Watch Detention

Detention is a Taiwanese supernatural horror series that premiered on Netflix in December 2020. It is based on a video game of the same name developed by Red Candle Games. The show is set in Taiwan during the White Terror period of martial law in the 1960s and centers around a group of high school students caught up in a sinister mystery.

The series tells the story of Fang Ray-shin, played by Ling-Wei Lee, a young girl who becomes embroiled in a mysterious conspiracy at Greenwood High School. The school is an ominous and foreboding place, filled with secrets and hidden agendas. Ray-shin is a quiet and studious girl, but she is haunted by a traumatic past and bears a heavy burden of guilt. She forms an uneasy alliance with a rebellious and cynical student named Wei Chung-ting, played by Ning Han, and together they navigate the treacherous halls of the school.

The series deftly weaves together elements of horror, mystery, and historical fiction with a coming-of-age story. The show is visually stunning, with a dark and eerie atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful. The cinematography is superb, with breathtakingly gorgeous shots of the Taiwanese landscape and masterful use of lighting and color.

One of the standout features of Detention is its use of fantasy and supernatural elements to explore deeper themes of trauma, repression, and identity. The show incorporates folklore and mythology from Taiwanese culture to create a compelling and immersive world that is both fantastical and deeply personal. The supernatural elements are never gratuitous or cheap; they are always used to explore the emotional and psychological landscape of the characters.

The show also portrays the political and social climate of Taiwan during the White Terror period with great sensitivity and nuance. The White Terror was a period of military dictatorship in Taiwan that lasted from 1949-1987. During this time, the government engaged in widespread repression and censorship, with many dissenters and intellectuals being arrested, tortured, and even executed. Detention depicts this climate of fear and paranoia with great authenticity, never shying away from the violence and trauma that were inflicted on the Taiwanese people.

One of the most impressive things about Detention is its ensemble cast of fresh, young talent. Ling-Wei Lee is excellent as the lead protagonist Ray-shin, conveying a deep sense of vulnerability and strength. Ning Han is a revelation as the cynical and rebellious Wei Chung-ting, bringing a sharp wit and emotional depth to the character. Guan-Zhi Huang also delivers a standout performance as the enigmatic and mysterious school counselor Mr. Chang.

The supporting cast is also top-notch, with each actor bringing a unique energy and perspective to their roles. The characters are all well-developed, with distinct personalities and motivations. The relationships between the characters are nuanced and complex, with each interaction carrying weight and significance.

Detention is a masterful work of storytelling that expertly weaves together elements of horror, mystery, and historical fiction. It is a deeply engaging and emotionally resonant series that will leave viewers haunted long after the final episode. The show is an excellent example of the high caliber of television coming out of Taiwan right now, and it deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

Detention is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between December 5, 2020 and on Netflix