Wet City

Wet City is a short, dystopian animated series, a refreshing gem from Adult Swim that debuted in 2019. It simultaneously pays homage to the various classic themes of science fiction and 80s noir while also embracing the limitless possibilities of digital technology and making them its own.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Earth is ravaged and flooded, Wet City explores life in a future where society survives underwater, embracing its quirks and challenges. The title references the nature of the show’s setting, a city forever immersed in water due to a cataclysmic event.

Wet City presents a unique perspective of a future, cyberpunk dystopia where civilization has adjusted to life beneath the ocean's surface, and the setting brilliantly coalesces with the thematic elements of the story. It embraces a palette of neon blues and greys, establishing a fitting and visual feast for viewers. The distinct aesthetic of the universe graphically embodies the chillingly soggy streetscapes, tech-infested hubs, dive bars of neon washed in shadows and endless rain, accentuated by sharp, vibrant illustrations.

In the middle of this complex canvas, we follow an unlikely and unassuming hero named Chris as he grapples with his mundane existence. With a lovingly lackadaisical attitude, Chris navigates through the chaotic city, offering a slice of life lens into an underwater society drenched in mystery, something the show does with stellar comedic timing.

Chris works as a "search and collect" operative, diving to find items from the now sunken surface world for a boss who seems like a quintessential underworld mafia guy. Despite the grim, noir-like setting, the show skews more to the comedic side, often in absurd and offbeat ways, making Wet City a truly one-of-a-kind viewing experience.

The show expertly weaves together a diverse range of characters, each embodying a different trait or trope the audience expects from a typical dystopian noir narrative, but with a refreshing twist. From a grumpy, enigmatic boss, a smart-mouthed AI sidekick, and a mysterious woman, each character inhabits the city’s gloomy corners and shadowy alleyways with a quirkiness that resonates with the viewers.

The cinematic narrative of Wet City is augmented by an exceptionally skillful and atmospheric sound design. The ominous soundtrack complements the gritty aesthetic of the series and the droning noise that punctures the silence helps create a satisfying tense environment that keeps the viewer hooked.

The unique charm of Wet City lies in its successful experimentation. The narrative borrows, combines, and reconstructs elements of different genres – namely, sci-fi, dystopia, noir, and comedy – and presents a unique and riveting hybrid. Maintaining an uncanny balance between grim science fiction and tongue-in-cheek humor, Wet City makes good use of its dystopian universe to narrate a comedic story that doesn't undermine the severity of its world, a challenging accomplishment in any format.

Another notable feature of the series is its focus on an underwater civilization, which not only underscores the urgency of climate change threats and global warming but also imagines a unique, whimsical world within it. The result is both a critique of human's environmental irresponsibility and a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.

The series comprises short, digestible episodes. While the brevity allows for swift storytelling and propels the narrative at a brisk pace, it never feels rushed. Instead, it crafts an intriguing yet claustrophobic universe with ease. The show's minimalist and explicit dialogue, fused with the atmospheric artwork and exceptional sound design, successfully captivates and immerses the viewer into its world.

In conclusion, Wet City is a highly engaging and extraordinary series. It slyly combines a slew of elements from the bygone era of dystopian noir and blends it with modern speculative fiction insights, all while interspersing humor throughout. With its pulsating backdrop and its credible grasp of science fiction dynamics, Wet City is a show that doesn't just stand as a piece of stellar animation, but also offers a compelling narrative that will resonate with fans of various genres.