Manifest: The Movie
"Manifest" is a thought-provoking drama series that delves into the mysterious and supernatural. Created by Jeff Rake, the show initially aired on NBC before gaining renewed attention on Netflix, following its cancellation. This review covers the series as a whole, emphasizing its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact.
Plot and Concept
"Manifest" revolves around Montego Air Flight 828, which mysteriously reappears after being presumed lost for over five years. For the passengers and crew, only a few hours have passed, but the world has moved on. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a blend of mystery, science fiction, and drama, exploring themes of fate, faith, and human connections.
The central narrative follows the Stone family—siblings Michaela (Melissa Roxburgh) and Ben (Josh Dallas), along with Ben's son, Cal (Jack Messina)—as they and other passengers grapple with their new reality. They experience strange, prophetic "callings" that guide them to help others, adding a supernatural element to the unfolding mystery.
Characters and Performances
The character development in "Manifest" is one of its stronger aspects. Melissa Roxburgh delivers a compelling performance as Michaela Stone, a NYPD detective whose life is thrown into chaos by her return. Her struggles with guilt and destiny are portrayed with emotional depth. Josh Dallas, as Ben Stone, embodies the determination and protective instincts of a father desperate to keep his family safe while uncovering the truth behind the flight's disappearance.
Supporting characters also shine, particularly Athena Karkanis as Grace Stone, Ben's wife, who must reconcile her past choices with the sudden return of her husband and son. Parveen Kaur's portrayal of Saanvi Bahl, a brilliant scientist and fellow passenger, adds a layer of scientific inquiry to the mysterious occurrences.
Narrative and Pacing
"Manifest" excels in building suspense and keeping viewers engaged with its central mystery. Each episode typically introduces new clues and challenges, maintaining a steady pace that balances character-driven drama with the overarching supernatural plot. However, the series sometimes struggles with maintaining coherence, occasionally veering into convoluted subplots and exposition-heavy dialogue.
Themes and Symbolism
The show delves into profound themes such as destiny, second chances, and the interconnectedness of human lives. The "callings" serve as a narrative device to explore these themes, raising questions about free will and higher powers. Religious and philosophical undertones are woven throughout the series, prompting viewers to reflect on the nature of miracles and the unknown.
Cinematography and Production Values
Visually, "Manifest" boasts high production values, with impressive special effects that enhance the supernatural elements without overshadowing the human drama. The use of flashbacks to pre-disappearance lives of the passengers adds depth to their characters and provides context for their post-return struggles. The cinematography effectively captures the tension and urgency of the unfolding mystery.
Conclusion
"Manifest" is an engaging series that captivates with its original premise and emotional storytelling. While it occasionally falters in narrative complexity, the strong performances and intriguing plot twists keep viewers invested. Its exploration of fate and human resilience resonates, making it a thought-provoking addition to the genre. Fans of mystery and supernatural drama will find "Manifest" a compelling watch, despite its imperfections.
