Created by James Dormer, Nautilus is a new adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Episodes 1 and 2 have dropped tonight, June 29, on AMC and AMC+.
Right off the bat, I have to mention how gorgeous the sets are. The show is set in 1857, a time with opulent architecture and style, all of which is rendered beautifully in Nautilus. There is plenty of action, some of which is reminiscent of the Indiana Jones movies. There are fun bits of humor in there too.
Let’s take a look at the first episode. It’s a basic but necessary introduction to the characters and scenario.
Nautilus review: Episode 1, "Anahata"
Nemo (Shazad Latif) is a penal colony slave laborer working on the construction of a new submersible ship called the Nautilus. He and other slaves are conspiring with the ship's designer, Gustave Benoit (Thierry Frémont), to break free and steal the ship from the British East India Company.
Nemo is an imperfect hero. He’s passionate and reckless at times; harsh and vengeful often. It’s explained by the death of his family. That doesn’t make all of his actions right, but I do like that he can be talked down by his comrades when he is at his worst. He also has his compassionate moments and plenty of bravado. He trades his simple garments for a suit…more proper clothes for a man of his family station.
We’re also introduced to Director Crawley (Damien Garvey), who hunts Nemo after he steals the Nautilus. Crawley is ruthless and just as recklessly driven as Nemo but with a love for stabbing people. He’s a great villain. Everything he does is for himself.
Once Nemo and his compatriots successfully escape with the Nautilus, they encounter one of the company’s ships. With a strafing run, they use Nautilus’ metal fins to slice open the ship and sink it.
Nemo is convinced to save the survivors, but only takes the women and children. He leaves Crawley with the other company men. They are eventually rescued.
Blaster (Kayden Price) is a young boy who served on the doomed company ship. He’s quick and resourceful. The other two rescued people are both women. I don’t believe women were on the Nautilus in the novel.
Humility (Georgia Flood) was on her way to meet with her fiancé in Bombay. I find Humility’s pushiness annoying and hope she evolves. Her dog is used often as a plot catalyst; he’s adorable. Along with her is hired companion Loti (Céline Menville). Both women are strong-willed and can hold their own against the men. They are unafraid to work along side them as well.
Nemo sets his sights on Viking ruins rumored to contain treasure. They're located in a treacherous area of the sea, but this does’t dissuade him.
But there are dangers: a huge iron dreadnought is sent to hunt down Nemo and retrieve the Nautilus. It’s new captain is the same man who captained the sunken ship: Youngblood (Jacob Collins-Levy).
I love that, upon encountering a whale pod, Benoit says, “This is the only treasure that matters.” He wants to use the Nautilus to explore Earth’s oceans.
The episode ends with the Nautilus slowly sinking, unable to rise due to power failures.
This series’ action is engaging and the characters are interesting, particularly the quirky ones. I would call the show family-friendly. I’m enjoying Nautilus already.
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