Forget the Statue of Liberty — this time, it’s the Obelisk; no Times Square, but Avenida 9 de Julio; instead of Brooklyn, it’s San Isidro. Finally, extraterrestrial visitors have recognized intelligent life beyond the United States. And what a refreshing change that is! This is just one of many appealing elements of “The Eternaut,” a superb sci-fi series starring Ricardo Darín, now available in its entirety with six captivating episodes on Netflix.
“The Eternaut” is a Netflix production based on the iconic graphic novel by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López, originally published in 1957. For many years, this comic was considered impossible to adapt for the screen. Clearly, the skeptics were wrong — not only was it successfully adapted, but the result is artistically impeccable.
The story kicks off on a sweltering summer night in Buenos Aires when a sudden toxic snowstorm envelops the city. Power outages cripple the entire country (perhaps even the world). Cars and electronics stop working, compasses spin uncontrollably, and the sea mysteriously recedes. Something is seriously wrong with the Earth. Anyone who touches the snowflakes instantly collapses dead. Millions lose their lives in these first catastrophic days of the South American apocalypse.
Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín), a Falklands War veteran devoted to Saint George, and his friends, all in their 60s, are playing truco (not poker, as typically depicted in American films) in a basement when the strange weather strikes. Realizing something terrible is unfolding, they immediately begin their desperate fight for survival.
Spoilers ahead
As if the ordeal Juan and his friends face isn’t challenging enough, things escalate further when they realize the snowstorm is merely the first stage of a massive alien invasion. Hundreds of car-sized beetles swarm the streets, attacking survivors and nesting everywhere. The only chance of survival for the Argentines is to band together — no one can survive alone.
Juan, increasingly tormented by disturbing hallucinations, dons waterproof clothing and an old-fashioned mask. It’s a risky move, but he ventures out anyway. He discovers the gear protects him from the toxic snow. Leaving the safety of his friend’s home, he bravely heads out to find his daughter.
After finding his daughter, Juan and his group join other survivors and encounter an Argentine military detachment organizing a counterattack against the giant creatures. When the snowstorm finally clears, and they manage to breach an alien blockade, they celebrate prematurely, believing they’ve won. But then, a third, even more sinister phase of the invasion begins: alien-controlled humans infiltrate military, civilian, and paramilitary groups.
Juan’s visions intensify, and he realizes he’s lived through these events before. In the gripping season finale, he investigates a powerful blue light emanating from River Plate’s Monumental Stadium. As he approaches, he discovers the light is emitted by a humanoid creature controlling both the beetles and humans.
“The Eternaut” Is a Top-Notch Production
Directed by Bruno Stagnaro, the series was filmed between May and December 2023 at over 35 real locations in Buenos Aires, employing state-of-the-art virtual production technology to create immersive scenes. The excellent cast, led by the amazing Darín, also includes Carla Peterson, César Troncoso, Andrea Pietra, Ariel Staltari, Marcelo Subiotto, Claudio Martínez Bel, Orianna Cárdenas, and Mora Fisz.
The series explores survival, solidarity, and collective resistance against external threats, maintaining the essence of the original graphic novel — a landmark in Latin American science fiction. Tragically, Héctor Germán Oesterheld, the graphic novel’s author, disappeared during Argentina’s military dictatorship in 1977, and his grandson, Martín Oesterheld, served as a consultant for the Netflix adaptation.
So far, “The Eternaut” hasn’t openly displayed overt political or social critiques, but these themes are certainly there beneath the surface. Argentina has endured significant turmoil over recent decades, currently intensified by Javier Milei’s far-right government. Netflix’s new series subtly highlights national resistance through collective heroes — ordinary yet extraordinary individuals trying to survive extraordinary threats. They must fight even against loved ones manipulated by the enemy — fractured families, confused parents, and children unable to grasp reality.
The art direction in “The Eternaut” is absolutely stunning. The snowy landscapes and scenes of massive destruction are meticulously produced and incredibly engaging. “The Eternaut” is one of those series perfect for binge-watching, almost impossible to stop once started. At its conclusion, you’re left craving more. We eagerly await more of the battle between Saint George and the alien invasion. Bring on season two!
Read more content in English right here!
