Why Amazon Original series “Undone” Is So Different
The Amazon Original series Undone had been on my watchlist for months. I had heard the rave reviews; a stunningly beautiful series, a unique and diverse story, unlike any show before it. My issue, though, was that I couldn’t really get behind the genre. A sci-fi mini-series that dealt in time traveling? It did not sound like my kind of thing.
My prejudice in television is my love for the show Bojack Horseman, a Netflix Original series that deals with addiction and trauma. It’s not for everyone, but its originality makes it stand out. The show’s creativity does not stop at the creation of a mixed animal and human world in which the story takes place. In ‘Free Churro’ (season 5, episode 6), Bojack monologues for the entire duration of the episode. His comedic insights and the darker revelations throughout his speech drive the plot forward despite the fact that, in terms of the narrative, nothing is happening. Conversely, in ‘Fish Out of Water’ (season 3, episode 4), there is less than three minutes of dialogue. Despite this lack of dialogue, the story still carries on with its usual hijinks and intimate divulgence.
You’re probably wondering how any of this is relevant. Yes, I do love the show, but the reason I’m sharing this is that both Bojack and Undone were co-created by the same people; creator and showrunner Raphael Bob-Waksberg, and writer-producer Kate Purdy. Therefore it is from the same innovators in television that gave us a silent episode following a horse underwater, that also brought to us the fantastical realist episodes of Undone. This connection is ultimately why I finally decided to check it out, and it is for Undone’s ingenuity and merit that I am now urging you to watch it, too.
The people who recommended Undone to me were right. It is undoubtedly a science-fiction based series, and the concept of time travel is deeply woven into the fabric of the show’s premise. If that sounds appealing to you, you should go and watch it. If it doesn’t, you should still go and watch it. The story follows a woman in her late twenties named Alma, who feels adrift in life, miserable at the monotony of adulthood but unsure how to change this. Her mother and younger sister - who is getting married before her - both nag Alma about her life. Only after a near-death experience is Alma’s relationship with space and time completely altered. The show follows an oftentimes frustrating journey as Alma tries to uncover the truth behind the death of her father. The show also features diverse characters, particularly highlighting the experience of Alma, a mixed-race, Hispanic, and deaf woman, as well as issues relating to mental illness and family.
Like Bojack, Undone presents its story in game-changing ways. Most outstanding is the visual style of the show, notably the use of rotoscope animation, where motion picture footage is traced frame by frame to create a hyper-realistic animated image. This technique has been most famously used by director Richard Linklater in his films Waking Life (2001) and A Scanner Darkly (2006). Rotoscope animation was actually the original method for animating, although it is rarely seen in film and practically never seen in television today. With this style, Undone visually represents the multifaceted nature of reality that the show explores. In addition to its aesthetics, the show also uses nonlinear storytelling and sometimes switches perspectives, temporarily departing from Alma’s inner reality. Because of this structure, Undone becomes an enigma for viewers to follow.
The show also features many underrated and talented actors and actresses. Many of the performances are impressive, but Rosa Salazar as Alma is particularly spectacular. Salazar is a beyond capable actress who shines in the lead role, as she plays out raw and emotional reactions to the many distressing scenarios that are thrown Alma’s way.
There are very few cons of the show, but it is worth mentioning that the depiction of mental illness may be slightly problematic. Alma’s mental illness is heavily linked to her spiritual awakening, particularly her changed relationship with time and space. Through its reference to shamanism in tandem with Alma’s spiritual awakening, the show (rather dangerously) suggests the existence of a link between spirituality and mental illness. Thus far, the creators have been able to walk this fine line without overtly portraying the connection between the two, but hopefully this relationship will become clearer in the coming season.
With only eight episodes so far and each episode clocking in at under half an hour, Undone is a quick binge. Not to brag, but I watched it in a day. I wouldn’t exactly call it a light watch, but it is considered a ‘dramedy’ and features lighthearted moments throughout. You can find it on Prime Video, so I suggest that when you have a few hours, head over there.