Watch Atropa

Atropa is a gripping science-fiction short series from STUDIO+ that first premiered in 2018. Set in a bleak future where the world is dying due to a catastrophic flood, the show follows the story of a young woman named Officer Cole, who is part of the salvage and rescue team for the last remaining city on Earth – Atropa.

The show has a post-apocalyptic theme and explores the consequences of climate change and how it affects humanity as a whole. The world as we know it has been destroyed, and the cities that still remain are struggling to survive amidst dwindling resources and harsh environmental conditions. The people of Atropa live in a society with strict rules and regulations, where every action is scrutinized, and dissent is not tolerated, and only those who can contribute to the survival of the city are allowed to live within its walls.

Officer Cole, the protagonist, is introduced to us as a no-nonsense woman who takes her job very seriously. She patrols the city and its outskirts with her team, searching for survivors and artifacts, and keeping a watchful eye on those who would try to enter the city without official clearance. Cole is tough and formidable, but also compassionate and caring, especially to those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

The plot of the series starts when Cole and her team encounter a mysterious and deadly virus that is infecting the inhabitants of Atropa. At first, the authorities believe it is some sort of biological weapon that has been unleashed by an enemy state, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that things are far more complicated than they seem.

As Cole digs deeper into the source of the virus, she uncovers a sinister conspiracy that threatens to destroy the fragile balance of power within Atropa. She is forced to confront her own beliefs and biases as she realizes that the people she trusted may not be who they seem, and that her loyalty to the city may not be enough to save it.

One of the strengths of Atropa is its world-building, which is both immersive and compelling. The show is full of small details that help to flesh out the setting and make it feel like a real place. From the food and drink the characters consume, to the technology they use, everything feels carefully thought-out and detailed. The special effects are also impressive, with the flooded landscapes and remnants of destroyed cities looking suitably desolate and haunting.

Another aspect of the show that deserves praise is its cinematography. The camera work is slick and stylish, with a lot of attention paid to lighting and framing. The show uses a muted color palette that reflects the bleakness of its setting, but there are also moments of beauty, particularly in shots of natural landscapes and the sky.

The acting in Atropa is also strong, with the lead actress, Anne Heche, giving a nuanced performance as Officer Cole. She is compelling to watch on screen, and effectively conveys the complex emotions her character experiences throughout the series. The supporting cast is also impressive, and there are several standout performances from actors playing the various inhabitants of Atropa.

The show is not without its flaws, however. At times, the plot can feel a little convoluted, with too many characters and subplots vying for attention. There are also some pacing issues, with some episodes feeling slow and others rushing through important plot points. However, overall, these issues are minor and do not detract from the enjoyment of the series as a whole.

In conclusion, Atropa is an engaging and thought-provoking science-fiction series that is more than worth the time investment for fans of the genre. With its immersive setting, strong acting, and stylish cinematography, it is a well-crafted piece of television that will leave viewers wanting more. It is a testament to the quality of STUDIO+’s premium short series, and a great example of the kind of content that can be produced in bite-sized formats.