Laapata lady astronaut : My quick take on mini web series “The Signal” (Netflix)
The German origin of series gave a good “signal” , thought it will be similar to “Dark” or “1899” While the trailer gave a misleading “signal” of being similar to Manoj Shyamlin’s “Signs”. This sci-fi turned out to be less convoluted than “Dark” , pretty straightforward as compared to time-bending “1899”, and less scary as compared to “Signs”. The 4 episode long mini series does well to keep you engaged and on edge of seat for first two episodes, while the third episode spills the beans while the final episode makes you feel that it was an avoidable appendage.
Plot revolves around an astronaut Paula who after spending three months in ISS (international space station) is returning back to earth with her co-astronaut, despite successful landing on earth they mysteriously fail to make it home as the passenger plane carrying them goes missing. The plot becomes intriguing as she encounters a strange signal in space that resembles a human voice and she realizes the signal is becoming stronger.
Is this voice emanating from another life form in universe? Is this coming from some alien spaceship which is mimicking humans? Is it going to reach planet earth? is it a sort of Alien invasion? is it a mere hallucination as Paula was on some pschyotropic medication? All these questions will cross your mind and keep you booked and hooked for two episodes.
The missing plane and events played after that adds masala to the mystery.
Paula’s daughter Charlie (played very well by Yuan Bennett) has a strong belief that her mother is alive and defies all the news of all the passengers on the missing plane are dead. The climax is rather lame anti climax making you feel अरे यह क्या था भाई. Let me not dwell on it, नहीं तो spoiler alert देना पड़ेगा.
Good thing about this mini series is that it is not as complex as other German series (दिमाग़ का दही नहीं बनाता). Secondly there is enough drama stirring up emotions. But for the tepid climax the mini series is enjoyable , provided you enjoy this genre of Sci-fi thriller. Let me also mention that the antagonist of the plot is shown as a Indian Billionaire (played by Sheeba Chadda) called “Mudi” and she is a सनातनी, hope that does not send any “Signal” 😉
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