Watch The War of the Worlds

The War of the Worlds is a science fiction television series based on the classic H.G. Wells novel. The series premiered on October 28, 2019, on the UK's BBC One and is now available on Amazon Addon for streaming. In this modern retelling of the classic story, the plot follows two different families' journeys in surviving an extraterrestrial invasion.

The first family comprises Amy (Eleanor Tomlinson) and her husband, George (Rafe Spall), as they navigate the aftermath of a recently ended affair while raising their son, Freddie (Jack Bardoe). The second family, which becomes connected to Amy's family during the events of the invasion, is the Robinsons. Bill (played by Gabriel Byrne) is the widower who takes care of his adult daughter, Helen (Elizabeth McGovern), who is dealing with the recent death of her husband. Soon, both families' worlds are plunged into chaos as they are uprooted from their daily routines, separated from one another, and must fight for their lives amidst the alien invasion.

The War of the Worlds does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere of tension and claustrophobia throughout the series. The show's creators make great use of production design, special effects, and sound to create a world where the aliens are an ever-present and genuinely terrifying threat. The series features some great visual effects for the alien's Tripods, which are towering war machines that stalk the English countryside, blasting buildings and people with destructive heat rays.

One of the most significant strengths of the series is its focus on character development. The War of the Worlds explores the emotional toll that the invasion takes on each of the characters, ranging from grief, fear, and despair to hope and resilience. The show does an excellent job of making the audience care about these characters, which only heightens the stakes when they are in danger.

The War of the Worlds is a slow-burning thriller that builds tension gradually throughout the series. Unlike some other alien invasion movies or television shows, which are heavy on action and spectacle, this series is more introspective and character-driven. Instead of watching soldiers or superheroes saving the world, this show focuses on ordinary people struggling to survive in extraordinary circumstances. This approach provides a fresh and unique perspective on the alien invasion genre.

Moreover, the series explores complex themes such as humanity's relationship with technology and the question of what it means to be human. The show raises questions about how humans would react to an alien invasion and poses the question of whether we would come together or tear each other apart in a crisis.

In conclusion, The War of the Worlds is an engaging and thought-provoking series that offers a fresh take on the classic novel. It has an excellent cast, stunning visuals, and a compelling storyline that keeps the audience invested from beginning to end. The series takes a more subdued and character-driven approach to the alien invasion genre, making it stand out from other shows in the genre. If you are a fan of science fiction, especially the classic novel by H.G. Wells, then The War of the Worlds is a must-watch series that you won't regret.

The War of the Worlds is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between May 22, 2020 and on Amazon Addon