Like others, I am a bit disappointed by the show. The production levels, scene/scenario setting, and especially the performances (every actor was absolutely topnotch) were all very commendable. However, the initial trailer promised a bit more than the overall project delivered. Was hoping the series would be strictly a psychological thriller, based on the frailty of the mind and the fracture of relationship/bonds when put under tremendous stress.
To me the supernatural elements did not add any real tension. Mostly because the creature's motives and the rules in which it could attack were never thoroughly explained. I know at the basic level, the creature attacks those who infringe upon nature (its dominion) and all that. But, it did not feel like the main antagonist or threat to the men's survival. The battles against the natural elements, the growing madness/sickness amongst the men, and the dismantling of the power system were just more interesting and tension driving.
Perhaps, if the monster's origins or relationship to the land/natives were explained a bit more. Or (since the creature is a spirit of some sort) was shown to be more calculating in its actions, it might have been a more compelling aspect to the story. But, as is, the creature gains no understanding or sympathy from the audience. The whole "humans meddling with nature/status quo reaps disastrous results" falls flat. That point only works if the audience can see the situation from both sides. We mostly get to see the crew's version, their constant suffering, and without any real realization as to why they are put through said suffering. So, nature just seems to be the villain/bully. Even the natives seem to live in fear of the creature, so the point that man can learn a different way seems mute, as well. The creature is just something that must be avoided or sated. So, what I think might be the lesson or point, at least in regards to the mystical elements, becomes a bit muddled.
Streamlining the story, focusing the plots solely on the obstacles of survival (mentally, physically, and through moral dilemmas) would have made this series simply spectacular. Shame.
To me the supernatural elements did not add any real tension. Mostly because the creature's motives and the rules in which it could attack were never thoroughly explained. I know at the basic level, the creature attacks those who infringe upon nature (its dominion) and all that. But, it did not feel like the main antagonist or threat to the men's survival. The battles against the natural elements, the growing madness/sickness amongst the men, and the dismantling of the power system were just more interesting and tension driving.
Perhaps, if the monster's origins or relationship to the land/natives were explained a bit more. Or (since the creature is a spirit of some sort) was shown to be more calculating in its actions, it might have been a more compelling aspect to the story. But, as is, the creature gains no understanding or sympathy from the audience. The whole "humans meddling with nature/status quo reaps disastrous results" falls flat. That point only works if the audience can see the situation from both sides. We mostly get to see the crew's version, their constant suffering, and without any real realization as to why they are put through said suffering. So, nature just seems to be the villain/bully. Even the natives seem to live in fear of the creature, so the point that man can learn a different way seems mute, as well. The creature is just something that must be avoided or sated. So, what I think might be the lesson or point, at least in regards to the mystical elements, becomes a bit muddled.
Streamlining the story, focusing the plots solely on the obstacles of survival (mentally, physically, and through moral dilemmas) would have made this series simply spectacular. Shame.