The Eternaut review: Netflix’s chilling sci-fi thriller turns a legendary comic into a modern masterpiece

Soaked in suspense and rooted in history, Netflix’s drama is the haunting story of a chilling tale of survival, snow, and sacrifice.

We think we’ve experienced every variant of destruction in a post-apocalyptic world, from vicious viral outbreaks and nuclear winters to alien invasions — but Netflix’s The Eternaut, based on the renowned Argentinian comic by Oesterheld, takes a far more haunting: an execution snowstorm that wipes out anyone caught in it.

The Eternaut is a gripping reimagining with strong performances and rich emotional stakes that simultaneously feels deeply personal while globally resonant.

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A slow snowfall and a fast-paced mystery

The tale commences during an ordinary summer evening in Buenos Aires. Juan Salvo (who is played magnificently by Ricardo Darin) is having a good time with friends when a blackout happens. Then, there is snow - strange, still, ungodly, ominous, and immediately lethal.

A citywide lockdown ensues, though not from each other, not from fear of each other, but by the environment. Along with a small group of survivors, Salvo needs to navigate the treacherous elements to locate his daughter and wife while trying to understand what is happening.

Salvo doesn’t only adapt the original comic’s storyline; rather, he captures its essence as well. The comic by Oesterheld in the 1950s was filled with political allegory, and although the series aims to modernize the context, it still carries that sense of deep social critique.

There is no solely external danger; trust among survivors erodes, conflict arises, secrets bubble up, and the precursor dread is palpable.

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Strong performances ground the sci-fi

The show is anchored with quiet intensity by Darín's portrayal of Juan. His attempts to reunite with his family add a layer of emotional complexity, making the mystery more personal.

He is not a superhero; rather, he is an everyman trying to make sense of extraordinary chaos. In support, César Troncoso as Alfredo provides gritty balance, while Orianna Cárdenas is charming and resolute as Inga, another survivor, caught in the gale.

Survivors of the same catastrophe forge bonds that evolve with them. As relationships develop, so does tension, as does the shifting moral framework that propels the group dynamics. Even when the plot takes a turn for the abstract, the emotional truth remains grounded.

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A world that feels frighteningly familiar

Unlike many shows with an apocalypse premise, The Eternaut manages to be unique in one aspect. The special effects, or lack thereof, snow falling silently and starkly, are more terrifying than any monster. The show does not bombard you with exposition; rather, it unfolds naturally, providing partial answers while keeping you guessing.

The pacing is quick, with only six episodes in the first season. The first four episodes, which were released early, make room for a larger plot. As Juan and his crew discover unsettling new truths, the universe is composed in a way that leaves seasons' worth of stories hidden in wait.

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Final verdict: A frozen apocalypse with a beating heart

Netflix’s The Eternaut is not a typical disaster TV show. The plot has plenty of mysteries, well-done acting, and touches of emotion, making it captivating while still paying homage to the original material and twisting it enough to be relevant for modern times.

The Last of Us and Silo viewers will easily recognize several motifs, however, The Eternaut unveils its own subtle strength — like a snowflake upon the flesh, beautiful and dangerous simultaneously, yet remnant in its destruction.