Station Eleven

• On the surface, the notion of a Shakespearean troupe using old plays to hold onto civilization might seem too simplistic, too overdetermined. In the book, it often does. But here it's brought to life with such empathy, such fumbling, all-too-human earnestness, that it seems like it has the power to single-handedly save humanity from itself.

• Gorgeous original soundtrack by Dan Romer ('Beasts of the Southern Wild', 'Mediterranea', 'Digging for Fire', 'The Little Hours', 'A Ciambra', 'Maniac', 'Wendy', 'Luca'), and wonderfully utilized: never out of place, superfluous, or redundant.

• For already in its first three episodes, it pulls off the impossible feat of infusing the supposedly devastating tale of humanity's fall with a moving warmth that even offers a glimmer of hope in light of real-world crises. The focus rests squarely on what the survivors hold so precious that they must preserve it at all costs: art, culture, love, and friendship.

• This is a story of performers, a famous one who influences a younger one, who then decides that art can’t be lost even as civilization crumbles. It’s also a story of acts of kindness, which becomes its most moving theme for me. Jeevan is the first man to stand up when he senses another person is struggling, and that decision changes the lives of so many people, really setting the entire story in motion—nothing here is the same without it.

• I can simply tell you that we are dealing with a demanding, unpredictable series, yet meticulous and polished in every aspect. The dialogue, cinematography, direction, actors, and storytelling are all stunning. It has been a long time since I have seen such a masterfully crafted production and such a powerful story.

1 / 5