Movies and TV Series Review

BETWEEN MOVIE REVIEW

ATLAS MOVIE REVIEW

"BETWEEN" NETFLIX MOVIE SERIES REVIEW

Netflix's Between (2015-2016) Review: A Dark Tale of Survival in a Small Town

Between is a Netflix original series that aired for two seasons from 2015 to 2016, created by Michael McGowan. The story unfolds in the small town of Pretty Lake, where a mysterious disease begins to eliminate everyone over the age of 21. As the town is quarantined, the remaining inhabitants—comprising only young adults and children—must navigate their new reality and survive on their own. The series blends elements of science fiction and drama, offering a dark perspective on a society in disarray.

Plot and Premise

The show's concept is intriguing. It taps into the growing popularity of dystopian and survivalist themes, placing the younger generation at the center of the chaos. The quarantine and the loss of all authority figures create a lawless environment where the remaining residents must figure out how to survive, not only against the unknown virus but also the threats that arise from within their own ranks.

The show starts with a strong, tension-filled atmosphere, introducing the illness quickly and focusing on the characters' shock as the bodies pile up. The premise alone promises a lot of drama and action, but as the episodes unfold, the storylines become somewhat predictable. While the first season maintains a steady pace, the second season's pacing slows, and some of the subplots fail to deliver on the suspense they initially suggest.

Character Development

One of the biggest critiques of Between lies in its character development. The characters often feel one-dimensional and stereotypical. The lead character, Wiley Day (played by Jennette McCurdy), is a pregnant teenager who tries to maintain a strong front, but her character arc feels underdeveloped. The show introduces several other characters, including her best friend Adam (played by Jesse Carere), but the relationships between characters often feel shallow.

Since Between revolves around younger characters, there is potential for deep emotional exploration, but the series doesn't quite reach that depth. At times, it feels like the script misses opportunities to flesh out their struggles, emotional growth, and how they adjust to a world without adults. This can make it hard for viewers to get emotionally invested in their fates.

Themes and Social Commentary

Between touches on themes like survival, power struggles, and the loss of societal structure. It questions what happens when authority figures are removed and how the younger generation steps into leadership roles — or fails to. The show also hints at the idea of moral ambiguity, with characters often finding themselves in ethically gray situations as they grapple with survival.

However, while the show has thematic potential, it doesn't always execute these ideas effectively. The moral dilemmas often feel superficial, and the power dynamics could have been explored with more nuance. Given the show's premise, it could have gone deeper into how different factions form, how trauma impacts the youth, and how quickly civilization can break down.

Cinematography and Visuals

Visually, Between does a solid job of creating an eerie and isolated atmosphere. The town of Pretty Lake looks desolate, and the sense of confinement due to the quarantine adds a layer of claustrophobia. The cinematography is decent, though not particularly groundbreaking. The visual effects used to depict the disease’s aftermath are effective but not overly graphic, keeping the focus on character reactions rather than shock value.

Acting Performances

Jennette McCurdy, who many may recognize from Nickelodeon's iCarly, delivers a commendable performance as Wiley Day, although the script doesn't always give her much to work with. Jesse Carere as Adam Jones is also solid, playing the role of a tech-savvy student who tries to uncover the cause of the virus. The supporting cast gives decent performances, but the lack of strong character development holds them back from truly shining.

Conclusion

Between presents a captivating premise but ultimately struggles to realize its full potential. The series offers an intriguing "what-if" scenario featuring young individuals challenged to survive independently. However, the execution is inconsistent, particularly regarding pacing and character development. While fans of dystopian survival dramas might find it an enjoyable experience, those looking for richer narratives or more complex characters may come away feeling disappointed.

AUTHOR PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

For audiences like me who enjoy exploring how extreme conditions affect human behavior and enjoy dystopian sci-fi, Between provides a alluring, though imperfect, watch. However, those looking for deep character arcs or layered storytelling may find it lacking.

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Atlas: A Netflix Sci-Fi Thriller That Questions the Price of Humanity in a Tech-Driven World

With its latest release, Atlas, Netflix immerses us in a dystopian world where humanity stands on the edge, pitted against the machines it once created. This sci-fi thriller doesn't just offer action; it delivers thought-provoking questions about our reliance on AI and the essence of human resilience.

Plot and Premise

The story follows [lead character’s name], a seasoned soldier thrust into an unexpected battle—not with humans, but with advanced AI systems she was once tasked to control. Now, her mission has changed; survival is her only option as she faces an enemy with cold logic and devastating precision. The character's backstory, rich with haunting memories, grounds her fight against the AI, making her struggles feel intensely personal.

This storyline isn't just about a war against technology; it's about reconciling the need for innovation with the ethical lines we cross in its pursuit. The movie touches on themes similar to those in Ex Machina and Blade Runner 2049, yet it stands on its own, offering a contemporary take on these timeless questions.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Atlas excels visually, drawing us into a world that's equal parts beautiful and haunting. With vast, stark landscapes juxtaposed against sleek, mechanical structures, the cinematography highlights the cold, calculated beauty of a world dominated by AI. Director [Director’s Name] leverages sweeping shots and tight, tense scenes to create a feeling of isolation and suspense, making the film as much a visual experience as it is a narrative one.

Character Depth and Performances

[Lead actor's name] delivers a riveting performance, balancing the character’s inner turmoil and outward resilience. Her portrayal adds depth to the film, transforming Atlas from a simple action thriller into a story with emotional stakes. Supporting characters add layers to the story, each embodying unique perspectives on AI, loyalty, and survival in a world with ever-blurring lines between humanity and machine intelligence.

Themes of Humanity and Technology

What makes Atlas truly compelling is its exploration of technology's impact on humanity. The film asks us to consider how far we’re willing to go in pursuit of technological advancement. It’s a question both timely and timeless, reflecting real-world concerns over the growing presence of AI in our lives.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of sci-fi thrillers that challenge the boundaries of technology and humanity, Atlas should be on your must-watch list. With its stunning visuals, compelling storyline, and powerful performances, it not only entertains but also leaves you with something to ponder long after the credits roll.

Verdict: Atlas is a captivating, cautionary tale for our tech-driven age—a film that not only thrills but invites us to reflect on the price we pay for progress.

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"ATLAS" NETFLIX MOVIE SERIES REVIEW