Ares

Ares is a thrilling and unnerving Dutch drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2020. The spooky, mind-bending thriller was widely acclaimed and hailed as Netflix's first Dutch Original series. With a unique blend of horror, psychological drama, and suspense, Ares offers viewers a spine-chilling exploration of the dark and unfathomable depths of society's most secret and sinister circles. It's exactly the kind of series that lures you into its universe with an intriguing narrative only to leave you captivated and craving for more at each episode's end.

The series is based in Amsterdam and revolves around the life of a first-year medical student, Rosa, performed brilliantly by Jade Olieberg, who quickly finds herself embroiled in the clandestine world of an elite and covert student society named "Ares". Rosa, along with her friend Jacob, played by Tobis Kersloot, gets involved in this ultra-exclusive society that promises power, wealth, and networking opportunities, but has some deeply disturbing, mysterious, and ominous rituals that are shrouded in terrifying secrets.

As the narrative unfolds, Rosa starts spiraling down the rabbit hole into an unfamiliar and ominous world where the boundaries between the rational and irrational begin to blur. The narrative slowly and gradually uncovers the horrifying secrets of the society as they grapple with their newfound surroundings. The name of the series, Ares, also reflects the Greek god of war and serves as a symbol of the narrative's key themes of power, manipulation, and the destructive nature of humanity when lured by ambition.

Ares brilliantly navigates the fine line between horror and psychological drama, constantly keeping its viewers on edge and never ceasing to surprise with plot twists that will give you goosebumps. Its narrative paces itself perfectly and meticulously, offering just enough information to keep the plot moving and the audience guessing without disclosing too much too soon.

Jade Olieberg, as the lead, delivers a remarkable performance, seamlessly carrying the weight of the narrative on her shoulders. Supported ably by a strong cast, some excellent writing, and chillingly moody and atmospheric cinematography, Ares manages to deliver an entirely fresh take on the horror-thriller genre. The show also deserves praise for its fascinating blend of classical tropes and innovative narrative devices, as well as for its masterful crafting of suspense and mystery, which keeps viewers on their toes throughout the entirety of its eight-episode span.

Intertwining elements of historical fiction into its plot, Ares does a commendable job of embedding Dutch history and culture into the mythos of the elite, occult society. This further enriches the series' narrative depth by delivering a chilling interpretation of Holland's colonial past and societal struggles. The setting of Amsterdam also provides the perfect backdrop for the dark narrative, with the city's beautiful, old-world architecture and twisted, narrow streets, reinforcing the creeping unease that pervades the series.

A promising blend of horror, suspense, drama, and mystery, Ares certainly strikes a chord with its gripping narrative, haunting imagery, and powerful renditions. This intriguing Netherlands-set series is much more than just a conventional horror show. As much as it is about fear and the supernatural, it is also a study of the human condition -- about ambition, power, greed, corruption, and the desperate need to belong. Ares uses horror as a tool to expose the very real and horrific aspects of society, making you question the lengths to which people are willing to go for power and status.

All in all, Ares does a brilliant job of keeping its audience engaged and intrigued throughout with its macabre storylines, layered character developments, and a suspenseful atmosphere that refuses to let up. HBO-level production quality, top-notch acting, and a unique storyline set it apart from many other horror series. This is a series that one certainly shouldn't miss, especially if they're fans of psychological horror or suspenseful drama. With its fresh approach and breathtaking narrative, Ares proves to be a thrilling and haunting journey that keeps you hooked till the end.