Snowpiercer (2019)

Genres : Sci-fi, Post Apocalyptic, Drama 

Writer : Surya Turaga 

Date : 1st September, 2022 

I like this one, it’s actually not bad at all. It’s a very creative and promising story that has really evolved over the decades. It revolves around a post apocalyptic world, or should I say, train. In this, the world froze in attempts to save it, and now, all that is left is a single long train, Snowpiercer. To survive, it must keep moving. 

The original graphic novels came out in the 1980s, and was first adapted into a movie in 2012. The movie is very interesting. But I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about the show. First things first, if you liked the 2012 movie, you won’t like this one if you go in expecting a remake. This show is a completely different and new story, so treat it like one. 

Snowpiercer did an amazing job creating a cyberpunk around a train. As we all know by now from Blade Runner, Altered Carbon, and more, just having a good cyberpunk is not enough. Luckily enough, the show also has an amazing world in place. 

The first season is literally the best. It has EVERYTHING. It uses the train as a metaphor for society- the first class lives in luxury, disconnected. The second and third classes work and maintain. The tail is oppressed and controlled. The show definitely shows this and the accompanying injustice in a very dark and gruesome manner. 

It follows our protagonist as he is brought forth from the tail to solve a murder. This part did remind me of Altered Carbon. This too has drama and an analysis of a power gap in society, wrapping all these elements around a main plot, be it a murder mystery or a plan of uprising. 

But that’s also where the resemblance ends. This is a very original cyberpunk, with many classy aspects like culture around the train, cool sciency stuff, a Kafkaesque but tyrannical leadership, and a new type of society altogether. 

The second season is also amazing, but it lacked a bit of the depth and awe the first season had.The third season did too. But I suppose that’s natural. Such shows often transition from being analytical to be more plot driven. That doesn’t mean the next two seasons are bad. The show has remained very entertaining and interesting. 

The characters are also very original, with their dynamics constantly changing and evolving. I like that. It’s quite realistic. And the show never shied away from the gory things that come with creating such a world. This is especially true in season 1. 

All in all, a very good show. I am excited for season 4. Don’t go in thinking it’ll be like Snowpiercer (2012) though. Keep an open mind. The show makes it clear that it deviates in the very first episode. 

Surya-o-meter : 

S1 : 93% 

S2 & S3 : 80%