REVIEW: Scavengers Reign
Scavengers Reign is a stunning blend of sci-fi survival, psychological tension, and incredible animation. Created by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner, this epic sci-fi tale tells the story of space exploration gone wrong in a fresh and unique way that has captivated audiences first on HBO Max and now in Netflix.
Scavengers Reign follows a group of survivors stranded on an alien planet after their deep-space spacecraft, Demeter (yes like the ship in Dracula) is severely damaged. The alien world is filled with strange beings and life – the unique ecosystem takes some getting used to and can be hostile at times as the planet itself becomes an enemy. In contrast to many sci-fi survival stories, Scavenger Reigns focuses on a slow pace and thrives on existential horror, human resilience and the beautiful and dark relationships that are built throughout the story. As the survivors learn to cope with the alien planet they have crashed on, they deal with isolation, adaptation, and the difficult understanding of what they are capable of and willing to do to stay alive.
Each character in Scavengers Reign have their own in depth, emotional arcs that unfold as they navigate their own path across the world and deal with their own mental challenges as they struggle to adapt in this strange land. The story does what great sci-fi does best: it questions who we are as humans and what we are capable of and Scavengers Reign does it in such a stunningly beautiful way that it is impossible not to be captivated by the beautiful story and well-rounded characters. Levi, Azi, Sam, and Kamen all have their own hopes and dreams and they struggle to align this with their new surroundings and the idea of what their future may hold, and if they even have one at all. It is quiet, introspective storytelling that separates it from action heavy bombastic scenes often found in similar stories. It makes Scavengers Reign stand out and it is all the better for it. Visually, the show is incredible with the world having some really unique and outstanding designs never seen before on TV. The sound design is also a winner with the ambient sounds of the planet coming to life and creating an unsettling but beautiful mood throughout the whole season.
Scavengers Reign is a slow-burn but it is one of the best sci-fi series out there and deals with epic themes and creates a unique atmosphere that can be seen in movies such as Interstellar and Moon. It stands out as a unique tale that looks at the fragility of humanity in a visually stunning story that I hope will one day be continued. This is must see sci-fi at its best. Outstanding.
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