1.01 – Strain Theory – Posthuman Review

Posted by Samuel Walters

Posthuman is a new web series that is a fascinating hybrid of science fiction and film-noir styles. The first episode, titled “Strain Theory,” is tasked with establishing the show’s signature black-and-white aesthetic, introducing its main character, and establishing a mystery — essentially it must provide a sufficiently intriguing window into the world of the series that will lure audiences back for future installments. To that end, the episode is successful, despite a number of technical glitches that reinforce that this is the first effort from a new production team.

What is immediately noticeable is the look and atmosphere of the series. The cinematography is solid, and the real-world setting grounds the film-noir style in such a way that it allows viewers to accept the more fictional elements of the story — namely that main character Charlie Porter is hearing voices, that the sun rarely shines brightly, and that there are cloners for hire in a place called The Ghetto.

But the episode is not without some technical issues. The sound isn’t particularly helpful in conveying the dialogue and the editing results in a glaring “pop” with every transition. Considering this is a “first ever” presentation by DragonGem Productions, these moments are understandable. And the good news is that, by the second installment, they have been corrected.

In this episode:

Private Investigator Charlie Porter wakes up to the sound of a whispered voice.
A woman knocks on his door, looking to hire him for a job.
She remarks, “It’s bright out for once.”
Charlie wonders why she would choose him for a job.
She says to Charlie, “We’re both desperate.”
She wants Charlie to look for her partner.
She sent her partner to The Ghetto to find a cloner.
A lot of killing happened in The Ghetto
She says, it’s my partner’s voice you’re hearing inside your head.

“Strain Theory” is a successful introduction to the Posthuman world. The writing and style of the installment make it very easy for viewers to engage with the story being told. A few improvements with sound and editing would have made a big difference. But they are not enough to keep the episode from achieving its purpose.