We are currently living in a time when there is a surplus of television shows. This means that many series get cancelled before they have the opportunity to truly grow their audience. For every Stranger Things, there are numerous equally great sci-fi or fantasy shows that are cut short. Even with dedicated fans, series such as Gen V and The Copenhagen Test were recently cancelled, joining shows like My Lady Jane, Shadow and Bone, Kaos, The Sandman, and The Wheel of Time, which all received their walking papers. This is why it is so remarkable when a sci-fi show gets the chance to tell its story to completion. Station Eleven stands out as a limited series with a current 98% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it worthy of a binge-watch today.
‘Station Eleven’ Is Brilliantly Adapted From Its Source Material
When Station Eleven debuted on HBO Max in December 2021, we were all stuck in a real-life pandemic. The series revolves around a deadly flu that has swept across the world, resulting in a post-apocalyptic scenario where only the fortunate few have survived. Although it felt somewhat difficult to watch the horrors unfold while Station Eleven was airing, now that we have some distance from our own pandemic, the series has become one of the best pieces of art on this topic to date.
Adapted from the bestselling novel by Emily St. John Mandel, the source material provides an in-depth look at the various ways humans strive to persevere when the unthinkable occurs. In a prescient manner, Mandel wrote the novel long before the COVID-19 pandemic even happened. The novel was published in 2014, at a time when a deadly virus taking over the planet seemed too sci-fi to be believed. Although there are some changes made from the book to the television show, the essence of the novel has helped create a truly phenomenal series.
Several Characters Try to Survive the Apocalypse in ‘Station Eleven’
Station Eleven follows several characters as they navigate a world that has been devastated by a deadly virus. There are many timelines depicted, depending on the character, but the most significant ones occur right at the onset of the virus in 2020 and then again twenty years later. The collapse of civilization has taken place, and individuals have chosen their paths. For some, this means joining a group of artists known as the Traveling Symphony. This ensemble decides to persist through the collapse by bringing art and music to fellow survivors (and by never staying in one place for too long). Others have succumbed to despair and exhibit cruelty towards others. Of course, there exists a cult led by a mysterious (and dangerous) man.
Several characters even establish their own mini-civilization in an airport, where they have created a secure environment for their families. At the heart of Station Eleven is a character named Kirsten (played by Matilda Lawler as a child and Mackenzie Davis as an adult). At the beginning of the outbreak, eight-year-old Kirsten is stranded and alone until she is rescued by a compassionate doctor named Jeevan (Himesh Patel). Though Jeevan knows little about caring for children, he finds himself assuming a parental role as they both navigate a world that has suddenly gone awry.
Station Eleven continues to tell this captivating story throughout its ten episodes, as Kirsten and Jeevan exist in environments where rules no longer apply. The storytelling is incredibly suspenseful because, like any post-apocalyptic narrative, we know that lawless characters often resort to violence when authority has dissipated. Some moments are heart-wrenching because each character experiences significant loss after the virus has ravaged the world. Yet somehow, it remains a story about hope. The Traveling Symphony chooses to pursue a path focused on community and artistic expression, reminding us that there is always light amidst darkness.
‘Station Eleven’ Is a Stand-Out Because of Its Impressive Acting and Cinematography
Station Eleven was well-received by critics upon its release, with Collider describing it as “an indelible triumph of television,” anda significant portion of that praise centers around the series’ performances. Lawler excels as Kirsten, infusing her younger version with quiet determination that only comes from children who are unafraid because they simply do not know any better. As adult Kirsten, Davis possesses magnetic intensity. Patel also delivers an impressive performance as Jeevan, earning an Emmy nomination for this role. His portrayal allows Jeevan’s heart to shine through even under traumatizing and dangerous circumstances. However, it is not just these leads who contribute to makingStation Eleven an exceptional series. Danielle Deadwyler, Gael García Bernal, andLori Petty also create fully realized and fascinating characters despite their limited screen time.
Apart from acting,Station Elevensucceeds as a believable post-apocalyptic narrative due to its incredible cinematography and set decoration. Many scenes are hauntingly beautiful (especially those utilizing snow to create an otherworldly symbol of death and loss), and the realistic depiction of how the world would appear twenty years after its near destruction is both terrifying and authentic. Each episode immerses viewers into Kirsten and Jeevan’s lives amid buildings that have fallen into disrepair and plant life overtaking urban landscapes. Much of this visual eeriness stems from director Hiro Murai (known for his work onAtlanta,The Bear, andMr. and Mrs. Smith). He directed the first episode ofStation Eleven, infusing his unique aesthetic throughout the series.
Station Eleven earned seven Emmy nominations , including those for directing , writing , and cinematography . It remains one of HBO’s best limited series , deserving binge-watching for its storytelling (which raises questions about what one would do during apocalyptic times) and gripping plotlines . Many sci-fi shows struggle to sustain multiple seasons , but this perfect limited series demonstrates what can happen when creators are allowed to tell their stories on their terms .When an immensely talented crew collaborates , you get a show like Station Eleven that everyone should watch at least once .
Station Eleven is available for streaming on HBO Max in the U.S.
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