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- Netflix
- Jan 14, 2022
- Netflix
- Jan 14, 2022
Summary Archivist Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie) becomes obsessed with the subject of the old videotapes he was hired to restore: documentary filmmaker Melody Pendras (Dina Shihabi) and her investigation into a cult in this supernatural horror series loosely based on the podcast of the same name.
- Netflix
- Jan 14, 2022
- Netflix
- Jan 14, 2022
Summary Archivist Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie) becomes obsessed with the subject of the old videotapes he was hired to restore: documentary filmmaker Melody Pendras (Dina Shihabi) and her investigation into a cult in this supernatural horror series loosely based on the podcast of the same name.
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 16 Critic Reviews
73
81% Positive
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
19% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 16 Critic Reviews
73
81% Positive
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
19% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Like most horror series and movies, Archive 81 requires some suspension of disbelief, but just give it time and it will slowly rope in the non-genre fans with its poignant specificity and drama.
At its best, “Archive 81” taps into that sense that there’s something truly malevolent hiding in plain sight. ... When the writing has to disappointingly pull back from the questions to provide answers in the final pair of episodes, it’s less powerful, but the journey has been satisfying enough by then that it can be forgiven, and the finale takes some risks that should be divisive.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 35 User Ratings
7.1
77% Positive
27 Ratings
27 Ratings
9% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
14% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 35 User Ratings
7.1
77% Positive
27 Ratings
27 Ratings
9% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
14% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
Archive 81 is a great TV show—brilliant work combining Dark and Black Mirror with cultism. There hasn't been a series that has intrigued me this much in a long time. Each chapter is a separate mystery. I enjoyed watching it. They finished the ending well. More should come.
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SEASON 1
It’s fun to check out a few of the first-season “Archive 81″ podcast episodes, just to see where and how the basics have been amplified, revised, imagined for the eyes as well as the ears. Shihabi and Athie, their eyes full of dread and wonder, are reason enough to watch.
The brisk, tense, efficiently told first episode gives way to later installments filled with padded-out incidents, red herrings, and dead ends. Anyone hooked by the beginning won't be let down by the end, and the mood of unflagging dread helps keep the suspense high even when the story hits a lull. Just be prepared for some narrative dry stretches along the way.
"Archive 81" draws upon very old horror themes, including whether seeing is really believing, and how evil might be hiding in plain view. Like the videotapes themselves, there are glitches along the way, but unlike some recent entries in this genre (hello, "Brand New Cherry Flavor"), not enough of them to provoke hitting the "eject" button.
As with most series of this nature, it’s better watched over time rather than binged all at once, when the leaps of faith required to get past various illogicalities and inconsistencies can become too exhausting. It’s one of those programmes where you are best advised to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
It’s not that the show would be better if it withheld more, but most of the steps building the world of “Archive 81” outward are done in a way that feels more obligatory than efficient.
found it an enjoyable and engaging watch. Will definitely watch the next season.
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SEASON 1
Being a fan of the original Podcast material I can say there are some things I did not like about the TV adaptation but also do appreciate how certain aspects were excluded. Although the ending of the season has left me unimpressed with the direction they took with the show. That's my personal take but the show was a rollercoaster ride, would recommend.
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SEASON 1