Series Review: Ares. Directors: Giancarlo Sanchez and Michael Ten Horn.
Hello, everyone! I hope you all are doing well. Today I shall be reviewing a very under-rated Dutch drama - horror miniseries titled 'Ares' streaming on Netflix. Mythologically, Ares was a God of war who released a loud death cry causing blood to release from his chest, and a powerful explosion occurred.
For all those who think that horror films or shows do not have much to offer because the same formula is applied everywhere, 'Ares' is definitely a breath of fresh air.
The affluent Jacob Wessels, who is a student of economics, haphazardly abandons his friendship with the middle-class medical student Rosa Steenwijk. When they meet after a long time, Rosa inquires about the cause of his unexpected departure, and his reticence adds fuel to her curiosity which leads to a series of events.
'Ares' is definitely not a typical horror series rich with jump scares and evil ghosts, but it is definitely a model on how horror content should be written and depicted. The premise revolves around the common desire for power and in that, asks the compelling question on how far would the protagonist go to find an answer to all her questions. The miniseries is set in the modern-day Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The challenge of making unrelatable preternatural experiences convincing is very successfully accomplished in the series, given that most people do not have this kind of experience. The challenge of making the esoteric exoteric is wonderfully accomplished. The definition of fear in general, as well as the subjectivity of fear to each individual is aptly shown in the series. As the series progresses, the audience experiences emotions galore and is always interested in what happens next.
A peculiar feature of the miniseries is that the audience can predict what would happen next, but is still scared. While the portrayal of the series is artistic, aesthetic and enigmatic, no question of the audience is left unanswered.
The direction of the miniseries is quick, edgy and vivid. While reviewing 'Ares' a special mention needs to be made of the unconventional and sensational horror film 'Suspiria (2018)' since the miniseries as well as the film have carved their own niche. The spooky background music, along with the opening song by Ramses Shaffy adds to the tension.
Jade Olliberg, who plays the smart, ambitious and interesting Rosa Steenwijk, along with Tobias Kersloot, who plays the goodhearted, timid and tacit Jacob Wessels and Lisa Smit who plays the beautiful and dainty, but slightly scary Carmen Zwanenberg have all done a fantastic job with their jaw-dropping performances.
The miniseries has eight episodes, each ranging to about thirty minutes, which makes it binge-worthy. The audience can finish watching it in over four hours. It is also a decent family watch for an adult audience.
'Ares' is a very under-rated series and cannot be missed. It's a treat for the lovers of horror genre as well as those with a global palette. The depiction of the series is entirely in the present, sans flashbacks.
Overall, the miniseries fulfills all the essential ingredients of a horror show, and along with it does the important work of asking compelling questions.
MY TAKE: 8.5/10.
Author: Ms. Radhika Sunil Vaidya.
Email i.d. : radhika.vaidya98@gmail.com
Excellent!, Very well written
ReplyDeleteI like your choice of words and how you have scaled the review.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed with the review and so excited to watch it.
ReplyDeleteRadhika, once again, a well written review of a series that indeed seems to be underrated. I suppose so as it was neither mentioned anywhere nor recommended ( except here ). The indirect indication towards the film, Suspiria is also welcome.
ReplyDeleteThe best and the most significant thing according to me is the awareness to keep readers interest intact by avoiding any spoilers although there are a few hints. It's good that you have credited all concerned team members who have created the series which encourages avid watchers to see it without prejudice, whatsoever.
Appreciate your keen interest as and expressions.
Keep it up and let more of such stuff come. I mean, you get to see more and more of good contents that suit the extra ordinary taste which you display everytime.
Wow, I usually don't watch horror but this seems to be interesting. I think after reading the review that this will be more like Silence of the Lambs (or anything by Ratnakar Matkari if you're Maharashtrian), which is not exactly horror but... I can't explain it in words.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love how compact this review is. Thanks for hand-picking a new series for us and letting us know about it once again. Keep it up!
(PS.: They could have names the series 'Kratos.' This Ares guy reminds me of skyrim ;-))
Beautiful review written Radhika. As always the words which you use to express. Amazing.. Another great one..👌☺️
ReplyDeleteVery well written Radhu.You have given horror lovers exposure to an amazing underrated horror show.The way you have expressed ,it's absolutely a must watch for horror lovers.Keep writing ,keep making us proud .❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteHorror is one of my favorite genres. I have been playing horror games for a couple of months now. After I get done, I'm gonna jump straight into this one
ReplyDeleteWell I got a new series to give a damn about. What a well crafted review....as always, pure❤
ReplyDelete