Netflix’s highly anticipated series, “3 Body Problem,” created by the masterminds behind “Game of Thrones” – David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with Alexander Woo – made its debut at Lille’s Series Mania, and it’s already dividing viewers. The show has received mixed reviews and has sparked intense discussions among critics and fans.
A Unique and Ambitious Show
“It’s a very ambitious show and it has a great scale, but I wonder when all the hooks they got into me will reward me with knowledge. I see a lot of potential, but I don’t see a clear path,” actor Malick Bauer told Variety after the screening. His comments highlight the show’s ability to captivate viewers while leaving them in suspense.
Director Bertrand Desrochers compared the show to “Dune,” where the first movie served as a trailer for the second one. He suggested that the show’s success might depend on how well it builds suspense and keeps the audience engaged.
Slow Pace, Yet Cult Potential
Despite receiving some criticism for being slow-paced and overcomplicated, “3 Body Problem” has the potential to gain a cult following due to its unique storyline and thought-provoking nature. Several industry insiders have praised the show’s cliffhangers and the way it tackles intellectual concepts. Journalist François Busnel commended the show for taking risks and adapting a cult book that was considered “unfilmable.”
A Story of Cosmic Proportions
“3 Body Problem” is adapted from the Chinese science-fiction saga by Cixin Liu. The series explores humankind’s first contact with an alien civilization and the implications it has for the entire human race. Woo, the show’s creator, explained that it’s a story about the breaking of universal laws and the race against time to solve the mystery.
Divided Opinions but Curiosity Prevails
Despite the polarizing opinions, many viewers expressed their curiosity and desire to uncover the show’s hidden secrets. Camélia Jordana, a singer and star of Disney+ series “Irrésistible,” said, “I left the screening wanting to know more. The way it’s structured, there are really two options: Either you don’t get it at all and move on, or you try to follow these different timelines. I need to know what’s going on!”
Influencer Louise Aubery, known as MyBetterSelf, also expressed her eagerness to connect the dots, stating that the show is a constant enigma.
An Intellectually Challenging Experience
Some guests at Series Mania compared “3 Body Problem” to the works of acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, known for his complex and emotionally distant films. The show challenges viewers to think critically and piece together the connections between characters and timelines. Novelist Delphine de Vigan praised the show for its complexity, stating, “Simple is not what they are looking for these days either.”
A Stellar Cast and Writing
The series boasts an impressive cast, including John Bradley, Jess Hong, Eiza González, Benedict Wong, Rosalind Chao, Jovan Adepo, and Jonathan Pryce. The writing team, led by Benioff and Weiss, is known for their ability to create compelling characters and intricate relationships.
John Bradley, who plays one of the main characters, expressed his admiration for the writing, stating, “It’s enthralling and it captures you. They are incredible when it comes to writing characters and relationships. I was crying, laughing, and gasping. I was so captivated.”
An Epic Journey Awaits
“3 Body Problem” promises to be an unprecedented viewing experience for fans. With its massive scope, featuring different time periods and locations, including China in the 1960s and a virtual reality video game, the show aims to offer something viewers have never seen before.
Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey when “3 Body Problem” premieres on Netflix on March 21.
Source: Variety