Review of the series «Earth Abides»

At the end of December, the first season of the post-apocalyptic drama «Earth Abides» wrapped up on MGM+. The plot is based on the novel of the same name by George R. Stewart, published back in 1949. Below, we dive into how intriguing it is to watch yet another screen adaptation of a post-apocalyptic scenario this time around.

«Earth Abides»

Genre post-apocalyptic drama
Showrunner Todd Komarnicki
Cast Alexander Ludwig, Jessica Francis Dukes, Aaron Tveit, Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll, Elise Levesque, Louisa D’Oliveira, Birkett Turton, Hilary McCormack, Jenna Berman
Premiere MGM+
Release Year 2024
Website IMDb

Young geologist Isherwood Williams, or just Ish, heads to the mountains for research. But there, he gets bitten by a rattlesnake, which leaves him on the brink of life and death in his cabin for a while. However, as it turns out, what nearly killed Ish paradoxically saved him. After recovering, he horrifically discovers that the world he once knew no longer exists, and humanity has been almost entirely wiped out by a mysterious, deadly virus.

After burying his deceased parents with tears in his eyes, along with his new friend — a dog named Lucky, Ish settles into a house and continues to live. One day, he notices smoke coming from a neighbor’s chimney and decides to check if anyone is living there. That’s how Ish meets his future companion Emma, with whom he will raise children, meet other few survivors, and try to build a new society. The novel by George R. Stewart not only became a recognized classic of apocalyptic science fiction but also, for instance, inspired Stephen King to write his «The Stand». It’s surprising that filmmakers only turned to this work now, 75 years after its publication. There was an adaptation into a two-part radio drama back in 1950, but that was it.

So, the guy wakes up after being out of life for a while. He horrifically discovers that a global catastrophe has occurred, notably a deadly pandemic. He aimlessly wanders the deserted city streets. Sounds familiar, right? However, it should be noted right away that «Earth Abides» is far from the typical post-apocalyptic zombie survivors like «28 Days Later» or «The Walking Dead» (although there are some similarities with the latter). Those who died from the terrible disease will not rise from the grave. Moreover, even those who survived mostly pose no threat, as odd as that may sound.

Each episode is filled with a leisurely and somewhat philosophical contemplation of the surrounding world, which has irreversibly changed forever. It’s a narrative of such nature that, it seems, the main character more often takes up a pen to express thoughts in a diary rather than a rifle to finish someone off. Yes, of course, considering the circumstances, blood on hands is inevitable. However, violence is relegated to the periphery, and humanitarian messages significantly outweigh the barbaric methods typical of the post-apocalyptic setting.

Not to mention the biblical allusions present in the novel. On the surface, Ish and Emma’s association with Adam and Eve is apparent, as they are essentially the first people to populate the new world. It’s also worth mentioning the unfortunate snake, whose appearance marked a kind of end of the previous life for the main character. Perhaps there is also a nod to Noah, who was granted salvation from the Great Flood. In short, there’s plenty of room for interpretations and reflections here.Additionally, the series clearly traces the theme of functioning in a small community. No more, say, the guy who would slaughter large cattle. The one who freshens up the carcass. No friendly butcher who with a confident move would cut the needed piece. Want meat — you take a rifle and, looking the cow in the eye, do the bloody deed yourself. Want electricity — you read the relevant books and install solar panels on your roof by yourself, even at the risk of injury. Want the childbirth to go smoothly, don’t be afraid to do what you would never have dared before.

Seemingly emphasizing the sanctity of life in the face of global catastrophe, the creators fill the storyline with picturesque landscapes, a large number of animals in the frame, and nature which continues to exist. It even breathes more freely without humans. One of the episodes will feature an incredible scene à la the grizzly and Leonardo DiCaprio from «The Revenant», only with another, no less dangerous creature in the frame. And here, births happen almost as often as deaths. And so, we remember again the thesis that life and death always stay close together.