Close Menu
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Momo and Okarun share a close moment in Dandadan

    Momo And Okarun: The Gold Standard For Shonen Romance

    07/03/2025
    Ironheart Episodes 4 6 But Why Tho 1

    ‘Ironheart’ Explained: Explore MCU’s Bold New Chapter

    07/01/2025
    Buck in 9-1-1

    ‘9-1-1’ Has To Let Buck Say Bisexual

    06/29/2025
    Nintendo Welcome Tour promotional image of the maraca mini-game

    The One “Game” That Justifies The Nintendo Switch 2 Purchase

    06/25/2025
    Destiel Confession in Supernatural - Castiel (Misha Collins) and Dean (Jensen Ackles)

    The Destiel Confession: The Lasting Importance Of Supernatural’s Greatest Ship

    06/22/2025
  • Squid Game
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Switch 2 Games
  • Summer Game Fest
But Why Tho?
Home » TV » REVIEW: ‘1899’ Strives For Mystery

REVIEW: ‘1899’ Strives For Mystery

Kate SánchezBy Kate Sánchez11/12/20223 Mins Read
1899
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

1899 - but why tho (1)

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.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

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
  • 7.5/10
    Rating - 7.5/10
7.5/10

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.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘The Big Brunch’ Is Simple And Satisfying
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Spy x Family,’ Episode 19 – “A Revenge Plot Against Desmond/Mama Becomes The Wind”
Kate Sánchez
  • Website
  • X (Twitter)
  • Instagram

Kate Sánchez is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of But Why Tho? A Geek Community. There, she coordinates film, television, anime, and manga coverage. Kate is also a freelance journalist writing features on video games, anime, and film. Her focus as a critic is championing animation and international films and television series for inclusion in awards cycles. Find her on Bluesky @ohmymithrandir.bsky.social

Related Posts

Taecyeon and Seohyun in The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8
7.5

REVIEW: ‘The First Night With The Duke’ Episodes 7-8

07/03/2025
Anthony Ramos in Ironheart Episodes 4-6

REVIEW: ‘Ironheart’ Episodes 4-6

07/01/2025
The Bear Season 4 But Why Tho 3
7.0

REVIEW: ‘The Bear’ Season 4 Tries to Bounce Back

06/30/2025
Squid Game Season 3
9.5

REVIEW: ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 Delivers An Emotion-Filled Finale

06/27/2025
Taecyeon in The First Night With The Duke Episodes 5-6
7.5

REVIEW: ‘The First Night With The Duke’ Episodes 5-6

06/26/2025
Cho Yi-hyun in Head Over Heels Episodes 1-2
8.0

REVIEW: ‘Head Over Heels’ Episodes 1-2

06/24/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Taecyeon and Seohyun in The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8
7.5
TV

REVIEW: ‘The First Night With The Duke’ Episodes 7-8

By Sarah Musnicky07/03/2025

The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8 spends welcome time in pre-domestic bliss before new developments stir up trouble.

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf trailer First Look Image From Prime Video News

Prime Video Unleashes Teaser for Prequel Series The Terminal List: Dark Wolf

By Kate Sánchez07/04/2025

The first Terminal List: Dark Wolf trailer was released today by Prime Video. The series…

Black Clover Season 5 featured News

Black Clover New Season Gets First Look Teaser from Crunchyroll

By Sarah Musnicky07/05/2025

Black Clover is back for a brand new season, and Crunchyroll has revealed the first footage and key art out of Anime Expo.

Absolute Green Lantern Issue 4 DC Comics

REVIEW: ‘Absolute Green Lantern’ Issue 4

By William Tucker07/02/2025

Absolute Green Lantern Issue 4 starts to connect the past and present, finally revealing how Jo inhereited the power of the Green Lantern.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here