Underrated Netflix Apocalyptic Series is a Must-See for 'Dark' Fans
It was made before we all realized that a deadly virus could actually take over the world.
Summary
- This Scandinavian thriller is quickly becoming one of the most watched shows on Netflix.
- It has elements of Dark and The Last of Us.
- Now's the time to get in before the spoilers come out.
Think back to 2018, and the idea of a virus wiping out humanity was something we associated with dystopian fiction. Maybe that's why this show failed to connect with audiences the way it could have.
Maybe that's why it's only now that people are flocking to it and finding themselves binging it to the end. But one thing is for sure. If you're a fan of Dark, or if you found yourself in the grip of The Last of Us, then this is exactly the kind of post-apocalyptic thriller series that's going to float your boat.
Once underrated, it's becoming all the rage
The Rain was first released on Netflix six years ago. Of course, with so many movies and shows available on the world's largest streaming service - and a whole new crop of streaming services out there - it's inevitable that some gems will remain hidden for a while.
But the thing about gems is that they tend to get discovered eventually. That's increasingly happening with The Rain. So if you want to get in and watch it before everyone you know starts talking about it and you start getting spoilers, set aside some time to watch what could be the next big thing.
What is it about?
The Rain is a Scandi sci-fi thriller. It's set six years after a deadly virus carried by the rain managed to effectively wipe out civilization in Scandinavia. Six years later, siblings Rasmus and Simone leave a bunker where they have been hiding for protection.
The world as they know it is gone. They have no idea where their father is or if he's still alive. They only know that he left the bunker and hasn't come back – and that he is their best chance of finding an antidote to the virus that has wiped out the world.
With no real destination in mind, the siblings embark on a perilous journey they hope will lead them to safety and their father. Along the way they meet other survivors. Of course, human nature being what it is, even in the aftermath of such massive devastation, there's still plenty of drama and conflict.
How is it similar to Dark?
The Rain is a combination of thriller, dystopian drama, sci-fi and coming-of-age that will appeal to fans of Dark. It has a similar vibe to the German series, blending the real and unreal in a way that feels authentic.
Both draw the viewer into this semi-created world where things appear so familiar and yet so unreal. There's a sense of desolation and isolation that resonates more now than it ever could have before 2020.
While The Rain doesn't boast the same level of cinematography as Dark, you could argue that its characters are more rounded and its pacing is better. Ultimately, though, both are driven by intriguing plots.
How many seasons are there?
There are 3 seasons of The Rain, consisting of 20 episodes. Season 1 is generally considered to be the best and works as a stand-alone show even if you decide not to continue.
However, it's so good that you'll almost certainly be tempted to continue watching. Season 1 contains 8 episodes, with Seasons 2 and 3 consisting of 6 episodes each.