TV REVIEW
'Archive 81' Is Enthralling
By Sal LoCicero | January 29, 2022
Before you go ahead and watch part 1 to the final season of ‘Ozark’ on Netflix, there is a brand new series on the platform that’s worth watching. ‘Archive 81’ is a new series that is based on the podcast, and is about a man named Dan, who restores damaged videos for a living. One day, he comes across a set of tapes that reveal a dark secret that may be related to him.
This may be one of the best shows of the new year. It hooks you into this mystery and never lets go. Each episode takes a significant turn that changes your perspective of the story. It’s one of the most mysterious shows of recent memory. At first, it gives off a Blair Witch Project vibe, which isn’t anything we haven’t seen before. Once you continue to watch, you’ll see the genre switch from mystery to horror. The transition from mystery to horror, while noticeable, expands the unpredictability of the story.
Rarely are there movies or TV shows that hook you on from start to finish as much as this, with the exception of ‘Stranger Things’. The lead character also has something to bring to the table. He has a devastating past that involves his family, but the biggest questions have remained unknown. Mamoudou Athie is fantastic. His performance feels so true to the character, as well his reactions to the chaos that unfolds.
While the final episode keeps you eager to know what will happen to these characters, the direction it takes is not as compelling as it could have been, and while there has only been little information about the events that took place at the end, it’s how the director ended the season off that is disappointing. A second season should explain what will happen next, although there hasn’t been any word of a season two, yet. It’s guaranteed that Netflix will renew the series.
Usually Netflix doesn’t present the greatest amount of content on their platform, especially when it comes to mystery/thrillers. Hopefully the show’s success on Netflix will lead to more addictive suspense shows on the streaming service, rather than having to wait for the Duffer brothers to release another season of ‘Stranger Things’.
‘Archive 81’ is an enthralling show that provides both horror and mystery fans, as well as the casual viewer, with the best of what shows can offer.
Grade: A-
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