Mortel

Mortel is an intriguing, French supernatural-themed television series that premiered on Netflix in November 2019 and ran until its conclusion in 2021. The show combines elements of the supernatural, teen drama, and mystery genres in an inventive narrative that presents an original and captivating exploration of race, youth, and otherness set against the backdrop of a French suburb.

At the center of Mortel's storyline are three high school students - Sofiane, Victor, and Luisa. These three characters come from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity brings differing relationships, cultural background, attitudes, and perspectives, making the viewers' experience not just stimulating, but also educational and enlightening.

Sofiane, a troubled teen with a difficult relationship with his parents and a brother who mysteriously disappears, becomes a central figure in the series. Victor, on the other hand, is a quiet and socially awkward boy, an unlikely ally for Sofiane. The relationship between Sofiane and Victor is an unusual blend of unease and mutual necessity, with sparse traces of trust in between. Then, there's Luisa, a gifted student with a special interest in supernatural phenomenon. She suspects something unusual about Sofiane and Victor and her curiosity leads her deeper into the mysterious world they are rapidly getting drawn into.

The story of Mortel begins with Sofiane and Victor making a pact with a voodoo god named Obe. In return for finding Sofiane's missing brother, they gain supernatural powers. Sofiane gets the power to control other people's actions by touching them, while Victor can read minds. Yet, every boon has its curse, and the supernatural gift further entwines Sofiane and Victor’s lives and destinies. The entity they've pacted with has its sinister plans too.

A central figure in Mortel is the voodoo god Obe. The series offers viewers a fascinating glimpse into voodoo spirituality, a belief system that is often misunderstood and misrepresented. It alters the usual portrayal of the religion as solely nefarious and instead offers a well-rounded portrayal that includes aspects of the god-human relationship, mutual obligation, and the double-edged sword of power.

Mortel resonates with many quintessential aspects of teenage life. There are the usual but ever-important tropes of high school, including the battle with puberty, first-love dilemmas, shifting friendships, struggling with identity, dealing with family problems, and high-stakes academic pressure. Layered with the supernatural elements, Mortel provides an exciting and refreshingly different take on teenage life.

The series is set and filmed in France, presenting the viewers with the authentic essence of French suburban lifestyle. The language oscillates between French and English, further contributing to the show’s distinctive atmosphere and setting it apart from other teen dramas.

Tinged with suspense and horror, Mortel explores complex themes of adolescence, socio-cultural identity, and the cost of power. The characters' transformations take dramatic turns throughout, fueled by haunting supernatural trials, which push their relationships to the brink.

The direction, scripting, and visual effects of Mortel are compelling. Each episode successfully develops the narrative while stoking the anticipation for the next. The actors deliver power-packed performances that beautifully express their characters’ intricate emotional journeys.

Relatable, intriguing, and brimming with a mix of teenage angst and supernatural adventures, Mortel is an absorbing thriller that hooks its viewers from the beginning and doesn't let go till the end. It's a show that takes teenagers seriously, depicting their struggles and triumphs in an honest and authentic way, all while incorporating a dash of the supernatural to keep audiences guessing.

In summary, Mortel is a cinematic exploration of teen life viewed through a supernatural lens, a setting that brings to life the everyday trials of adolescence, but with a fascinating touch of otherworldliness. Its blend of teen drama and the uncanny is captivating and memorable, ensuring its appeal to both supernatural enthusiasts and fans of grounded, character-driven storylines alike. It’s a unique, engrossing series that beautifully merges the ordinary and extraordinary, making it well worth a watch.