The opening shot of Into the Night sets the tone with stark efficiency: a man in a hazmat suit staring at the sun through shattered glass, his reflection cracking like a windshield under pressure. This is Jason George’s Belgian sci-fi thriller, a series that takes the premise of global annihilation and turns it into a claustrophobic survival saga set almost entirely on an overnight flight from Brussels.

The first season follows a disparate group of passengers who become unlikely allies when sunlight suddenly becomes lethal. The plane, hijacked by a desperate NATO soldier (Stefano Cassetti), becomes their lifeline as they race westward to evade the deadly rays. The ensemble cast—led by Pauline Étienne’s Sylvie, a former military pilot, and Laurent Capelluto’s Mathieu, the co-pilot—is where the series finds its strength. Étienne’s performance is particularly compelling; her character’s military background gives her an edge, but it’s her emotional vulnerability that anchors the story. She carries the weight of survival with a steely resolve, yet her moments of doubt and fear make Sylvie relatable. Capelluto’s Mathieu, meanwhile, brings a quiet intensity to the role of the reluctant leader. His performance is understated but powerful, embodying the moral dilemmas and physical exhaustion of a man thrust into a leadership position he never wanted.

The series thrives on tension and atmosphere. The confined setting of the plane allows for tight, suspenseful scenes where every decision could mean life or death. The cinematography is sleek and functional, with long takes that heighten the sense of urgency. The first season’s pacing is deliberate but never dull, balancing character development with high-stakes action. The soundtrack, minimalist yet haunting, amplifies the eerie tension. The series’ ability to maintain suspense in such a limited setting is reminiscent of classic disaster films like Snakes on a Plane, but with a more grounded, realistic approach.

However, Into the Night isn’t without its flaws. The second season stumbles slightly when it shifts focus to a NATO bunker in Bulgaria, losing some of the claustrophobic intensity that made the first season so gripping. The introduction of new characters and political intrigue adds layers but also dilutes the cohesion of the original premise. Some plot points feel contrived, particularly the sudden influx of military personnel with hidden agendas. The series seems to struggle with its identity, torn between being a character-driven survival story and a geopolitical thriller.

The performances remain a highlight, though not all characters are given equal depth. Mehmet Kurtuluş’s Ayaz, for instance, brings a grounded humanity to his role as a nightclub owner turned survivor. His performance is nuanced, adding a layer of warmth and humor that contrasts with the series’ darker themes. Jan Bijvoet’s Rik adds a layer of moral ambiguity that keeps the narrative engaging. His character’s journey from security guard to reluctant hero is one of the series’ most compelling arcs.

The series also excels in its portrayal of resource scarcity and human desperation. The way the characters adapt to their new reality—scavenging for food, rationing fuel, and making impossible choices—is both realistic and harrowing. However, it occasionally leans into sci-fi tropes without fully exploring their implications. For example, the sudden appearance of a NATO bunker feels somewhat convenient, and the series doesn’t delve deeply enough into the scientific or political ramifications of the global catastrophe.

Thematically, Into the Night explores the fragile nature of human civilization and the bonds that form in times of crisis. The characters’ interactions are often tense and fraught with suspicion, but there are also moments of unexpected camaraderie and sacrifice. The series doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of survival, such as betrayal and moral compromise, but it also highlights the resilience of the human spirit.

In terms of originality, the series stands out for its unique setting and premise. However, it sometimes struggles to differentiate itself from other post-apocalyptic narratives. While the first season is a tight, suspenseful ride, the second season’s expansion feels uneven, as if the show couldn’t decide whether to be a character study or a political thriller.

Into the Night is a series that starts strong but loses some of its way. It’s a compelling watch for fans of sci-fi and survival thrillers, particularly those who enjoy the tension and atmosphere of confined settings. However, it may not fully satisfy viewers looking for deeper exploration of its themes or more consistent character development.

For those who enjoy tightly plotted, suspenseful dramas with a focus on survival and human resilience, Into the Night is worth a watch. But be prepared for some uneven storytelling in the second season.