly second takes; it seems part and parcel of the process as producers try to balance the reality of an archaeological dig, with the knowledge that people still want to be entertained.
So, some viewers have probably picked up on these moments and cried fake. Yes, there is a chance some moments have been enhanced, the music is overly dramatic, and the director is using every trick in the book to present us with an almost film shoot, but on the whole, the show does seem authentic in its premise.
