Archive 81 is a unique sci-fi mystery thriller drama series that’s adapted from a podcast of the same name. The story of Archive 81 revolves around Daniel “Dan” Turner (Mamoudou Athie), a video archivist at a museum, who is offered a job to repair some damaged tapes from the Visser apartment building that burned down in 1994. The tapes contain footage filmed by Melody Pendras (Dina Shihabi), a doctoral candidate in cultural anthropology at New York University, who studied a community living in the Visser apartment complex.
As Dan works on repairing the tapes, he discovers that the footage seems to be a documentation of Melody’s time living in the Visser apartment building and uncovers some shocking revelations about the community living there. He also experiences strange occurrences that connect him to Melody’s world.
Plot
The plot of Archive 81 takes place both in the present time and in 1994. The story revolves around Dan Turner, a video archivist who takes on a job to repair tapes from the Visser apartment building, which burned down in 1994. The tapes contain footage filmed by Melody Pendras, who documented her time living in the Visser apartment building while she was undertaking her doctoral research. The footage that Dan repairs reveals unsettling details about the community that lived in the Visser building and mysterious cult activities.
Review
Archive 81 has a compelling story that keeps the audience hooked with its mystery and thriller elements. The show’s premise of using found footage to piece together a story is innovative and interesting, making it a standout among sci-fi thriller shows. The character development of Dan and Melody is relatable, and their chemistry makes the story more engaging.
The show’s special effects are impressive, especially when it comes to depicting supernatural elements. However, the plot could have been more fleshed out and given a more detailed backstory. While the show does a great job of starting with the mystery, it doesn’t quite answer all the questions it raises by the end. Despite this, the season finale of the show concludes on a solid note that leaves the possibility of future seasons if renewed.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Archive 81 is perfect for those looking for a thrilling sci-fi mystery drama. The show has a unique premise that’s refreshingly plotted, combined with impressive special effects that showcase the supernatural elements of the story. While the show could have been more detailed and given a more in-depth backstory, it’s definitely worth a watch for all sci-fi lovers.
