3 Body Problem
Helmed by Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and DB Weiss, alongside True Blood’s Alexander Woo, there’s a lot going on in Netflix’s highly anticipated series 3 Body Problem. Adapted from Liu Cixin’s 2008 novel of the same name, the first few episodes contain an unexplained countdown, seemingly impossible scientific anomalies, a mysterious VR video game and an enthralling investigation. Couple this with a decade-spanning plot and a concoction of genres that range from sci-fi to police procedural, and there’s a fair bit for viewers to wrap their heads around at first. However, the talented creative team effortlessly weave this grand and multifaceted plot together in such a way that keeps audiences constantly engaged in the ongoing conundrum.
The show’s opening episodes are split between two time periods. The first takes place during the Chinese Cultural Revolution and sees scientist Ye Wenjie (Rosalind Chao) recruited by the Chinese government to help with a top-secret project. The second centres around a group of brilliant physicists in modern-day London who become entangled in the strange goings-on. Meanwhile, a detective played by Benedict Wong is keeping his eye on them. To say any more about what the plot entails would spoil the show’s sense of discovery and the many jaw-dropping surprises that are lying in store.
Making the series of unexpected twists and turns that more spectacular is this show’s impressive sense of scale. The creators don’t waste a penny of their huge budget to deliver some eye-widening set pieces that are brought to life with some stunning special effects, with the scenes within the VR game showcasing some of the show’s best and most creative visuals.
Moreover, it’s not just the grand cinematography and epic plot that gives this Netflix series its large sense of scale. The script also probes into themes surrounding god, existence and unsolvable mathematical riddles to add some depth to the gripping narrative. The series is big in every meaning of the word, even if the flow is occasionally interrupted by a joke that doesn’t land as intended.
With 3 Body Problem, the showrunners have created a truly remarkable and hugely ambitious piece of television that will have viewers hanging onto every plotline, hungry to find out more about its hidden mysteries and meanings.
Andrew Murray
3 Body Problem is released on Netflix on 21st March 2024.
Watch the trailer for 3 Body Problem here:
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