A Danish series based on a podcast, EQUINOX (2020, streaming on Netflix) offers up a terrific and intriguing supernatural/psychological thriller based on an ancient legend. I really liked this series.
The story follows two timelines. In 1999, Astrid watches her sister leave with her graduating class on a joyride, only to learn that her sister Idea along with most of the other kids disappeared without a trace. In 2020, she is an adult living with a big psychic hole in her life. When one of Ida’s friends reaches out to her suggesting her sister is still alive, she sets out to discover the truth, leading her one step after the other into the heart of a supernatural mystery.
From the trailer, the show looks like Denmark’s answer to Germany’s thought-bending DARK, but it very quickly proves its own identity. The characters are likeable or at least sympathetic, and the ancient legend of Ostara (Easter) was intriguing and teased just enough. The past and present timelines are handled seamlessly, constantly feeding clues to Astrid or directly to the viewer, with an open question whether the supernatural element is real or the product of mental illness. The mystery kept me guessing to the end, and I found that while I could guess plot developments, I wasn’t able to discern the entire mystery until the last scene, which I enjoyed. As for the ending, there is a nice balance of giving you answers while leaving plenty for discussion. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about is Astrid herself is not always likeable, willing to hurt everybody in her life to find the truth.
Overall, I found EQUINOX a very satisfying binge watch. Check it out if you like heavy psychological dramas centered around a mystery element.
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