Residue

Residue is a chilling British science fiction and horror television series released in 2015. The film stars Natalia Tena (known for her roles in Game of Thrones and the Harry Potter series) and Iwan Rheon (also from Game of Thrones), as well as Jamie Draven.

The setting is a dystopian near-future where a catastrophic event causes a section of an unnamed city to be closed off from the rest of the city by a large and mysterious quarantine barrier. This massive wall leads to the city being split into two disconnected zones — one an apocalyptic wasteland inside the wall, replete with terror and uncertainty, while life outside the wall struggles to continue resembling a semblance of normality amid escalating tension and fear.

Centering around three main characters — Jennifer Preston (Natalia Tena), a committed photojournalist; Jonas Flack (Iwan Rheon), a public relations officer for the government; and drugs-enforcement officer, Levi Mathis (Jamie Draven) — Residue weaves a thrilling narrative of fear, mistrust, and the supernatural. As they grapple with the fallout of the calamity, they find their lives dramatically intertwined, unraveling mysteries and dangerous threats that evolve throughout the series' progression.

Jennifer serves as the core character driving the plot forward. With her photojournalist background, she is determined to uncover what happened inside the quarantine zone. She is willing to risk it all to reveal the truth behind the nightmarish disaster that took place and the lingering effects it has on the city and its inhabitants. Jennifer starts documenting a series of horrifying, unexplained events, immersing herself in a world where reality seems to warp into the unreal, where the human mind frays under the pressure of an unseen, unknown horror.

Jonas, connected to the government, finds himself torn between his work, which involves obscuring the truth about the disaster, and his lover Jennifer, whose sole objective is to expose the same truth. Their relationship is a testament to the strains such unraveling realities have on human relationships.

Jamie Draven's character, Levi, a down-to-earth law enforcement officer provides a unique and grounded perspective. He is compelled to maintain order amid rising chaos. His role offers a contrast to Jennifer and Jonas, revealing how the catastrophe impacts different sectors of society.

The series is characterized by its edgy storytelling style. This, combined with brilliantly intriguing characters who bring a palpable tension and heavy atmosphere to each on-screen moment, makes for an absorbing viewing experience. One striking feature about Residue is how it operates under a seemingly continuous state of anticipation and fear. The tension never fully dissipates, keeping viewers on edge with mounting suspense.

Notable is its unique narrative structure, straddling realpolitik and the paranormal. It borders on speculative territory while still being grounded in elements of fact, making it a captivating blend of sci-fi and dystopian elements.

Residue incorporates substantive character development, allowing viewers to deeply connect with the characters while becoming absorbed in their journey. The stark contrast between the lives led outside and inside the wall paints a poignant portrait of trauma and the human capacity for resilience. The show also explores themes of secrecy, manipulation, and the power dynamics of information control, providing thought-provoking reflections on today's society, despite its futuristic setting.

Visually, the series is no less impressive, with its post-apocalyptic landscape and established atmosphere strongly setting the tone of the film. The cinematography adeptly captures the eerie chaos of the quarantined city, building a grim and unsettling world that is both visually striking and narratively effective.

Residue skillfully blends thriller, horror, and science fiction, resulting in a dystopian tale that is as intriguing as it is riveting. It taps into our primal fears of the unknown, of the unseen lurking in the shadows, while, at the same time, compellingly addressing contemporary sociopolitical concerns. The series remains an intriguing watch, building a world steeped in suspense and fear as it drives towards its climactic resolution.