Season 1 |
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Episode Guide
Episode 1 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 2 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 3 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 4 -| Review Score – 4/5
If you’re up for a thrilling roller coaster ride, then ‘The Signal’ should be your next stop. This German science fiction thriller on Netflix has a tight narrative that keeps you engaged.
In fact, the show feels more like a reality check than just a sci-fi story. While watching, you’ll find yourself questioning the trustworthiness of everything around you. Even seemingly minor characters end up playing significant roles in the story, making you realize their importance.
Indian actress Sheeba Chaddha has a crucial role in ‘The Signal.’ You might try to predict the storyline but be prepared to be surprised multiple times as the plot twists and turns. The series, comprising four episodes, each about an hour long, is an easy binge-watch.
The story sees Paula (played by Peri Baumeister) and Hadi Hiraj (played by Hadi Khanjanpour) embark on a space mission and stumble upon something unexpected while carrying out their tasks. Meanwhile, Sven, Paula’s husband, lives with their young daughter, Charlie, anxiously awaiting Paula’s return. However, both Paula and Hadi mysteriously die in a plane crash, along with hundreds of other civilians.
The police find incriminating evidence against Paula, suggesting she might have a role to play in the crash. The families of Paula and Hadi face harassment from both the police and the families of the seventy civilians. Now the question arises: what was in their signal that caused such chaos? Is there a political message in the signal, or is there some otherworldly connection?
At times, you may compare it to another intriguing Netflix series, ‘1899‘, or to the thriller show on Apple TV , ‘Constellation.’ Regardless of your thoughts, the show’s premise is even more fascinating than any guesses you might make.
Any otherworldly plot becomes more successful when it contains a compelling storyline at its core. Let’s decode the underlying themes of the German show. Alcohol, drugs, or any intoxicating substance can destroy everything beautiful in this world. It can harm humanity, as depicted in classic films and epics.
It can ruin relationships, futures, and potential. The commentary on intoxication felt natural and played a crucial role in impacting the screenplay. Media, or journalism, plays a vital role in shaping society for the better. However, like every coin, it has another side. Sometimes, journalists’ over-enthusiasm leads to insensitivity, making situations more chaotic.
The unruly behavior of media personnel exacerbates the situation. People, including authorities, are clueless about the exact cause of the disappearances. Instead, they’ve begun playing the blame game, unfairly targeting innocents. Scapegoating is a common response in such situations in our society. The way the makers address this orthodox mentality deserves praise.
In the age of the internet, nobody listens to each other, as Sven tells his daughter. Sometimes, being emotionally overwhelmed can make you insensitive and self-centered, as seen in the behavior of the crowd outside Sven’s or Mira’s house. The use of blood balloons or writing slang on Mira’s door is proof of this.
Despite its good exploration of themes, the film as a whole has an intriguing screenplay. It may not have the best sci-fi plot, but it certainly contains engrossing plot points.
Directors Sebastian Hilger and Philipp Leinemann manage budget constraints by avoiding unnecessary elements on screen. However, writers Florian Fitz, Nadline Gottmann, and Kim Zimmermann could have included more scenes to establish the bond between Paula and Charlie, as they are key characters driving the story forward because the interpersonal bonding between them was an essential part of the show.
Overall, ‘The Signal’ will keep you hooked and entertained throughout. The emphasis is more on the human drama rather than pure sci-fi. If you’re expecting a hardcore science fiction flick, you might be let down. But if you’re into a gripping sci-fi thriller, then ‘The Signal’ is right up your alley.
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Verdict - 7/10
7/10