Watch Carnival Row (4K UHD) - Test

Carnival Row is a fantasy noir show that revolves around a world where humans and mystical creatures live together. Set in a Victorian-era inspired city known as Burgue, the show explores the tension and struggles between the Refugee Immigrant population, made up of creatures such as faeries, centaurs, and more, and their human counterparts.

The show primarily focuses on two characters - Rycroft Philostrate (played by Orlando Bloom), a human detective, and Vignette Stonemoss (played by Cara Delevingne), a faerie who was separated from Philo at the beginning of the series. Their paths cross again as Philo investigates a series of murders that leads him to discover a larger conspiracy and puts him at odds with the establishment.

At the heart of the show is the exploration of identity and belonging. The creatures in Carnival Row are treated as second-class citizens, and the show uses this as an allegory for real-world issues such as racism and xenophobia. The characters are all well-developed and flawed, making them feel realistic and relatable in the world they inhabit.

The production design is a standout aspect of the show - the world of Carnival Row is richly detailed and immersive, with intricate sets, costumes, and practical effects that create a visually stunning world. While the show does use CGI, it's not overused, and the creatures feel like they're physically present in the world.

The show doesn't shy away from mature themes and graphic violence, but it's never gratuitous. The violence is appropriately used to advance the plot and illustrate the brutal realities of the world. The show also explores sexuality and relationships in a mature way that's not often seen in genre television.

The pacing of the show can be a bit slow at times, but it's worth it for the characterization and worldbuilding. The first few episodes can be a bit overwhelming with the worldbuilding, and it takes some time to get used to the various creatures and their cultures. However, once the show finds its footing, it's a captivating experience.

The acting is generally solid, with standout performances from Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne. They have great chemistry together, and their relationship is the emotional core of the show. Some of the supporting characters can feel a bit one-dimensional, but most of them have moments of complexity that make them interesting.

Overall, Carnival Row is a must-watch for fans of fantasy and genre television. It's a visually stunning and emotionally resonant show that explores relevant themes in a unique and engaging way. The worldbuilding can be overwhelming at times, but it's worth it for the immersive world and well-developed characters.

Carnival Row (4K UHD) - Test is a series that ran for 2 seasons (18 episodes) between August 30, 2019 and on PRODTEST