TV Review | True Detective: Night Country

“True Detective: Night Country is nothing short of a masterpiece. From start to finish, it keeps you guessing. It is an absorbing and terrifying investigation. This series is also a compelling human drama. Jodie Foster delivers a mesmerizing performance and Kali Reis is just as impressive. Undoubtedly, this is a worthy addition to the True Detective saga.”

The highly-acclaimed series True Detective is finally coming back with a new iteration. This one stars Jodie Foster. True Detective: Night Country is composed of 6 episodes and premieres January 14 on HBO at 9:00PM – 10:00pm ET/PT and on Max in the US. Subsequent episodes will air weekly on Sundays with the finale releasing on February 18.

The previous three seasons were all written by Nic Pizzolatto. The first one received a lot of praise but it set high expectations and the following seasons lead to disappointment for some people. Personally, I loved all three seasons. Each one was different but it worked for me. Pizzolatto has created mesmerizing stories. Though, Night Country is taking another direction as Pizzolatto is only there as an executive producer. It’s Issa López who has both written and directed the six episodes series.

STORY

Kali Reis and Jodie Foster in *True Detective: Night Country*.

This time, the story is set in the fictional town of Ennis in Alaska. It follows Detective Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) as they investigate the disappearance of a group of scientists from the TSALAL research station. Right from the start, you know it is going to be a creepy and weird investigation. The opening scene sets the tone.

From start to finish, the investigation is suspenseful with exciting twists and turns. After each episode ends, you will feel the need to see what happens next. It keeps you guessing the whole time. This is exactly what you need from a crime drama. At times, it also explores the spiritual world. And considering, it is an investigation and we are talking about True Detective, it plays with the horror genre which is goosebumps inducing. But, it never fully goes there, it knows exactly where to stop.

With an absorbing investigation and complex characters who also have to face their personal struggles, Night Country is nothing short of a masterpiece. It finds the right balance between the mystery of the disappearance of these scientists and the human drama. The conclusion may disappoint some but when you look at the themes explored this season, it just makes sense. It deals with broken women, the dead calling, the Native American culture, all of this in the middle of the darkest night and the Alaskan snow. Throughout the 6 episodes, Issa López explores in depth these themes with great care. She has crafted a truly remarkable series. She has taken what made a True Detective story and made it her own.

CAST

Jodie Foster in *True Detective: Night Country*.

Furthermore, Jodie Foster brilliantly leads this season with Kali Reis. She delivers a mesmerizing performance as this Detective who is struggling both at work and in her personal life. Kali Reis impresses as Navarro too. Their performances complete each other, so do their characters. Undoubtedly, they both deserve to receive Emmy nominations. Finn Bennett is also great as Peter Prior, delivering a nuanced performance.

VISUALS & SOUNDTRACK

Kali Reis in *True Detective: Night Country*.

Moreover, the series always takes place at night. Because it is during Winter in Alaska, the sun is nowhere to be found. This creates a constant ominous atmosphere. Add to that the great plains of snow. It feels like danger is always around the characters and darkness is looming close. This is perfect for a crime drama. There are actually quite a few moments that will send shivers down your spine.

On top of that, Vince Pope has composed a score that is harrowing at times for the serious moments and deeply touching for the more dramatic scenes that have to do with the personal struggles of the characters. It also uses a mix of songs that fit well with the dark atmosphere of the series.

Like the 3 seasons of True Detective, Night Country also has its opening credits. I always love when series have opening credits, they immediately earn a few more points for me. Besides, the openings for True Detective have always been undeniably awesome. This opening is creepy and definitely sets the tone for the series. It uses Billie Eilish’s song ‘Bury a Friend.’ It’s a haunting song that is quite fitting for this season.

VERDICT

True Detective: Night Country is nothing short of a masterpiece. From start to finish, it keeps you guessing. It is an absorbing and terrifying investigation. This series is also a compelling human drama. Jodie Foster delivers a mesmerizing performance and Kali Reis is just as impressive. Undoubtedly, this is a worthy addition to the True Detective saga.