Netflix Sci-Fi Thriller Apocalypse Series Based On Beloved Novel Takes You Into The Night
Into the Night is a riveting Belgian apocalyptic sci-fi thriller series that has captivated audiences since its debut on Netflix in May 2020. Created by Jason George and inspired by Jacek Dukaj’s Polish sci-fi novel The Old Axolotl, the series follows a group of passengers on a red-eye flight from Brussels who must evade a deadly global catastrophe linked to daylight.
The Hijacking
The story begins when a plane is hijacked by Italian NATO soldier Terenzio (Stefano Cassetti) during a red-eye flight from Brussels to Moscow. He demands an early takeoff and explains that the sun has mysteriously started emitting lethal radiation that kills all living beings during daylight hours.
As a result, the plane’s passengers and crew must constantly fly westward, staying ahead of the sunrise to survive.
The Landing
Led by the pilot Mathieu (Laurent Capelluto) and Sylvie (Pauline Etienne), a former military helicopter pilot, Season 1 of Into the Night sees the group head towards Iceland.
However, after finding chaos at Keflavik Airport, they divert to RAF Kinloss in Scotland. Upon landing, the passengers’ phones confirm Terenzio’s claims and encounter three RAF servicemen.
Tensions Continue To Rise
The background stories of different passengers are revealed throughout the six-episode season of Into the Night. Tensions rise as Terenzio demands more democratic decision-making when it comes to the dwindling resources.
Their need to find a safe haven leads the plane to a NATO bunker in Bulgaria. But their trip comes with various sacrifices.
Into the Night Season 2 follows the remaining crew and passengers inside the Bulgarian bunker. They attempt to devise a plan to stop the deadly effects of the sun.
However, a fire destroys much of their food supply, prompting a mission to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Sylvie, Mathieu, and others prepare to fly there, but tensions rise as alliances are tested.
A Critical Darling
The idea to adapt Jacek Dukaj’s novel came from the uniqueness of its premise and setting. Netflix commissioned Into the Night as part of its strategy to expand its international content offerings.
The project was undertaken by Belgian production company Entre Chien et Loup, with filming taking place in various locations in Belgium and other parts of Europe.
Into the Night received positive reviews from critics and viewers who praised the series for its intense, fast-paced storytelling and intriguing premise.
The performances of the cast, particularly Pauline Etienne as Sylvie, were well-received. The series currently holds an 89 percent critics rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes alongside a 69 percent audience score.
Stream It Now
The series features multiple languages, including French, English, Arabic, Russian, Italian, and Turkish, reflecting the international makeup of its cast and the global nature of the crisis depicted in Into the Night.
Although inspired by The Old Axolotl, the series deviates significantly from the book, using only the basic premise of a global catastrophe linked to sunlight.
Interestingly, author Jacek Dukaj makes a brief cameo appearance in the first season. Overall, Into The Night is a gripping and innovative entry in the sci-fi thriller genre. It effectively uses its high-concept premise to deliver suspenseful and entertaining storytelling.
