KEYS, LIES AND MYSTERIES: THE COMPELLING DRAMA OF NEW NETFLIX SERIES, ARCHIVE 81
Netflix horror series Archive 81 (episodes directed by Rebecca Thomas, Haifaa Al-Monsour, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, and produced by James Wan) recently hit the popular streaming service, and it’s certainly made its mark already. Stylish, mysterious, creepy and addictive, the eight-part saga has hypnotized its audience who are already asking questions about a potential series 2.
Let’s hope there really will be more to come from the show-makers and the cast in the future, because Archive 81 seems to have hit the sweet spot with viewers.
Starring Dina Shihabi, Mamoudou Athie, Matt McGorry and Julia Chan, the series follows on the trail of central character Dan Turner, who has been hired to digitize a series of VHS files for a mysterious businessman. Left to work on the files in a remote building, far from civilization, Dan watches the footage unfold and soon realizes that there is a horror far beyond his imagining going on in the world — and his life is inexorably tied to it.
There is enough drama and mystery to keep any viewer hooked in this multi-layered and compelling series. With hints to the occult, strange goings-on, unusual characters and a whole host of historical nods, the show flows seamlessly though its eight episodes and delivers a very satisfying story.
The cast were perfect in their roles, with each character bringing magic during their on-screen time. Shihabi’s portrayal of central character Melody Pandras is truly masterful, with the actress bringing a delicate authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative. Athie’s performance as Dan Turner is deeply magnetic from the first scene to the last, with his vulnerability delivered beautifully as his character grows in strength.
Playing his best friend, Matt McGorry makes a fantastic edition to the cast as the paranormal podcast geek who will stop at nothing to help his friend uncover the truth. The cast deliver Archive 81 to viewers with an authenticity that feels almost unsettling.
The broader theme that emerges in the series is that of doors — both physical ones and mental ones. So much of Archive 81 is asking us — how much of the truth do we really want to uncover? Do we really want to open that door? And of course, the eerie truth that once open, some doors can never truly be closed again. It is a series of mystery and intrigue, bringing to mind some of the classics of yesteryear, such as Twilight Zone and the X Files.
Many of us have a feeling that Archive 81 is set to become a future classic for fans of edgy, intelligent, paranormal shows. It certainly has a lot to offer.
