Netflix’s ‘The Eternaut’ Is Hypnotic, But Falls Short of Its Legendary Origins

by

In recent times, it seems as if every generation believes we are living in the end times, much like Wilco sang. Modern television has taken on a post-apocalyptic feel, with countless groups of survivors battling it out, constantly showing both the best and worst of humanity. Shows such as Silo, Fallout, The Last of Us, Snowpiercer, Falling Skies, The Colony, The Last Ship, The 100, Twisted Metal, Station 11, Earth Abides, Z Nation, The Handmaid’s Tale, Y: The Last Man, The Last Man on Earth, Alice in Borderland, Sweet Tooth, and numerous Walking Dead series have filled the last decade with dystopian TV, making it seem as though we are inviting the apocalypse ourselves. However, reality is far from the fun of fiction.

Instead of adding Netflix’s newest sci-fi series, The Eternaut, to the list, consider referring to it as: “Include the latest sci-fi offering from Netflix, ‘The Eternaut,’ in our collection.” This series delves into familiar apocalyptic themes, such as: people banding together amidst turmoil; a power-hungry individual emerging during the chaos; a rugged hero with a hidden altruistic side and potentially tragic backstory; conflicting viewpoints and ideologies; a character grappling with mental decline; a vaguely defined military subplot; and a ruthless group of villains who serve as a grim reminder that “man is the real monster.” A touch of romance, some human complexity, and you’ve got yourself an apocalyptic cocktail shaken to perfection.

Moody & Minimalist Sci-Fi

Netflix’s series, titled “The Eternaut,” presents a unique, stripped-down approach to storytelling. Don’t expect to find any olives in this one! Remembering characters’ names is quite challenging due to the sparse character development beyond their archetypes. The plot unfolds gradually, with essential details not emerging until the fourth of six episodes. Large portions of the series consist of characters standing or walking without much action taking place.

The initial part of “The Eternaut” (approximately 150 minutes) establishes a cinematic atmosphere that sets it apart from other shows. However, this may deter viewers due to its slower pace. Ironically, the second half of the show is packed with action, new settings, and characters, making it almost feel like a distinct season.

The story unfolds at the residence of Alfredo and Ana Favalli, located in Buenos Aires, where they host an evening gathering with poker, music, and whiskey for their friends. Lucas, Polsky, Juan Salvo, and an unexpected guest make their way through traffic disrupted by blackouts and protests to join the festivities. Portrayed by the charming and charismatic Ricardo Darín, who bears a striking resemblance to the Argentine equivalent of George Clooney, Juan becomes the beacon of strength for the series.

Suddenly, the power goes out (affecting all battery-powered or internet devices), and an unusual snowfall ensues. Those caught outdoors perish immediately, a grim revelation that marks the beginning of a new world.

dd

The remainder of “The Eternaut” primarily focuses on Juan’s journey to locate his daughter, Clara, and the various individuals who either aid or complicate his mission. The narrative is quite captivating as we follow Juan navigating a blizzard, potentially experiencing hallucinations of certain sounds and visuals. Bruno Stagnaro, a key figure in New Argentine Cinema, skillfully constructs a post-catastrophe Buenos Aires that resembles London in “28 Days Later.” Notably, Stagnaro utilized the COVID-19 pandemic to craft a cityscape that is both strikingly realistic and eerily surreal.

In a less-than-Hollywood standard, yet impressively ambitious, the fourth episode of this series employs CGI and virtual production. However, it’s not quite comparable to the grandeur of Hollywood. Instead, it’s the smart details that make The Eternaut highly evocative and tactile. For instance, the production team created five distinct types of ‘snow,’ each tailored for specific needs. Salt was used for footprints on the ground, while dried foaming soap simulated falling snow. The destruction scenes, from broken glass to damaged structures, are meticulously detailed. Cars, bodies, and debris are scattered realistically across the landscape. The homemade protective suits and gas masks worn by characters have a DIY cyberpunk aesthetic. All these production details combine to create a palpable sense of place that contributes significantly to the captivating atmosphere.

Argentina plays a significant role in shaping the atmosphere of “The Eternaut,” and its past deeply influences the comic in intriguing ways. It’s challenging to separate a work from its country of origin, but this is especially true for Argentina, where art and politics have been intertwined for over two centuries. The Malvinas (also known as the Falkland Islands) and the 1982 war over them, particularly the Battle of Mount Longdon, cast a long shadow on Juan. The economic depression at the turn of the century in Argentina (specifically the winter of 2001) and the collective versus individual theme under Peronism add depth to many characters in the story. While this historical context isn’t necessary to enjoy “The Eternaut,” it adds layers of complexity to the characters.

Not ‘The Eternaut’ That Could’ve Been

Despite being moody, well-crafted, and ultimately gripping (in a traditional sense), Netflix’s The Eternaut seemed destined for trouble from the outset. Francisco Ramos, Vice President of Latin American Content at Netflix, described the series as “one of the most ambitious Latin American projects in Spanish ever conceived,” and predicted it would serve as a pivotal moment for the film industry in Argentina due to advancements in technology, audacity, entertainment, and cinematic language. This declaration came after several decades of attempts to bring the project to life.

Originally published as a comic strip from 1955 to 1957, “The Eternaut” was created by writer Héctor G. Oesterheld and illustrator Francisco Solano López. Unfortunately, its sole English release is out of print and expensive. This masterpiece was not just an amazing storyline and artwork, but also a subtle political commentary reflecting Oesterheld’s deep connection to Argentine history and politics. Later in his career, he created a graphic novel about Che Guevara that was banned and destroyed. Tragically, during the Dirty War, Oesterheld, along with his four daughters and their husbands, were all killed by the military junta.

The Eternaut‘s reputation flourished as a national gem in Argentina, attracting numerous attempts from prominent filmmakers such as Fernando Solanas, Adolfo Aristarain, and Lucrecia Martel. However, the cost was often prohibitive, or the creators desired significant changes, or American producers aimed to produce it in English for financial backing. The family and estate of Oesterheld consistently denied adaptations of The Eternaut, insisting that any adaptation take place in Argentina and remain true to the original source material.

Although Bruno Stagnaro (alongside co-writer Ariel Staltari) deliver a mostly accurate portrayal, it fails to meet either the expectations set by the original or the imagined grandeur version. In truth, The Eternaut is an exceptional work that warrants a billion-dollar budget and visionaries like James Cameron or Christopher Nolan at the helm. Regrettably, such an adaptation remains unrealized, leaving us with a production that seems insufficient in comparison to what The Eternaut truly deserves. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this Eternaut is still well-executed and true to its roots. It merely leaves you pondering the potential greatness that never came to pass.

As a follower, I truly hope that my efforts here will inspire publishers to re-release Oesterheld’s original work in English, making it accessible for more individuals to immerse themselves in this extraordinary, significant story. Until then, _The Eternaut_ stands as the best option out there. Starting from April 30, 2025, you can stream _The Eternaut_ on Netflix via the link below: [Netflix Link]

Watch The Eternaut

Read More

2025-04-30 10:03