Tabula Rasa

Tabula Rasa is a psychologically thrilling and engaging series on Netflix that initially premiered in 2017. This spellbinding show is a combination of genres, efficient in delving into the corners of suspense, mystery and psychological horror while still maintaining elements of realistic drama. The Belgian series is primarily in Dutch, yet its universal themes and intense plot lines make it attractive to a wide range of audiences globally.

The show's premise revolves around the life of Annemie D'Haeze, nicknamed 'Mie.' The protagonist’s life is depicted as complex from the onset, especially since she suffers from a unique kind of amnesia resulting from a car accident. Mie, while trying to come to terms with her current predicament, is the only key to solving a mysterious disappearance of a man she apparently was last seen with before he went missing. However, her memory loss condition makes it all the harder to assemble the pieces of the puzzle.

Despite the pressure to retrace her steps, Mie’s memory erases every new piece of information she comes across once she wakes up every morning. This condition, known as anterograde amnesia, puts Mie in an extremely challenging circumstance as she becomes a pertinent yet unreliable source of information. The visceral struggles of a woman dealing with profound forgetfulness, while trying to unravel the mystery and clear her name, forms the core of the story, which is what makes the show rather intriguing.

Tabula Rasa is not merely a psychological thriller, but it delves deep into the human psyche, dealing with themes of identity, memories, and the subjective nature of truths. It explores the idea that memories aren’t merely relics of the past, but they shape our present, our perceptions and how we navigate through life. The protagonist’s condition adds a creative layer to the storytelling, allowing for the use of distorted realities and perception play. The audience navigates through the story just as Mie does, putting together pieces of the puzzle that are far from linear or simplistic.

Every episode is carefully crafted to create suspense and intrigue, with plot twists and turns that keep the audience on their toes. There's a continual feeling of dread and anticipation as viewers are constantly confronted with the question of what is real and what is simply a fabricated construct of Mie's damaged memory.

Aside from the intense storyline, the performances and production design of Tabula Rasa are equally commendable. Veerle Baetens delivers a brilliant performance as Mie, managing to capture the psyche of a woman in distress, grappling not merely with the fragmented images of her past, but also with her distorted perception of the present. The supporting cast, too, contributes to the overall effective execution of the narrative.

The visual design and cinematography of Tabula Rasa set it apart as the director uses a gloomy and haunting palette, enhancing the edgy and eerie undertones of the series. The set design, the use of reflections and shadows, and the overall cinematography all contribute in mimicking the protagonist's mental state, making it a cinematic feast for the audience.

Another remarkable characteristic of Tabula Rasa is its pace. Brexit the frantic, the narrative never feels rushed. Instead, it allows the story to unfold gradually while maintaining the mounting tension. The plot unravels piece by piece, keeping viewers riveted and invested in the characters and their unfolding stories.

Tabula Rasa explores psychological fear at its best - the fear of the unknown, the fear of one's mind, and the fear of losing oneself. It's a show that teases the boundary between real and unreal, between memory and imagination, and between sanity and madness. With its captivating plot, commanding performances, and brilliant execution, Tabula Rasa is a must-watch for the lovers of the suspense and psychological thriller genre.

In all its essence, Tabula Rasa is indeed a noteworthy addition to the psychological thriller genre, and with its unique take on the narrative technique, it is more than just a show. It is an intense psychological journey that takes the viewer on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and suspense, with the line between reality and illusion fading away every minute.