Infiniti

I love shows that transport you into new realms and artfully mix genres. But this is nothing like any Star Trek episode. With fantastic acting and an obvious big budget, it spins a carefully unraveling mystery that mostly takes place in the wilds of Kazakhstan. The filmmakers should be congratulated for taking a narrative risk and stepping out of the box to create a unique, absorbing series.

Stunningly shot with excellent performances, but very slow moving and more concerned with being ambiguous and leaving mysteries unresolved than addressing its convoluted plot. There is no satisfying ending to this genre mash-up, and it left me scratching my head in frustration as to what the hell actually happened. Too long with no actual pay off or meaningful explanation for the paradox that drives the first episode. This show gets lost in its bleak setting and smoke filled interiors, assuming that the audience will find these unusual locations compelling enough to not worry about the narrative. Perhaps the meaning we are looking for is that there's literally no meaning, and that's a bummer because there are loads of other shows out there that provide smarter and compelling resolutions to their mysteries. Sadly, this show is beautiful to look at but a complete waste of time that will make you feel cheated and angry.

This series is brilliant not only for the amazing storyline, but the scenery of the Steppe and Kazakstan, I can't find out where it was filmed, and maybe it's a substitute place but you certainly get the idea of a vast landscape, some of it damaged by previous nuclear testing and still radioactive. There are also amazing scenes of planet Earth taken from space. Infiniti is definitely recommended. I didn't worry too much about some of the difficult accents as subsequent narrative made it clear. Great acting from all the cast, really strong female leads too. I feel a bit sad it has ended, perhaps they'll give us a second series. It does require your full attention though (no looking at your phone) and I would describe some of the dialogue as "spare" - that is there are few long explanations about what is going on, you have to work it out for yourself, but after a while you will. Loved it.

Really, the production is great. Great shots, great sceneries, nice settings. Most of the actors do an OK job with the script and dialog given, but the cop lead actor stands out for me as a doing a really, really good job.

Now: I was quite intrigued at the first episode. I don't mind the pace, I don't absolutely require fast action to enjoy a story; but I really want a thought-out story. This one isn't. The "twists" and the mystery are OK even if generally predictable, but the binding of the elements is sloppy, as if imagined by adolescents and written for adolescents. I'm between 6 (above average) and 7 (less than good), but I give it a 7 because most of the crew members (apart from the script writers) did a good or very good job.

Perfect scenario for the ones like me who adores sci-fi and Interstaller. Thank you France for such an incredible movie, thank you Kazakhstan for making it real.