The Electric State Is a Flop, but There's Another TV Adaptation That Gets Simon Stålenhag's Art Right
If you were expecting a unique atmosphere from the Russo Brothers movie and were disappointed, this series is the perfect way to heal that wound.
You've probably seen the works of Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag, even if you don't know his name. They usually feature giant robots and mysterious structures looming ominously over the everyday world.
Stålenhag creates worlds of cyclopean structures in the fog, frightening hints of events left behind, and little people lost in a world of incomprehensible technology.
The Russo Brothers have done everything differently. They turned The Electric State, a movie based on Stålenhag's book, into a lively blockbuster with action and a plot without any understatement. Hence the movie's rating – only 14% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Based on his works, Simon wrote a series of short books that became the basis for the Tales from the Loop series – and this project perfectly captures the spirit of Stålenhag's art.
What Is Tales from the Loop About?
The action takes place in a small town near the Loop. It is a kind of research center where scientists do their risky experiments. As a result, the inhabitants often experience completely fantastic events, and sometimes even time itself changes.
A young lost girl gets the chance to see her own future. A schoolboy becomes the one he always envied. And the father of the family buys a robot to protect his daughter and frighten everyone around him.
Tales from the Loop Is a Quiet And Contemplative Work Charged With a Unique Atmosphere
Tales from the Loop is nearly eight hours of meditative and melancholy sci-fi – with long takes, lulling music by Philip Glass, relatable characters, and a story that touches the soul.
The series was released when the entire world was in quarantine and trying to come to terms with new living conditions. The viewers had time to watch Loop's contemplative stories without unnecessary haste.
The authors did not try to surprise with plot twists or add drama, but rather to immerse the viewer in the universe of Simon Stålenhag. The result is an outstanding series with first-class graphics, luxurious landscapes, a wonderful cast and a sense of wonder.
Tales From the Loop Is an Anthology That Gives Each Character a Touching Story
Each episode is dedicated to a specific character, so Tales from the Loop can be called an anthology.
So you can be sure that everyone who has spent enough time on screen will get their own story later on. As a result, by the end of the season, there are no boring or unresolved characters: everyone has their own secret and their own tragedy.
The emotional component reaches its maximum intensity in the middle of the season in the episode dedicated to the head of the Loop and his grandson. This episode was directed by WALL-E director Andrew Stanton. And it touches one of the most important issues – the diseases of the elderly and the perception of death by children.
