Period pieces are a dime a dozen but add in science fiction and horror, and you have the foundation for something special. This is why 1899 hooked me, even if it gets a little messy from time to time. From the creator of one of Netflix’s first successful international projects Dark, 1899 is filled with mystery, intrigue, sex, darkness, classism, and a whole spectrum of languages. Going into 1899 with no information is the best way to enter this eight-episode series from Baran bo Odar. It stars Emily Beecham, Andreas Pietschmann, Aneurin Barnard, Clara Rosager, Isabella Wei, Mathilde Ollivier, Miguel Bernardeau, Yann Gael, and Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen.
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Set in, well, 1899, the series begins on a migrant steamship as it heads west to New York City, leaving behind the old continent and the problems there. On the ship, the passengers are a menagerie of Europeans from different cultures and languages, each with their own traumas and secrets that they’re running from. Yet, they are united by their hopes and dreams for the new century and their future abroad. Getting to America is a necessity for those aboard the ship, but their journey takes an unexpected turn when they discover another migrant ship adrift. When they learn what’s onboard the ship, their future becomes a nightmare.
While Dark managed to build on every mystery, growing in its twists every season, 1899‘s choices in direction and the large ensemble cast make the pacing in the last half of the season erratic at best and confusing at worst. Nevertheless, this series has amazing elements, and the set design, when coupled with science fiction elements, really shines. The ship feels decadent and vast while also feeling claustrophobic. Large open spaces somehow manage to feel desolate at the same time, and all of this works to build tension. That said, the series’ narrative loses itself by trying to make every character a dynamic well of trauma and life.
Are the backstories compelling? Yes. But there are too many threads being pulled at once that instead of sorting out the mysteries, most end up knotted together. Additionally, the darkness and experiences in 1899 showcase the power dynamics of the time and that classism, sexism, racism, and greed all compound on one another for stressful situation after stressful situation. I may be a fan of deep dark stories exploring the more tragic elements of life, but sometimes, 1899 ventures too far into trauma for trauma’s sake. But that didn’t have to be the case. Instead of working the drama into science fiction or the other way around, there is a stark line between the first half of the season and the last.
Even with its faults, 1899 is good. While there is a lack of cohesion, the characters are compelling enough to keep plugged into their mysteries, even if all they do once the hammer falls is scurry in their fear and ignorance. With its mystery and horror, 1899 manages to right the ship, even if it’s sometimes confusing. The truth is, fantastic costuming, strong performances, dynamic set design, and a score of modern songs that somehow work in the period context keep the series worth watching.
1899 is available to stream exclusively on Netflix on November 17, 2022.
1899
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Rating - 7.5/107.5/10
TL;DR
Even with its faults, 1899 is good. While there is a lack of cohesion, the characters are compelling enough to keep plugged into their mysteries, even if all they do once the hammer falls is scurry in their fear and ignorance. With its mystery and horror, 1899 manages to right the ship, even if it’s sometimes confusing. The truth is, fantastic costuming, strong performances, dynamic set design, and a score of modern songs that somehow works in the period context keep the series worth watching.
