Developed by writer and producer Rebecca Sonnenshine, “Archive 81” is a horror show based on a podcast of the same name that was created by Dan Powell and Marc Sollinger. This psychological thriller was released on Jan. 14, leaving viewers wanting more. Photo fair use of Rotten Tomatoes
Released on Jan. 14, the Netflix original horror fiction series “Archive 81” is a thrilling and entertaining watch for viewers who seek suspense.
“Archive 81,” a horror fiction show which became available to Netflix on Jan. 14, is a perfect fit for viewers who enjoy shows that keep them guessing and on the edge of their seat.
The series is shown mainly from the perspective of Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie), a media archivist who has taken on a job to restore video tapes found in an apartment building called the Visser, which burned in a tragic fire. The tapes were recorded by a young filmmaker named Melody Pendras (Dina Shihabi) documenting her journey to find her biological mother, as she explored the Visser apartment building.
As the story progresses, Turner evaluates the tapes and finds evidence of a dangerous cult and Pendras’ study of her own.
However, as an adaption from the 2016 podcast by Dan Powell and Marc Sollinger, some longtime fans were unhappy with changes seen on the show, including prominent podcast themes that were not present in the tv show, and an ending that diverged from the original.
The ominous music and recurring sounds and prayers heard throughout the season give it an unsettling feeling, and the eerie settings also contribute to the sense of suspense felt throughout the show.
With its paranormal aspects and multiple timelines, the series stands out from other shows in the horror genre. As the plot unravels, the connections between the different perspectives are revealed.
This Netflix original is rated TV-MA as it contains some intense subjects and language, so “Archive 81” is not intended for young viewers. However, it is a perfect binge-worthy show for those who are interested in psychological mysteries.
Netflix hasn’t given approval for a second season as of now, but viewers should still watch the first in order to see the science-fiction mystery fall into place. The first season of “Archive 81” ends with an opening for a new story to come, leaving viewers to wonder what’s next.
