Missions

Review: Missions (2017)

Score: 8/10

Missions (originally a French series) is a smart, ambitious, and psychologically intense science fiction drama that proves you don't need a Hollywood blockbuster budget to tell a compelling story about humanity's future among the stars. Focusing more on philosophical dilemmas and human dynamics than on action, it’s a cerebral and suspenseful series that earns high marks for its bold ideas and claustrophobic atmosphere.

What Works Brilliantly:

• High-Concept, Grounded Storytelling: The premise is instantly gripping: the first manned mission to Mars, led by a multinational crew, arrives to find a shocking anomaly—an American spacecraft that launched years after them already on the surface, with a single, cryptic survivor. This mystery unravels into a complex narrative involving corporate espionage, existential risk, and first contact, all handled with a refreshingly plausible, hard sci-fi sensibility.
• Strong Character Dynamics & International Cast: The series shines in its portrayal of the international crew under immense pressure. The cultural tensions, personal secrets, and shifting alliances aboard the cramped spacecraft feel authentic and drive the suspense as much as the external mystery. The performances are uniformly strong, selling the high-stakes stress and intellectual curiosity at the story's core.
• Atmospheric & Tense: With a limited budget, the series creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia and dread. The focus on the sterile, confined spaces of the ship and the haunting, desolate Martian landscape (achieved through effective minimalism) heightens the psychological tension beautifully. The score and sound design are equally immersive.

Why It’s Not a 9 or 10:

• Deliberate Pacing: The show is a slow-burn. It prioritises mood, dialogue, and building mystery over plot momentum, which may test the patience of viewers accustomed to faster-paced sci-fi adventures.
• Narrative Complexity & Occasional Obscurity: As the story expands across its seasons, the plot can become conceptually dense and occasionally vague. Some revelations and motivations are delivered with an abstractness that might leave some viewers wanting more concrete answers.

Verdict:

Missions is a hidden gem for fans of thoughtful, character-driven science fiction in the vein of Solaris or 2001: A Space Odyssey. It’s a series that values big ideas and human psychology over spectacle, offering a compelling and intelligent mystery that unfolds with chilling precision. While its deliberate pace and abstract leanings won't be for everyone, those seeking a sophisticated, suspenseful, and decidedly European take on the space exploration genre will find it utterly engrossing.

Watch if: You love hard sci-fi, psychological thrillers, space mysteries, and slow-burn narratives focused on ideas and character. Skip if: You require fast-paced action, clear-cut explanations, or large-scale visual effects in your space stories.