The Eternaut Season 1 Review: A Compelling New Entry Into The Post Apocalyptic Pantheon

"The Eternaut" recently dropped on NetFlix. It's in Spanish with English subtitles. The show was created and directed by Bruno Stagnaro with a script cowritten by Ariel Staltari.

It follows main character Juan Salvo (played by Ricardo Darin) as he, his family and friends face an apocalyptic event. The small group of friends gather for a weekly game of truco (a South American card game). There's Juan's friend Tano (Alfredo)and his wife Ana. There's friend Ruso (Claudio Martinez Bel) and his brother in law Omar (A riel Staltari). Omar is visiting after long living in the US. Inga (Oriana Cardenas) is also there.

What looks like snowflakes start falling. Tiis is s very strange given it has only ever snowed three times in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Anyone the snow touches dies immediately (as Ruso soon finds out). Then red lights fall from the sky. What is going on?

How can they locate their loved ones (if they're even still alive)? Salvo fashions a protective suit out of a gas mask, layers of waterproof clothing and tape. It seems to work since he doesnt die as soon as he steps outside. He goes in search of his ex wife Elena and teenage daughter Clara.

It's not until episode 4 that we see that the snow was just the beginning. I dont want to give the rest away (so as to not ruin your viewing). Suffice to say, there are a number of cool twists that come later in the series.

"The Eternaut" is based on a graphic novel created by Hector German Oesterheld. It was originally published as a serialized comic in 1957. The graphic novel was translated into English in 2015 but is since out of print--so good luck finding a copy. HGO grew increasing critical of the military dictatorships that ruled Argentina. He joined a leftish organization. Due to this, he was "disappeared" along with his daughters and son-in-laws. The last sighting of him was in a prison in 1977. He was said to be in very poor health at that time. His wife is the only person in their family to escape this fate.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). A great new entry into the post apocalyptic pantheon. The first attack happens immediately as the show opens. After that, the show slows down a bit but hang in there. It's well worth it. "The Eternaut" has just six episodes total so is a fast watch. It's worth checking out just for the visuals (both CGI and practical). NOTE: The series is in Spanish with English subtitles. No, it won't kill you to read subtitles. "The Eternaut" has a 94% by critics and a 90% by audiences on Rotten Tomatoes-- so lots of other people are liking it too. There will be a season 2 (yea!) so the story does not end here.