Utopia Falls

Utopia Falls, a Canadian drama released by CBC in 2020, transports us to a futuristic world where cultural expression has been sanitised and strictly controlled for generations. Breaking the mould, the show uses a fusion of performing arts and science fiction, creating a unique blend of music, drama, and fantasy that stands out in the world of television.

This one-of-a-kind series is set in a post-apocalyptic society known as New Babyl, a futuristic utopia sealed off from the remnants of the world, harbouring the last of humanity. Organised by sectors, New Babyl sequesters its citizens into distinct professional areas from an early age, forming a society structured around conformity and uniformity. However, that’s not all. The driving force of New Babyl’s society and entertainment is the Exemplar competition, where every year, each sector sends a chosen candidate to compete in a performing arts contest, showcasing a homogeneous and tightly controlled form of artistic expression.

The show centres around a group of teenagers chosen from each sector to represent their groups in the Exemplar competition. These protagonists are Aliyah from Progress, Bohdi from Nature, Apollo from Industry, Tempo from Reform, Brooklyn from Progress, and Sage from Phylos. Recognising the importance and the pressure of the competition, they feel the weight of their sectors' expectations as they prepare for the performance of their lives.

The turning point in their journey, and ultimately, the series, occurs when these friends stumble upon a hidden archive of historical, cultural and musical relics. This prohibited library - The Archive - serves as a stark contrast to the sterile future they are living in. Given their sheltered existence, the young Exemplars are stunned to discover the colourful, diverse and unrestricted world of humanity's past, particularly its incredible array of musical genres, from hip-hop, punk, blues to pop.

This hidden gallery of rebellious and diverse cultural relics unlocks a new area of exploration and expression for them. Now heavily influenced and inspired by the fascinating world of music and art spanning centuries of human history, they begin to question the strict rules and conformity of their world, sparking a generational rebellion fueled by cultural rediscovery and innovation.

As the protagonists navigate the challenging waters of rebellion while preparing for the Exemplar, they begin to realise the transformative power of music and performance. The relationships, friendships, and romances that develop between these friends add another layer of complexity to the storyline and provide for an engaging drama.

Utopia Falls cleverly uses the common tropes and devices of a dystopian young adult series but adds a fresh twist with its innovative use of music and arts as a catalyst for change and expression. This connection to a musical past becomes an underlying source of rebellion, revolution, and resistance against an oppressive system.

In terms of the cast, the series boasts an array of young, talented actors, including Robyn Alomar, Akiel Julien, Robbie Graham-Kuntz, Phillip Lewitski, Humberly Gonzalez, and Devyn Nekoda. Renowned hip-hop artist and rapper Snoop Dogg also features in a pivotal role, providing the voice for The Archive.

The series is as much of an audio-visual experience as it's a narrative one. The eclectic and diverse soundtrack is integral to the plot, adding colour and depth to the story, accompanied by stunning visuals that enhance the viewing experience.

Utopia Falls also doesn't shy away from socio-political themes, subtly addressing issues like censorship, cultural erasure, class divisions, and authoritarianism. It boldly depicts a futuristic society where diversity and inclusion are seen as threats, and creativity and cultural innovation are suppressed in the name of uniformity.

Navigating the complex world of teenage emotions, a dystopian society, the narrative of an oppressive regime, as well as the thread of rebellion and revolution running through the heart of it, Utopia Falls is truly a unique, genre-bending, and ambitious series. It takes us on a memorable journey that blends music, drama, friendship, and rebellion together in one captivating narrative, making it a must-watch for both music lovers and fans of dystopian fiction.