Introduction: Why The Eternaut Should Be on Your Watchlist
The Eternaut (2025) on Netflix might just be your next binge. Based on a classic Argentinian graphic novel series, this show delivers a gripping narrative that slowly unfolds a deadly snowstorm wiping out Buenos Aires. Created with care and featuring captivating performances, especially by Ricardo Darín as Juan Salvo, the series invites viewers into a haunting world of survival and suspense.
In this review, we’ll explore what makes The Eternaut a unique addition to the sci-fi genre, the strengths and weaknesses of the series, and why it deserves your attention despite its slow start. If you love slow-burning, character-driven apocalyptic stories, keep reading!
The Premise of The Eternaut: A Deadly Snowfall and a Fight for Survival
The Eternaut drops you right into a chilling scenario: one summer night in Buenos Aires, a mysterious and toxic snowfall descends, killing anyone who breathes it in. This event devastates the city’s population and plunges the survivors into chaos. Juan Salvo, a former soldier with a complicated past, bands together with friends and strangers in a desperate fight to live another day.
The story initially focuses on the immediate aftermath of the snowfall, capturing the confusion and fear that grip the city. But the toxic snowstorm is only the beginning. As the series progresses, Juan and his group uncover that this apocalyptic event is part of a much larger and more sinister threat.
Slow Burn Storytelling: Building Suspense and Character Depth
One of the standout features of The Eternaut is how it takes its time to build tension. The first three episodes unfold deliberately, focusing on multiple groups of survivors and their reactions to the disaster. This slow pace isn’t a drawback—it’s a deliberate choice that pays off by allowing viewers to connect deeply with the characters.
Watching these characters navigate the sudden blackout, the snowstorm, and the breakdown of social order creates a palpable atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. The series avoids rushing into action, instead choosing to invest in world-building and emotional stakes. This focus on drama over constant brawls makes the story feel grounded and relatable.
Characters You’ll Root For: Juan Salvo and the Ensemble Cast
At the heart of The Eternaut is Juan Salvo, portrayed by the award-winning Argentine actor Ricardo Darín. Juan is not your typical apocalyptic hero; he’s a quietly brooding ex-soldier haunted by his wartime experiences. Darín’s performance strikes a perfect balance between strength and vulnerability, making Juan a deeply relatable and compelling protagonist.
- Juan Salvo: Skilled but flawed, Juan embodies the everyman caught in extraordinary circumstances.
- Supporting Characters: The show introduces a handful of survivors, each with unique backgrounds and motivations, creating interesting dynamics and interpersonal conflicts.
The series excels at portraying natural relationships and tensions, showing how stress and fear can bring people together or drive them apart. These character-driven moments are what give The Eternaut its emotional weight.
Visual Storytelling and Foreshadowing: Crafting a Haunting Atmosphere
The Eternaut uses visual cues and foreshadowing effectively to build suspense. From the eerie snowfall in the middle of a heatwave to cryptic imagery hinting at future events, the series crafts a sense of looming dread without revealing too much too soon.
Some of the visuals, like the cascading toxic snow, are convincingly rendered and enhance the apocalyptic mood. However, occasionally the CGI feels less polished, such as a train sequence that looks more like a model on tracks than a real train. While these moments don’t detract significantly from the overall experience, they are noticeable to eagle-eyed viewers.
Why Visual Foreshadowing Works Here
- It keeps viewers guessing about what will happen next.
- It maintains mystery without resorting to exposition dumps.
- It heightens emotional impact by hinting at trauma and violence without immediately showing it.
The Familiar Yet Engaging Plot: A Journey Through Apocalypse
Though The Eternaut is rooted in a graphic novel series published almost 70 years ago, some elements feel familiar to fans of post-apocalyptic fiction. The story touches on themes of societal collapse, survival, and the human instinct to band together, reminiscent of popular works like The Walking Dead and Lord of the Flies.
Despite this familiarity, the series does not feel stale. The arcs remain engaging, and the underlying mystery adds a fresh layer to the survival narrative. It’s less about the collapse itself and more about the journey that unfolds after the disaster—a journey filled with tension, hope, and unexpected twists.
Common Themes Explored in The Eternaut
- Breakdown of Society: How communities fracture and reform under pressure.
- Survival Instincts: What people are willing to do to stay alive.
- Human Relationships: The strain and support found in extreme circumstances.
- Mystery and Suspense: The unknown threat lurking beyond the toxic snow.
The Pacing and Structure: Balancing Patience and Payoff
One challenge some viewers might face with The Eternaut is its pacing. The first half of the six-episode season moves cautiously, focusing on character development and setting the stage. The big reveals and action sequences come later, providing a satisfying payoff for patient viewers.
The final episode stretches over an hour, ramping up suspense and culminating in an intense climax. However, the series ends on a cliffhanger, cutting off mid-story and leaving many questions unanswered. This unresolved ending might frustrate some, but it also builds anticipation for a potential second season.
How to Approach The Eternaut’s Pacing
- Embrace the slow build—focus on the characters and their interactions.
- Enjoy the mystery without expecting immediate answers.
- Prepare for a cliffhanger that sets up future storylines.
Performance Highlights: Ricardo Darín’s Subtle Brilliance
Ricardo Darín’s portrayal of Juan Salvo is one of the highlights of The Eternaut. His quiet, brooding demeanor fits the tone perfectly, showing a man who is observant and skeptical but deeply human. Darín’s performance avoids clichés of the “ex-military hero” and instead offers a nuanced character grappling with his past and the present chaos.
At times, Darín’s restrained acting might seem subtle, but it reflects Juan’s internal suspicions and cautious nature. This approach makes Juan someone viewers can root for—not because he’s invincible, but because he’s trying his best in impossible circumstances.
What’s Missing and What Could Be Improved?
While The Eternaut has many strengths, it’s not without flaws:
- Lack of Resolution: The cliffhanger ending leaves viewers hanging, which might be disappointing if a second season isn’t guaranteed.
- Occasional CGI Inconsistencies: Some visual effects don’t match the otherwise high production quality.
- Familiar Plot Elements: The story sometimes treads familiar ground, which could feel repetitive to seasoned sci-fi fans.
Despite these issues, the series’ overall quality and captivating storytelling outweigh the negatives.
Who Should Watch The Eternaut?
The Eternaut is ideal for viewers who enjoy:
- Slow-burning, character-driven sci-fi thrillers
- Post-apocalyptic survival stories with emotional depth
- Mysteries that unfold gradually with plenty of suspense
- Strong performances, especially by lead actors like Ricardo Darín
If you’re looking for nonstop action or quick answers, this might test your patience. But if you appreciate mood, atmosphere, and well-crafted characters, The Eternaut will reward your investment.
Final Thoughts: The Eternaut Deserves a Spot on Your Watchlist
Netflix’s The Eternaut is a compelling apocalyptic sci-fi thriller that combines mystery, survival, and emotional storytelling. With its slow-burn approach, strong lead performance, and intriguing premise, it stands out among 2025’s sci-fi offerings.
While the familiar themes and cliffhanger ending might leave some wanting more, the journey through the toxic snowstorm and fractured Buenos Aires is worth experiencing. It’s a show that invites reflection on human resilience and the bonds that hold us together when everything falls apart.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Couches
If you enjoy thoughtful sci-fi thrillers and don’t mind a slower pace, I highly recommend giving The Eternaut a watch. Just be prepared for a cliffhanger ending that will have you eagerly awaiting the next season.
Call to Action: Join the Conversation
Have you watched The Eternaut? What did you think of its slow-burn storytelling and mysterious plot? Do you have other favorite apocalyptic sci-fi series that keep you hooked episode after episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your recommendations!
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