When the Streetlights Go On

In the thrilling landscape of modern-day entertainment, Quibi birthed a unique, enigmatic crime-drama series called When the Streetlights Go On, in the year 2020. Rumbling with mystery and suspense, the show leans further into the nostalgic tones of the 90s and early 2000s. It navigates through the aftermath of a gruesome double murder in a small town and reveals a tight-knit community ripped apart by this shocking incident. It sketches a poignant portrayal of adolescence and adulthood, artfully smeared with a chilling murder mystery.

This gripping narrative kicks off in the sleepy, suburban town of Colfax, Illinois, during the hot, languid summer of 1995. The seemingly serene life in this small town takes a terrifying turn when the popular high school schoolgirl Chrissy Monroe and her English teacher, Mr. Carpenter, are found brutally murdered on the outskirts of the town. Despite the setting sun and the onset of dusk, the streetlights seem particularly dim on the fateful evening of this dreadful incident.

The viewers follow the investigations through the eyes of Charlie Chambers, a quiet, introspective teen and the narrator of the story. Charlie's character serves as the connective tissue between the hushed whispers of the town's community, the fearful corridors of high school, and the candid heart-to-heart talks at sleepovers. As the untold secrets, well-hidden skeletons, and sinister truths of the town begin to unravel, Charlie finds himself tangled in a web of unrest and suspicion.

While the murder fuels the central narrative, the primetime series offers more than just the allure of suspense. The storytelling pivots around the gloomy aftermath that washes over the town's individuals in the wake of death, exploring the complexity of human emotions, depth of personal struggles, and the stark reality of shattered innocence. As the façade of ordinariness peels away, it lays bare the profound effects of this harrowing incident on the teens and adults of the small town alike.

The central characters are meticulously fleshed out, with their personas, actions, and interactions carefully underpinned by the prevailing sense of despair, suspicion, and fear. Though the spectrum of characters spans a wide range, few stand out distinctly, adding a commendable depth to the ongoing plot. Chrissy's younger sister Becky Monroe, Charlie’s best friends, and the law enforcement officials, all play pivotal roles and serve as significant threads to weave this intricate, tightly plotted tale.

Director Rebecca Thomas beautifully marries the nostalgic early 90s setting with the stark, suspenseful narrative of a murder mystery. The series draws inferences from other iconic shows and movies, channelling subtle vibes of Stranger Things, Twin Peaks, and Stand By Me, but manages to maintain a distinct aura of its own. The accurate representation of the 90s, the mesmerizing cinematography, evocative soundtrack, and the apt use of suspense and teenage angst propel the narrative and heighten the aesthetic appeal of the series.

The script, written by Chris Hutton and Eddie O'Keefe, uses an interesting stylistic choice by injecting the dark themes of a murder mystery into the framework of a coming-of-age tale. The dialogue adorning the screenplays hits a delicate balance between mature, atmospheric whodunit discussions and the whimsical yet profound exchanges of teenage life.

Considering its short lifespan, Quibi's When the Streetlights Go On truly stands out because of its unique narrative structure designed for short bursts of viewing. Each episode comprises around 7-10 minutes of sharp, intense content, including suspense-heavy revelations, character arcs, and immersive vistas of the 90s backdrop. Despite the short run-time per episode, the series successfully creates memorable arcs, keeps the viewers on edge, and paints a vivid picture cherishing the aura of the 90s.

Overall, When the Streetlights Go On is a captivating tale of mystery, adolescence, and the unsettling reality lurking beneath the ordinary. The show sensitively unfolds the impact of gruesome murder on a seemingly quiet community, exploring the psychological and emotional fallout it leaves on the town's inhabitants. Packed in bite-sized episodes with engrossing content, this Quibi series is sure to keep its audience guessing and entertained until the very end.