This new series on Netflix is really something for numerous reasons. One is that it nicely portrays how ordinary people can turn into very nasty creatures.
The other is that the series brings old memories when we watched classics such as The Fog, in which this series is based.
Apparently, the series is also based on the film The Mist, but I can’t recall watching it. It is definitely going on my to do list though.
However, since I did not watch the film I can’t truly say whether the series has been done well or not when I have no point of reference. But, the series in its own is good and I really liked it.
People in a small town end up in a mist that is killing them in the most nasty and disgusting ways. But, interestingly the evil ones are the ones that are mostly going. This is recognised by Nathalie Raven (Frances Conroy) who sees it as a sign of Nature taking over to establish order because of evilness of humans. Nevertheless, this event reminds inhabitants of a historical story of Black Spring when a girl was violated only for many in the town to die. In the same way, a girl has been assaulted now, and the mist falls on town and starts killing people. Raven however starts committing murders in a cold blood to establish order. What is particularly irritating is her holiness and calmness as well as tenderness in the way she speaks and argues while at the same time being worst than the mist. However, the portrayal is real. Those who pretend to be saints and who can’t even raise a voice are usually the worst beasts amongst us. Frances Conroy is a brilliant actress though. She managed to cause me anxiety throughout the series, as I just could not stand her. That is, in my view, the crucial element of outstanding acting (for some it would be to feel moved, but for me it often means causing me anxiety and anger:)).
Some people are hiding in the mall, some in their houses and some are forced to run around and look for shelter and food. An interesting concept emerges though. A mother of the assaulted girl states that there is a theory of nine meals away from anarchy meaning that people will stick together in the time of disaster but when they start running out of food they will turn against each other. This is precisely what happens in this series, and through out the first season we follow events watching who will die and who will stay only to discover (in the last minute of the series) that no help is on the way. Quite the opposite actually…
The series ends in a way that promises continuation, i.e. what is happening with authorities? Who is Jonah/Brian (Okezie Morro) and where did he go? Will Mia (Danica Curcic, also brilliant in her portrayal of the ex drug addict) ever see him again?
I do hope that we will see the second season of this really well-made series.
Thank you for reading.