Residue

I have watched the first 2 episodes of "Residue" via Netflix and will watch the 3rd episode tonight. The 1 thing that I don't care for and think is totally juvenile is that the main character thinks out loud and then jots the thoughts that we have just listened to on Notepad, or some other word processing software. And believe me, this person is no Einstein! Her thoughts are: "I can't be crazy... this is real!" First we hear her thinking out loud, and then we watch her type her thoughts on her pc. In my opinion, this brings down the entire production. But, I'll watch #3 tonight and see where it leads. I'm already filling in the blanks with an imagination stoked by watching 60 years of science fiction and fantasy TV shows. X-Files, here we come!

I saw this on Netflix, it's a really promising start to a very interesting story. I didn't know Netflix were doing pilots, nor in business with the indie sector so this is a very exciting step for all of us who watch their content regularly and like shows such as Utopia and Black Mirror. This show feels very British but is also handling story on its own terms. I was reminded of Black Mirror as this also subverts story convention and run its story in a mini-series format for this first season. This feels anything but conventional but be warned, these first three chapters end on a massive cliff hanger, so there looks to be a wait in store before it goes any further. I would say bear this in mind before you watch this otherwise you will be annoyed! The story set up in these three parts (intriguing length for a pilot) combines sci-fi, the paranormal, a government conspiracy and a massive great big quarantine zone unlike anything I've seen right in the middle of a future-set British metropolis. I would say get to the third episode as it gets visually really interesting right there. The vibe is dark but the show looks great, and the cast are really strong at pulling you into this world. I would recommend this if you are the type who looks to spot future hits and gets into the action early.

The characters are somewhat interesting, though not always believable. It would seem that the series was terminated abruptly as there are all sorts of loose ends in the final episode. The tone of the series is 'dark' an understatement, given that the writers did do a decent job of making the characters as interesting as possible. As mentioned before in other reviews the season is only 3 episodes long and therefore seems to indicate it may not have been well received. Pity, as the series starts to get interesting and reveals some of its secrets in the final episode. Those who are X-files fans will see some familiar tropes being played out here. So enjoy the ride while you can, as it stops abruptly.

This show was visually breathtaking. The colour palette in particular was incredible, and even without the intrigue of the plot I would have watched it for aesthetic value alone. I was drawn in by the characters and the grittiness of the setting and subject matter. In fact, this may have even been one of my favourite shows on Netflix. The only (and unfortunately significant) downside is the lack of a satisfying ending. I was genuinely upset when I reached the end of episode 3 only to realise nothing more would follow. Honestly can't remember the last time I was this attached to a show, sad to have to leave it without a sense of closure.

There are two rules to live life by. Number one is never tell anyone everything you know and I feel that this series does a great job in that regard so it keeps you on your seat in that way. Of course, this is sci~fi and it's sci~fi with a little bit of twist. If you're a sci~fi fan then you should enjoy this show.

I have to say that it's set in London, or what looks like London but just in the future. In this regard the location scout did a great job. Thumbs up to them.

Another really good thing about this series is that it keeps you on the edge of your seat with punchy dramatics and interesting narrative style.

There's a girl, a citizen of the future, and she thinks she is going crazy because she has to always think about things and write things down on her PC. Maybe there might be too much by way of plot overlays, I don't think so but I can see why other people might. I have had 30 years of sci~fi experience and this series pressed almost all of the sci~fi buttons, which isn't an easy thing to do on such a low budget.

Onto the budget. This really does look like a million pound show but they didn't have a budget of a million pounds. So well done to the CGI department. There we some FX that I could tell were CGI but all the rest I couldn't so they stitched them in well and the FX helped to push the plot along a lot.

To conclude, I would say that sci~fi fans should give this a go. It has futurist elements which are combined well with current social issues and its social currency pays for itself in keeping with modern times. The lighting is amazing and you will really feel teleported into the future. Big thumbs up to the director for this.