Netflix’s new German-language series Dark has started. The 10-episode season takes place in forests, little dim, low lighted rooms and a shadowy cave. The series is - as the name already says - conceptually dark.
But its also full of complicated crime while dead birds falling from the sky. It maybe sounds strange and some reviews already compared “Dark“ with “Stranger Things“. Let me first say: Yes, you can use this comparison, but Dark is different. Not only darker. You can the the “stranger things“ and “twin peaks“ in Netflix’s new series.
Furthermore noticeably, it’s as physically dark as one of David Fincher’s movie, and through all that it carries the same level of ominous secrets and questions. It’s a series meant to be watched on one day. Because this is not a secret: The series starts with an amazing thrilling speed of telling the audience a story of crime trough time. And after the first episode you will watch it till the end. And to not spoiler some parts of the story let’s talk about the cast and crew. The production value is (as Netflix standard) on a really high level. Great German and English actors, well created settings and an interesting way of telling the story.
At fist it might be a bit confusing but the confusion disappears under new questions and the desire for learning more about the characters, their relation and the answers for all your upcoming questions. And this is maybe one of the little problems of the series. The crew did all right. The production, the cast, the story, the screenplay, but in the end between all the “stranger things“-“twin peaks“ -mix the rest of the series is filled with characters and story elements, which are already told a thousand times. Ever and ever. Again and again.
This isn’t hard criticism, only the attempt of the mention and description of the feeling which is revealed by the viewer after finish the series. Its the kind of bad feeling which isn’t really enough to call this a big problem or the reason for criticism but it is important enough to mention it.
Because of that Netflix’s first original German series is a succeeded part of a growing into new international and European productions. And if Netflix goes on with his aim of getting more viewers of other countries deeper into the company’s entertainment world through local productions with series like this, this aim will be reached.
Finally a thrillering and interesting first season with dark aesthetics, some interesting cinematography and beautiful images of a mystical and magic story underlined by a well-chosen soundtrack. But finally also a difficult kind of feeling. Like a “we already watched all of these aspects earlier“-vibe between all the successful mix of a well created production.
But wait!? Did I already write “finally“. Did we already talk about about this at the ending. Did we already see some this elements. Never mind! Even if there is this sense of déjà vu…
And if you have watched “Dark“ you will know why. So take a look at it. It’s worth seeing.