Netflix has released yet another exciting original series, and viewers have found it so “crazy” they “can barely understand” it. 1899 – the latest show from the creators of Netflix’s Dark – dropped on the streaming service last week, and viewers around the world have watched almost 80m hours of it within its first week on the platform, according to Netflix’s data.
The series follows the migrant passengers of steamship the Kerberos as it leaves Europe in 1899 on a voyage to the United States. But their journey takes an unexpected turn after the discovery of another ship – the Prometheus – adrift on the open sea after being missing for four months.
What unfolds is a mind-bending enigma that turns the journey to the promised land into a horrifying nightmare. The multi-lingual series – from German creative and romantic partners Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar – features characters and actors from around the world, including the UK, Germany, France, Denmark and Hong Kong.
It stars Wythenshawe -born Emily Beecham as a young English doctor, alongside German Andreas Pietschmann as the Kerberos’ captain, and Welshman Aneurin Barnard as a mysterious man who boards the ship. The actors all speak their native language, with an international writing team coming together to help pen the script.
The series made its way straight into Netflix’s global top 10, sitting behind The Crown as the second most watched series on the platform. It currently boasts a 79 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and though another series is yet to be confirmed, the creators have already told The Hollywood Reporter they have ideas for another two seasons.
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Like with their previous hit series, 1899 is something of a slow-burn, with viewers pulled through a bizarre, mind-bending mystery during its eight episodes. Fan reviews on social media have been mixed, with some criticising its slow pacing as “boring” and a “waste of time”.
On Twitter, @ckkoch3 said: “If you’re looking for something to watch on Netflix, I recommend against 1899. Long, boring, convoluted and confusing with no reasonable ending. Total waste of time.”
@Captain45_ said: “Binge watched all the episodes of 1899 yesterday. Here’s my honest review – boring direction, boring story, boring logic, boring cast, boring fiction.”
Others said they “loved” the show, despite finding it’s “bizarre” plot almost impossible to follow. @lewis1hbh said: “1899 is crazy like I barely understand what’s going on but it’s crazy.”
#1899 is so crazy. I have no idea what I just watched but I love it so much. The entire show, I was like what is happening, but the last episode pic.twitter.com/mypHqmsULa
— incendy (@incendy)
@hollyg1285 said: “@1899Netflix is hands down the most bizarre show I've ever seen. I'm speechless, and I'm not okay. That ending.”
@incendy said: “#1899 is so crazy. I have no idea what I just watched but I love it so much. The entire show, I was like what is happening, but the last episode.”
1899 is available to stream on Netflix now.
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