Based on a book, Altered Carbon is a Netflix series set in the distant future where people have the ability to store their personality and memories in a disk at the back base of their neck. If their body dies, they can have their disk inserted into a new body, thus allowing someone to effectively live forever. If they have enough money, that is.
Altered Carbon is a fascinating concept. It’s part hard-boiled mystery, part techno thriller, part philosophical exploration, part social commentary, and part action extravaganza … but it’s not really completely anything.
Well, that’s not entirely true. I watched it purely for the eye-popping special effects. In my opinion, this show utilizes some cutting-edge techniques that I haven’t seen before. In that regard, it’s a raging success.
But, let’s face it — the dialogue is really, really bad. I know some will say the show endeavored to achieve a pulp noir quality, but I find that to be a poor excuse for lazy writing. Couple the lackluster dialogue with actors of only adequate talent and you have some difficult scenes to endure. I know that sounds mean, and I’m very sorry to all of the actors and writers. I don’t want to offend, but I also want to write an objective review.
Of course, the negative qualities mentioned is the trade-off for exquisite special effects. As much as Netflix seems willing to spend, even they must have limits. It’s obvious their budget went toward the special effects, not necessarily the actors. Don’t get be wrong–the actors are fine. They are good. Just … none of them are great.
Should you watch this series? If you’re into science fiction and special effects, I’d give it a shot. It never quite finds its voice, nor does it really gain solid traction in terms of story, but it comes close enough on both counts to remain an interesting watch. Again, at the risk of becoming redundant, the special effects are mesmerizing. Beware, though, there is some heavy nudity in almost each of the ten episodes and the violence is pretty graphic from time to time.
SCOTT WILLIAM FOLEY 