Sommerleigh Pollonais – Senior Writer
Quick! Show of hands for all those who’ve been watching Netflix’s Snowpiercer! Everyone with their hands in the air gets an A+. The rest of you line up for a spanking. Then again some of you might be into that (you naught little minx you) so scratch that.
Instead, pull up a chair, take out your pen and paper, and get ready to take notes.
Here are my TOP 5 REASONS YOU SHOULD BE WATCHING SNOWPIERCER (TV SHOW) RIGHT NOW!
Quick side note for those who may not be aware. Netflix’s Snowpiercer is based on the 2013 movie of the same name, starring Chris “America’s Ass” Evans and directed by Bong Joon Ho, the genius behind films like Okja and 2020’s Best Picture winner, Parasite. If you haven’t seen the movie (Snowpiercer), it’s definitely worth your time. It tells the story of a future where a failed climate change experiment has killed all life, except for the lucky (unlucky?) few who boarded the Snowpiercer. A train that travels around the globe. Class wars imminently ensue. The film itself is based on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Jacques Lob.
And now that we have that covered, let’s get into it.
#5 Opening Narration
Narration can be a fickle mistress when it comes to movies. Too little and it feels wasted. Too much and it’s annoying. Somehow one of my favorite aspects of this show is the opening narration, which comes before every episode. It’s done by a different character each week and not only gives you a glimpse into their personalities, but a hint of what’s to come. It’s a masterful use of the tool and somehow the common thread of all of the narrations ending in the words “1001 cars long”, always manages to put a smile on my face.
#4 Faithful Yet Refreshingly Original
Sometime in June I wrote an article on the Top 5 Horror Movies that became Awesome TV Shows. In it I mentioned how difficult it can be to stretch out a two -hour story into an entire show. Difficult but not impossible. Snowpiercer is further proof that not only can this be done, but in the hands of the right team, it can be truly stellar.
I remember after watching the first episode of this show I was amazed how much they managed to stay true to the movie, while creating what felt like an entirely new world with new characters and storylines that were thrilling and instantly captivating. And don’t get me started on the big reveal at the end of Episode 1. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! And to say I was instantly hooked is an understatement.
#3 Unpredictable Storytelling
Number four on my list brings me easily in to my number three and as I stated there what instantly had me hooked on this show was the storytelling/plotlines. While Snowpiercer, in its movie form, could only really tell one main story, following one main character in the form of Evans as Curtis, the structure of a television show leaves us wide open to follow numerous passengers on this life or death locomotive.
So many interesting characters, each with a story of their own and each with their own agendas, come together to add to the tension, thrills and drama on board Snowpiercer and (so far) has me waiting with bated breath for the next episode to drop. If this show can keep the momentum they’ve built in Season 1 going, there’ll be no danger of this train derailing anytime soon!
#2 The Performances
No matter how good a story is, if the actors can’t deliver, this train would never leave the station (the puns are easy with this one folks). Luckily Snowpiercer has a tour de force of talent on board (see?).
Firstly we have Daveed Diggs (Blindspotting) who’s instantly likeable as everyman-turned-hero Andre Layton. He carries the heavy burden of trying to make a better life for the people who live in “The Tail” of Snowpiercer. Jennifer Connelly (Alita: Battle Angel) is shockingly good in her role of Melanie Cavill, the head of Hospitality (the use of this word being heavily ironic) as well as an engineer and so much more. And Annalise Basso is the epitome of evil as LJ Folger, a spoiled rich kid who lives in the First Class level of the train and who gleefully relishes manipulating everyone around her.
And that’s just the tip of the talent iceberg. So far, not one of the actors I’ve seen, has failed to pull me into their worlds. Whether I’m hating them, rooting for them, or just waiting to see what they’ll do next, every performance has been engaging. And with a thousand and one cars making up this train, I’m sure there are lots more fun and frightening people to come.
#1 Style and Substance
Some shows rely heavily on style to keep you watching, even if the actual plotlines are hit and miss (I’m looking at you Star Trek: Discovery). Others may not have the budget, but are packed with enough quality, you can forgive the shoddy visuals (Is that you Doctor Who?). But when a show can deliver in both arenas, you’ve got yourself something truly stellar, and Snowpiercer does this for me in spades.
Sure you can argue, “It’s just a train. How visually appealing can it be?” To which my answer would be “go see for yourself!” All kidding aside, Snowpiercer is not just any train, but a representation of what’s left of the world. Each car holds a different aspect of what was lost in said world such as farms, aquariums, restaurants, bars and, of course, a class system because human beings somehow manage to evolve and regress all at the same time *sigh*. There are also shots of the world outside of Snowpiercer showing the cold vastness that awaits the remnants of humanity if they don’t learn the first lesson we’re all taught as kids – share and share alike!
We’re almost at the end of the first season but I’m fully invested in this journey, as I’m sure you can tell by now. Snowpiercer reminds me of how good shows like The Walking Dead was in its prime, with suspenseful storylines, engaging characters and the ability to leave me on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the next episode. Here’s hoping unlike TWD, this show doesn’t run out of steam and keeps chugging along and delivering awesome content for seasons to come.
You hear me Netflix?! DON’T YOU DARE CANCEL THIS ONE BEFORE IT’S TIME!
…Pretty Please!
For more Sci Fi TV and my Altered Carbon Season 2 review you can click here.
Sommerleigh of the House Pollonais. First of Her Name. Sushi Lover, Queen of Horror Movies, Comic Books and Binge Watching Netflix. Mother of two beautiful black cats named Vader and Kylo. I think eating Popcorn at the movies should be mandatory, PS4 makes the best games ever and I’ll be talking about movies until the zombie apoclaypse come.
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