During the first half of the 20th century, two books were published that are still considered the most influential dystopias: George Orwell's 1984 (1949) and Aldous Huxley's You Beautiful New World (1932).
When Huxley's story of a body of society forced into obedience by chemically alternated will rather than dictatorial oppression becomes a television series, it is not, like its model, unique. Rather a close relative of several series and films from recent years: Westworld, The Hunger Games, Insurgent, The handmaid's tale, Black mirror and more.
In New London, all people are cultured in a lab and divided into strict classes: the ruling Alpha and Beta and the working delta, gamma and epsilon. Everyone is (in theory) happy to be part of the controlled body of society thanks to the lucky drug Soma that all citizens cram into themselves.
Family and monogamy are wiped out - it is neither necessary nor desirable because children are not allowed to be born naturally. If you have not changed sex partner in a couple of weeks, you are called in for a quarter call with a superior.
Of the dark visions Huxley envisioned, it is perhaps this that is closest to the present. The debate about the devaluation of love through dating apps and endless possibilities to choose, be chosen and be rejected has been discussed both in the academic field and in the literature and debate articles.
Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey) does most of the role as the rather flat screenwriting female lead Lenina, but there is not much to work with there. Instead, it is Harry Lloyd (The Theory of Everything) in the role of Bernard - who for some reason fails to feel the medicated happiness required of him - who shines. His combination of robotic politeness and sad deer eyes sets just the right tone.
Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A star wars story) who plays "Wild John" - a man born outside the system who is to be a representative of the real world outside New London - succeeds worse . John is supposed to represent the most human person in the story because he does not take Soma, but his chronically expressionless face makes one wonder if a little Soma is preferable after all?
The biggest contribution in the series is by set designer David Lee (Watchmen). New London's futuristic architecture looks like the 50's guessed what the 80's would look like and brings to mind both the Jetson Family and Blade runner. It reminds us that our civilization is not always as modern as we would like.
The same goes for the costume of Susie Coulthard. Everyone in New London wears monochrome, trendy "bright and fresh" clothes that feel just right for the "voluntary dictatorship" you want to portray.
On the whole, Brave new world stands out in the dystopian competition, even if it does not stand out. I will continue to watch.
The review comprises three of a total of nine sections. Brave new world is shown on HBO Nordic.