Insomnia

Insomnia is a complex, intriguing, and edge-of-your-seat thriller series presented by STARZ in 2018. Don't be fooled by the title – this show is certain to keep you wide awake, spliced with taut excitement and shocking moments that will have viewers on the edge of their seats, punishing sleep thanks to its hair-raising narrative.

Set against the backdrop of the sociopolitical landscape of contemporary Moscow, Russia, the story of Insomnia deviates significantly from the traditional structure of a thriller. It's not about detectives feverishly tracing crime back to the villain. Instead, it's a sinister game of survival where twenty contestants from different backgrounds, all with their sordid, mysterious past, are pitted against each other.

These contestants, unable to sleep, are locked into a non-stop brutal game that lasts for two weeks. The deadly twist is that they are legally cleared to kill each other during the game and are disposed of powerful sedatives to prevent sleep, making it a high-stakes blend of psychological and physical survival.

Viewers meet a fascinating cast of characters, each with their personal battles and past histories which are slowly unveiled as the show progresses. You'll find yourself drawn to them, sympathizing with their predicaments, and subconsciously placing bets on who will make it to the finish line.

The narrative is told predominantly through the eyes of a New York attorney, who becomes an unwilling participant in this brutal game. As the countdown begins, he has to quickly learn to navigate this deadly labyrinth of treachery and deceit while unraveling the truth behind the game's existence and its impact on personal and societal levels. Meanwhile, an intense nightmare is kept at bay by a strong drug preventing sleep, making the experiences surreal and lending an eerie atmosphere to the unfolding story.

The series shines also thanks to the commanding performances of its ensemble cast, the characters they portray are multilayered – a convergence of dramatis personae that is nothing short of a casting triumph. Insomnia weaves a thrill-laden narrative, complete with a riveting plotline that delves into human desperation, dangerous ambition, personal and broader societal ethics, and the raw instincts that surge within us when survival becomes the only game in town.

The winning troupe of Insomnia is overseen by terrifying "Game Master," whose motivations and connections to the upper echelons of power form another intriguing subplot within the wider story. The economic and political dimensions interspersed into the narrative, and just how poignantly it reflects on current world orders, makes Insomnia much more than your standard thriller.

As the show progresses, viewers are drawn into the world of Insomnia, a world where sleep is a luxury and where people's worst fears, paranoia, and strengths come to the fore. Insomnia is exciting and tense, filled with surprising twists and turns, keeping viewers on an adrenaline high, mirroring the experience of the characters in the game.

The production value of Insomnia is noteworthy, with intricate set designs that match the grandeur and grittiness needed to depict the vast underground setting where the game unfolds. The atmospheric cinematography adds another layer to this intense viewing experience. The series not just a horrifyingly gripping saga but also jam-packed with visually stunning shots that are bound to leave viewers astonished.

Insomnia is more than just a TV show; it's a full-tilt venture into the dark and scary world of a life-or-death game, where the lines between the real and surreal blur, and where contestants' deepest secrets unravel. Over its run, Insomnia poses thought-provoking questions about society, power, morality, and human instinct, making it much more than mere entertainment.

In a nutshell, Insomnia is a spellbinding mix of thriller and drama, it hooks you in from the first episode and proves so engrossing; you'll possibly binge-watch it late into the night. The compelling drama, paired with intoxicating intrigue, makes this high-stake survival game a must-watch for any admirer of the thriller genre. But be warned – watching Insomnia might just give you a good few sleepless nights.