The Knick

The Knick is a gripping, period drama series by Cinemax that aired from 2014 to 2015. The show revolves around the trials and triumphs of the staff at The Knickerbocker Hospital, or The Knick as it's often referred to, located in the bustling metropolis of downtown New York City at the start of the 20th century. Larger-than-life characters navigate the precarious medical landscape of the time while grappling with their personal lives and societal issues.

The series, characterized by its striking detail, engrossing narrative, and captivating performances, is executed with cinematic quality that enthralls audiences from the very start. Pushing the narrative to the forefront is the principal character, Dr. John Thackery, brought to life by Golden Globe-winning actor Clive Owen. Thackery's dedication to his profession, his unorthodox methods, and troubled personal life make for a fascinating character study.

Dr. Thackery, a brilliant surgeon and the leader of the hospital's surgical staff, is respected for his innovative techniques and immense courage to venture into uncharted territory, paving the way for medical advancements. His brilliance, however, is overshadowed by his addiction to cocaine and opium, an affliction common among medical professionals of the time.

Supporting Dr. Thackery's character is a dynamic cast of characters each with their own intricate stories. Among them is Dr. Algernon Edwards, played by Andre Holland, an extremely talented African American surgeon who fights against racial prejudice while trailblazing within his profession. The other staff, nurses, and patients at the hospital provide a textured look at life and society during the early 20th century era.

The Knick skillfully blends the historical with the dramatic through its exploration of groundbreaking medical procedures, demonstrated boldly, without toning down the gruesome reality of the surgery of the period. At the heart of this series is not only the science of healing but also the consequences in the lives of those who are breaking new ground in the medical field.

The series expertly captures the zeitgeist of the period, shedding light on a range of societal issues prevalent during the early 1900s - from racism, immigration, and drug addiction to women's rights, corruption, and poverty. The production design, cinematography, costumes, and make-up work collectively to transport the viewer back to the gritty early days of New York City.

In spite of the period setting, the musical score by Cliff Martinez veers towards the anachronistic, infusing the series with an electronic, pulsating soundtrack more in line with modern synth music. This unique choice imbues the show with a sense of urgency and unease that underscores the high-stakes drama unfolding on screen.

Moreover, the show's creators, Jack Amiel and Michael Begler, have done an exquisite job of weaving in true historic events and medical innovations of the time, manifesting as enriching subplots and lending an air of authenticity to the narrative.

Directed by Academy Award winner Steven Soderbergh, renowned for his works like 'Traffic' and 'Ocean's Eleven,' The Knick is impeccably staged, artfully shot, and impressively acted. Soderbergh's signature directing style and keen eye for visual storytelling shine through each episode.

Intense, immersive, and often unsettling, The Knick is a testament to the leaps of faith taken by early pioneers in the medical field. The depiction of the gritty quest to understand human anatomy and the relentless pursuit of medical innovation forms much of the backbone of the series.

Following the lives of these true visionaries, the viewer is captivated as they navigate the perilous landscape of their profession in the pursuit of saving lives. They wrestle with their personal demons, societal expectations, and the daunting uncertainty of medical research and surgical procedures. Simultaneously, the series does not shy away from exposing the prejudices, inequalities, and brutal truths of the era.

In the end, The Knick effortlessly marries historical context with riveting human drama and pioneering scientific discoveries. It holds up a mirror to the time when modern medicine was just finding its feet, and when New York City was emerging as a ground-breaking metropolis. The Knick is an absorbing journey for anyone fascinated by history, medical evolution, and intricate narrative storytelling.