Watch 10.5

The TV miniseries 10.5 premiered on NBC in 2004 and stars Beau Bridges, David Cubitt, and Kim Delaney. It is an intense disaster film that uses a fictional earthquake as the backdrop for its story. The show is split into two parts, each spanning two hours to allow for a detailed and exhaustive exploration of the various characters and their roles in the unfolding crisis.

The story starts in Seattle, where various seismic events and tremors draw the attention of Dr. Samantha Hill, a seismologist. She discovers that this is only the beginning of what will be a catastrophic earthquake that will shake the entire West Coast of the United States. As the tremors increase in severity, the scientists realize that they can't predict the magnitude of the earthquake and their models are failing, leading them to believe that the "big one" is going to hit.

The first part of the show focuses mainly on the events leading up to the earthquake, such as the scientists trying to convince the government officials to take them seriously, people making preparations for the expected catastrophe, and governments evacuating people from the potentially hazardous areas. The character-driven storyline looks at how everyday people are affected by the crisis, including their fears, hopes, dreams, and relationships.

The second half of the miniseries follows the events after the catastrophic earthquake hits the West Coast. The quake is of enormous magnitude, which affects the entire region and eventually spawns a series of aftershocks, including tsunamis that cause massive destruction to coastal cities. In the aftermath of the quake, the focus shifts to the survivors, each dealing with their respective emotional, physical, and psychological trauma. The show vividly depicts the disaster using the most advanced CGI, which makes the audience feel like they are a part of the situation.

Throughout the show, we follow the journey of several characters, both major and minor, each with their own story arcs. Dr. Samantha faces adversity as she tries to come up with a solution to stop the earthquakes. Meanwhile, President Paul Hollister, played by Beau Bridges, is in the front line trying to keep the country from falling apart. His chief advisor and longtime friend Gov. Carla Williams (played by Delaney) is also an integral part of the story. Likewise, firefighter John Rykker (Cubitt) and his pregnant wife, who are trapped in different places, struggle for survival as they try to reunite. Numerous other subplots intersect in unique ways, making the tale more multi-dimensional.

The show's main highlights are the various set pieces that showcase the destruction wreaked by the earthquake. From crashing buildings and fires to the colossal tidal wave, these scenes are a testament to the show's top-notch production quality. The destruction is appropriately gory, and the moments of horror and suspense keep audiences on edge. However, the show also balances this disaster with smaller emotional moments that add depth to the characters.

10.5 is a classic disaster movie that explores human resilience and strength during the most extreme of circumstances. The characters are nuanced and fleshed out, making them more relatable to the audience, and the pacing of the story is just right, encouraging viewers to keep watching. The topicality of the story is also a plus, emphasizing the need for preparedness and teamwork in handling natural disasters. Overall, while 10.5 may feel a bit dated visually, the storyline and the themes remain timeless, making it a must-watch for fans of disaster films.