Review: ‘The Eternaut' — compelling post-apocalyptic sci-fi from Argentina
DUBAI: At first, it seems like 'The Eternaut' is going to be a climate-crisis-focused piece. It's summer and Buenos Aires is boiling in more ways than one — demonstrations against government incompetence rage on the streets while power cuts only increase the oppressive heat felt by residents. Then a sudden fall of deadly radioactive snow kills hundreds of thousands instantly.
The snow continues to fall as survivors quickly work out that to venture outside without full body cover and masks is to guarantee death. A small group of middle-aged friends were enjoying their regular poker night when the snow began to fall, and it is on them that the series centers — particularly Juan Salvo, a veteran of the war between Argentina and the UK over the Falkland Islands (or the Malvinas, as they're called in Argentina).
There are many other survivors, including people in the neighborhood they've known for years, and the show does a fine job of exploring the escalating paranoia as people accustom themselves to their new reality and realize that their acquaintances are potentially as deadly as the snow. There are echoes of the source material's political edge too, as the line between neighbor and enemy blurs.
Juan (a convincingly grizzled Ricardo Darin) manages to find his ex-wife, but their daughter, Clara, is missing — she was at a friend's house when the snowstorm started. Much of the first two episodes is taken up with Juan's unsuccessful search for her. The starkly beautiful cinematography is often breathtaking, and the claustrophobia is palpable, both in the houses of the survivors and in the suits they must wear to go anywhere.
Halfway through the six episodes, though, there's a grinding shift of gears. The apocalypse, it tuns out, was actually the result of an alien invasion, the first wave of which involves giant bugs. Juan's super-smart friend Tano correctly predicts that the bugs are controlled by something more sinister.
That sudden shift means the enjoyable slow-burn grittiness of the opening episodes is lost, as the show becomes more CGI-action-based. It's still gripping, but what had promised to be a unique standout fades into something far more generic.
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Highlights from the Venice Biennale of Architecture
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Arab News
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Review: ‘The Eternaut' — compelling post-apocalyptic sci-fi from Argentina
DUBAI: At first, it seems like 'The Eternaut' is going to be a climate-crisis-focused piece. It's summer and Buenos Aires is boiling in more ways than one — demonstrations against government incompetence rage on the streets while power cuts only increase the oppressive heat felt by residents. Then a sudden fall of deadly radioactive snow kills hundreds of thousands instantly. The snow continues to fall as survivors quickly work out that to venture outside without full body cover and masks is to guarantee death. A small group of middle-aged friends were enjoying their regular poker night when the snow began to fall, and it is on them that the series centers — particularly Juan Salvo, a veteran of the war between Argentina and the UK over the Falkland Islands (or the Malvinas, as they're called in Argentina). There are many other survivors, including people in the neighborhood they've known for years, and the show does a fine job of exploring the escalating paranoia as people accustom themselves to their new reality and realize that their acquaintances are potentially as deadly as the snow. There are echoes of the source material's political edge too, as the line between neighbor and enemy blurs. Juan (a convincingly grizzled Ricardo Darin) manages to find his ex-wife, but their daughter, Clara, is missing — she was at a friend's house when the snowstorm started. Much of the first two episodes is taken up with Juan's unsuccessful search for her. The starkly beautiful cinematography is often breathtaking, and the claustrophobia is palpable, both in the houses of the survivors and in the suits they must wear to go anywhere. Halfway through the six episodes, though, there's a grinding shift of gears. The apocalypse, it tuns out, was actually the result of an alien invasion, the first wave of which involves giant bugs. Juan's super-smart friend Tano correctly predicts that the bugs are controlled by something more sinister. That sudden shift means the enjoyable slow-burn grittiness of the opening episodes is lost, as the show becomes more CGI-action-based. It's still gripping, but what had promised to be a unique standout fades into something far more generic.
Arab News
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Argentine officials praise Saudi Arabia's tolerance message at Buenos Aires fair
RIYADH: Jorge Macri, chief of government of the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, praised the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs' pavilion at the Buenos Aires International Book Fair as a unique model. He noted that it effectively expresses Islamic identity through a modern design reflecting the cultural renaissance underway in the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency. During his visit to the pavilion, Macri emphasized that the ministry's participation strengthened Saudi Arabia's position as the fair's main guest of honor. He added that the cultural and educational events and initiatives offered by the King Fahd Cultural Center enhance social ties between Argentina and the Kingdom. Pilar Bosca, director general for religious affairs in Buenos Aires, also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's efforts in promoting the values of tolerance and moderation, describing the Kingdom as a global model in this regard. During her tour of the pavilion, Bosca expressed admiration for the diverse content presented, which reflects the true essence of Islam. She added that this underscores Saudi Arabia's noble message of promoting moderation, coexistence, and tolerance through modern technology and interactive digital tools that engage all segments of society. The ministry's booth drew wide attendance from fair visitors, who appreciated the rich content blending accurate information with a modern approach, the SPA reported. They praised the message conveyed by Saudi Arabia through the ministry in serving the Holy Qur'an and spreading the call to Islam with wisdom and good counsel. The 49th annual Buenos Aires International Book Fair, organized by the Book Foundation in Argentina, is being held from April 22 to May 12. Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is the guest of honor, showcasing the Kingdom's growing prominence in Latin America. Riyadh's pavilion aims to strengthen Saudi cultural presence in the region and present the capital as a cultural model reflecting the Kingdom's transformation under Vision 2030. The pavilion features diverse literary and cultural content, including Spanish-translated publications that help build cultural bridges. The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission is leading Riyadh's participation, joined by a Saudi cultural and literary delegation that includes representatives from the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Also participating are the King Fahd Glorious Qur'an Printing Complex, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, and King Fahd National Library.
