As they say, space is the final frontier. And it’s a frontier that Netflix tells so well with Lost in Space, a modern-day adaptation of the ’60s series (itself an adaptation of the 1812 novel The Swiss Family Robinson). In the series, Earth is falling apart so everyone is flying off to colonize a new planet. The result is a lush, intelligent, and compelling look at the lengths people would go to just to survive.
The core of Lost in Space are the Robinsons, one of the families selected to join the Resolute, an interstellar spacecraft that will take qualified families to the new world. Leading the family is Maureen (Molly Parker), a brilliant aerospace engineer who rightfully wears the pants in the family. Then there’s her husband John (Toby Stephens), a former U.S. Navy SEAL who’s trying to get his shit together. With them are their kids, the tough cookie Judy (Taylor Russell), the comedienne Penny (Mina Sundwall), and the adorable Will (Maxwell Jenkins).
On their way to Alpha Centauri, their spacecraft is attacked and they flee, landing on an alien planet. The family must survive and find their way back to the Resolute, while dealing with a new environment, which includes a suspicious alien robot.
TV shows usually take two to three episodes to pick up but what I enjoyed about Lost in Space is that it hits the ground running. The first episode is thrilling and it consistently builds up, teasing viewers with just enough information to make them watch another episode until it’s 2AM. There’s much to love about the show, from how it unpacks its characters to the stunning special effects to build new worlds.
The setting is gorgeously-made. Whether they’re in their spacecraft, in space, or in the alien planet, Netflix has created lavish worlds that the eyes will feast on. They certainly spared no expense in constructing an entire universe for the show. It’s no surprise considering it’s the same platform that streamed The Crown, already called the most expensive series to date.
Lost in Space is not just about appearances, though. Even the characters are great. I appreciate the fact that it’s the mother who runs the Robinsons show but my favorites would have to be Max and Dr. Smith (Parker Posey), a passenger with a murky background. Max develops a friendship with the alien robot and it’s touching to see their relationship. Jenkins is barely a teenager but he can keep up with the more seasoned actors on the show. Posey is brilliant as Dr. Smith and her terrifying performance can match the idea of being lost in space.
The show doesn’t waste its time with unrelated drama and focuses only on one thing: getting out safely. And while its pace can be quick, nothing seems too farfetched or too crazy. It builds up steadily and climaxes to a satisfying finish. I can’t wait for season two because Netflix has renewed it!
I don’t know why not enough people are talking about this show. It’s just so good.
This story is in partnership with Netflix. For more information, visit Lost in Space’s Netflix page or follow its Instagram and Twitter pages. You can also follow Netflix Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.