In the new 6-episode season of “True Detective: Night Country,” the series takes a bold step, embracing a near-biblical sense of dread. Exploring themes of murder, misogyny, racism, and possibly the supernatural, the show delivers a gripping experience that goes beyond maintaining a tone of imminent violence. It evokes the feeling that the world could unravel, engulfing the characters in a land of perpetual night, where darkness conceals ominous entities. Boasting outstanding performances, sharp writing, and consistent direction, “Night Country” stands as a remarkable achievement.
Director Issa Lopez, known for “Tigers Are Not Afraid,” presents a compelling vision in “Night Country,” oscillating between harsh, violent realism and unforgettable surreal imagery. Describing her approach as a mirror image to the traditional male-oriented “True Detective,” Lopez captures a cold, dark, and distinctly female atmosphere.
Filmed in Iceland and set on the outskirts of civilization in Ennis, Alaska, where the sun sets in December and remains absent for months, the show sends shivers down your spine. In the darkness of Ennis, unsettling man-made horrors coexist with entities seemingly older than humankind. While Rust Cohle claimed, “The light’s winning” in the first season, finding that light in the chilling “Night Country” proves to be a daunting task.
Jodie Foster delivers an impeccable performance as Liz Danvers, our uncertain guide through the darkness in this gripping narrative. While early episodes may evoke memories of Clarice Starling, Foster skillfully transforms Liz into a distinct character. Liz embodies a determination for justice, tempered by a cynical awareness of its rarity and the limited satisfaction it brings. Burnt bridges and a strained relationship with her stepdaughter (Isabella Star LaBlanc), entangled in conflicts over land rights and Indigenous representation, depict Liz as an unlikable figure in town. The only admirer appears to be a new cop named Peter (Finn Bennett), who grapples with domestic drama from a resentful father (John Hawkes).
The horror in “Night Country” unfolds at an Alaskan tundra research facility, the setting of an unimaginable nightmare. Scientists disappear, leaving behind signs of a gruesome incident—like a human tongue on the floor—before being discovered frozen and contorted in surreal shapes. The mystery, whether human or supernatural, prompts Liz and local cop Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis of “Catch the Fair One,” showcasing her lasting talent) to investigate. With a shared dark past filled with tension and unity, the two were involved in a harrowing night that left them never wanting to cross paths again, yet fate binds them together.
In the fourth episode, Fiona Shaw’s displaced character, Rose, faces the probing question from Evangeline, “What were you before?” Unveiling Rose’s past in Alaska, the query mirrors the overarching theme of the show—everyone is either escaping or attempting to bury their previous selves. This season, more than any before, feels literally haunted by the ghosts of its location and the characters’ histories. Lopez and her team skillfully employ light and shadow, utilizing Christmas lights, headlights, and bar lights to play with perception and imagination.
Ultimately, without giving away spoilers, the true horrors of the region and its inhabitants stem from human frailty, greed, insecurity, and cruelty. Throughout the seasons of “True Detective,” a recurring theme emerges—the escalating struggle against the darker side of humanity. Lopez and her writers infuse a glimmer of hope into the unwavering intensity of the main characters, suggesting that the light may still prevail. However, the battle is growing increasingly challenging.
Whole season screened for review. Starts on HBO on January 14th.