Post-apocalyptic sci-fi narratives are increasingly prevalent in today’s pop culture landscape. While they haven’t reached overwhelming popularity, there is a noticeable trend: many of the most-watched shows currently airing include titles like The Last of Us, Silo, and Fallout. This shift reflects a willingness from studios and streaming platforms to explore this subgenre of science fiction, and audiences are responding positively, as evidenced by the critical acclaim these series have garnered. Moreover, many of these successful adaptations originate from other media, including literature and video games. In this context, Netflix’s latest sci-fi thriller, The Eternaut (El Eternauta), emerges as a compelling addition. Created and directed by showrunner Bruno Stagnaro, who collaborates with Ariel Stagnari on the writing, this series is based on the iconic 1957 graphic novel by writer Héctor G. Oesterheld and illustrator Francisco Solano Lopez. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the source material, The Eternaut offers a gripping apocalyptic narrative that effortlessly immerses viewers into its chilling world, featuring a narrative that, while occasionally slow, strategically introduces twists that maintain viewer engagement.

Explore the Gripping Plot of ‘The Eternaut’

The Eternaut kicks off on a seemingly ordinary summer evening in Buenos Aires. Longtime friends, including the protagonist Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín), gather to indulge in their favorite pastime of drinking and playing cards. Meanwhile, a group of young girls enjoy an evening sail, and other citizens carry on with their daily routines, blissfully unaware that something sinister lurks just beyond their perception. The calm is abruptly shattered when a citywide power outage occurs, followed by an unexpected snowfall. Initially, this may appear to be just a strange weather event, but the citizens soon face a horrifying reality: the snowflakes are not ordinary; they are lethal and cause instant death upon contact with skin.

Trapped indoors without electricity or means of communication (as other technologies like cell phones and vehicles have also failed), Juan Salvo and his companions must find a way to locate their loved ones while banding together against what seems to be a supernatural invasion of Earth. They face numerous challenges, from pooling essential resources to creating makeshift protective suits. Each attempt to venture out into this lethal snow globe comes with its own set of risks, highlighting that some of the gravest dangers may arise from those closest to them, complicating their already dire situation.

Experience the Visual Mastery of ‘The Eternaut’

The Eternaut may initially appear ordinary, and this is deliberately crafted. While the original graphic novel is set in the 1950s, the Netflix adaptation smartly transitions the timeline to modern-day Buenos Aires. This contemporary setting amplifies the story’s themes of isolation, foreign invasion, and the terror of the unknown, especially when the snow begins to fall—before that, the series mirrors our reality, lulling viewers into a false sense of security before a shocking turn of events. How many of us carry on with our daily lives, picking up friends from the airport, believing nothing extraordinary will disrupt our routine? By portraying these mundane moments before the cataclysmic shift, The Eternaut resonates with anyone, even while remaining true to the Argentine backdrop of the original graphic novel.

Once the toxic snowfall commences, The Eternaut showcases its strengths, particularly its visuals, brought to life by a talented team including DP Gastón Girod and VFX supervisors Pablo Accame and Ignacio Pol. It may seem unusual to view a city covered in white as ominous, yet the series thoughtfully underscores the escalating dread experienced by Juan Salvo and his companions. When a character unknowingly tracks in snowflakes on their boots or jacket, it heightens the tension for the audience. As the characters finally brave the outside world, witnessing lifeless bodies scattered across the streets, gradually enveloped in unmelting snow, adds a chilling layer of horror, accompanied by the sound of rapid breathing within their protective masks. This once-thriving city has transformed into a hostile battleground where exposure to the elements equates to a fight for survival.

Although there are sporadic moments of action, labeling The Eternaut as a typical explosive apocalyptic series would be misleading. This series prioritizes character development, unfolding the story at a pace that may challenge even the most patient genre enthusiasts, particularly those unfamiliar with the original comic. Yet, just as the plot seems to languish, an episode concludes with a twist that compels continued viewing. The threats surrounding Juan Salvo and his close associates become increasingly intricate; the snow is merely the onset of a larger conflict threatening not just the city, but the entire planet. Additionally, human dangers emerge, with individuals willing to exploit fellow survivors in a lawless environment driven by the primal instinct for survival.

While all six episodes of the series were available for review, critics were cautioned against revealing too many plot points from The Eternaut. Having viewed the entire series, this advice is wise. Such a profound narrative could only unfold episodically, akin to the original graphic novel’s serialization, making it essential to approach The Eternaut with minimal prior knowledge or expectations. Featuring an outstanding performance by Darín, who embodies both strength and vulnerability as Juan Salvo, along with breathtaking visuals and clever narrative twists, Netflix’s adaptation stands shoulder to shoulder with the groundbreaking sci-fi tale it reinterprets.

The Eternaut is now available for streaming on Netflix.

[nospin]Here you can find the original article; the photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors; they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.[/nospin]

Share on Facebook

Post on X

Follow us

Save