Trepalium

Trepalium is a compelling French dystopian science fiction series that first aired in 2016. Available on Sundance Now, the series plunges viewers into a starkly divided future civilization, characterised by vast economic inequalities and urban landscapes shattered by social disparity.

The series is set in a future where 80% of the population is unemployed, with the remaining 20% bearing the crushing weight of society's labor demands within a walled city, in a clear physical and symbolic societal divide. On one side are the 'Employed,' living in relative luxury within the confines of the city, their lives consumed by their jobs. They enjoy the benefits of their employment, including relative comfort and safety, as well as the supposed stability that comes from their oppressive, high-pressure occupations.

On the other side of the wall lies a massive, desolate wasteland called the Zone, home to the 'Unemployed.' The Zone's inhabitants endure harsh living conditions as they struggle with poverty, desperation, and a constant battle for survival. They are brutally kept out of the city by a military force, fueling tension and breeding resentment towards those living comfortably within the City.

Trepalium's narrative is centred on these alarming social disparities. The show presents both sides of the wall, juxtaposing the Employed's sterile, high-tech world with the Unemployed's post-apocalyptic landscape. This stark contrast amplifies the grim reality of an imbalanced society built on systemic injustice, which, while set in a hypothetical future, offers insightful commentary on contemporary socioeconomic issues.

The series' title, Trepalium, is a Latin word that means 'instrument of torture,' referencing the agony that both the Employed and Unemployed endure within their respective societies. For the Employed, it’s the stress, pressure, and dehumanizing schedule of their jobs. For the Unemployed, it’s the constant struggle, deprivation, and hardship that defines their existence outside the city walls.

The drama unfolds when the government devises a potentially explosive plan known as 'The Experiment,' aiming to temper social unrest and rekindle hope among the Unemployed. The Experiment involves selecting a small group of Unemployed individuals and offering them employment within the city walls in an attempt to bridge the divide. As tensions rise and various characters struggle to navigate their personal and societal dilemmas, the plot thickens, ratcheting up the suspense and propelling the storyline forward.

The protagonist, Izia Katz, is an Unemployed single mother who gets caught in the crossfire of this tumultuous sociopolitical experiment. Her tenacity and determination to secure a better life for her son drive the narrative arc of the series, immersing viewers in an emotional journey set against the backdrop of an unfolding societal revolution.

Trepalium is crafted with maturity and complexity, ensuring this dystopian world feels chillingly close to home. Its narrative nuance is matched by brilliant production quality, with well-constructed sets and CGI subtly immersing the audience in its dystopian world. The cinematography and the scoring are similarly remarkable, creating visual and musical contrasts that reflect the sociopolitical divide.

Trepalium's strength lies in its clear-eyed, forthright depiction of a divided society, showing the stark horrors of dystopian society while never forgetting the human element at its core. The series invites viewers to grapple with the implications of vast income inequality, the significance of work in individual lives, and the humanity and resilience that persist amidst societal breakdown.

Despite its somber premise and setting, the series is far from bleak. It is imbued with a sense of cautious optimism, of the possibility of change and a better, more equitable future. Its characters are flawed yet human, imperfect yet relatable. And in that familiarity, Trepalium manages to cultivate empathy, sympathy, and ultimately a deep understanding of the human condition under extreme circumstances.

As a French-language series, Trepalium offers an interesting respite from Anglo-centered sci-fi narratives. With its mix of suspenseful storytelling, poignant social commentary, and engaging character arcs, Trepalium broadcasts a powerful and timely message in a TV landscape increasingly fascinated by dystopian futures.