Daybreak

Netflix's 2019 original series, Daybreak, is a bold and dynamic blend of post-apocalyptic drama and dark comedy. The series draws you into a dystopian world that's both terrifyingly real and wilfully bizarre, offering a fresh and distinctive twist on the end-of-world narrative.

Set in the sun-blanched ruins of Glendale, California, Daybreak's universe has been ravaged by a mysterious nuclear event. But the spells of doom and gloom don't reach the high school adolescents who seem to have adapted well to their new post-apocalyptic world. In this world of anarchy, high school isn't just a metaphor for teenage dread, but rather, turned into a literal and ferocious battleground for survival.

Our protagonist, 17-year-old Josh Wheeler, a reluctant hero and cynic, played by Colin Ford, guides us through the ravaged wasteland. The narrative of Daybreak is shaped around his quest to find his girlfriend, Sam Dean, who has gone missing since the catastrophic event. Josh's journey to find Sam unfolds in surprising ways, as he navigates the new societal hierarchies and tribes that have sprouted from the fallout.

Exhibiting an arc of richly drawn characters, Daybreak features a diverse ensemble. Though each character is given their unique storylines and arcs, their witty humor and battle-hardened survival instincts are a common thread that runs throughout the series. Each character brings a slice of the high school archetypes – the bullies are now feudal lords, the athletes are now warriors, and the nerds are now experts on surviving the apocalypse.

Among Josh's sundry group of companions are a samurai-wielding 12-year-old, a pyromaniac cheerleader, and the high school outcast turned biochemical survival expert. Together, they form a rag-tag alliance, each contributing their unique skills, as they navigate this brave new world filled with mad max style gangs, zombie-like creatures known as "ghoulies" and the occasional giant mutant pug, all the while dealing with the typical high school dilemmas.

In the midst of chaos and mayhem, the essence of the show is paradoxically grounded and light-hearted, embracing the apocalyptic scenario with a sense of joy and irreverence, often breaking the fourth wall to directly address the audience. Its narrative structure slips back and forth between the grim post-apocalyptic 'now' and the drama-filled 'then' of high school life before the catastrophe, which offers an interesting contrast and background to its characters.

Daybreak makes its mark by deftly weaving together elements from various genres. It’s a show that embraces many audacious impulses, from its comic book aesthetics to the sharp, clever pop culture references. The series even integrates daring animation sequences and musical numbers to narratively express the inner thoughts and backstories of its characters.

Despite the 'end is nigh' milieu, Daybreak’s use of comedy offers momentary relief from the day-to-day survival instincts. The humor isn’t the typical sitcom-esque type. There is a societal satire in it, and many of the jokes come from the absurdity of the situations these kids find themselves in, particularly in the way they maintain norms like high school status, crushes, and detentions.

Its visuals are stunning, with pastel-colored skies, abandoned malls turned into fortress homes, deserted neighborhood streets scattered with wreckage; all forming the eerily beautiful backdrop to the conflict and excitements these young survivors face. The series places a strong emphasis on aesthetic design, incorporating vivid colors and distinctive costume choices that create an impactful visual identity.

The clever writing, fun character dynamics, and zany humor of Daybreak deliver satisfying moments of laughter, tension, and emotion. It’s shocking, it’s exhilarating, and often it’s heart-wrenching. With a narrative that keeps you hooked till the very end, Daybreak is a tale not just about survival but also about finding your own identity while maintaining your humanity in an increasingly chaotic world.

Central to the appeal of Daybreak is its irreverent spin on the apocalypse, a confident and striking addition to the popular genre. It unapologetically pushes the boundaries of the conventional high school drama, serving up a unique fusion of teenage angst, comedy, sci-fi, and survival adventure.

It's a show that's well worth a watch if you appreciate an audacious, absurd, yet heartfelt exploration of adolescence, friendships, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world that's anything but ordinary.