Netflix 'Archive 81': 5 things to know about the found-footage horror series
Netflix has an abundance of amazing horror titles and the streaming platform keeps on expanding the catalog with new additions every now and then. The streaming platform is set to take viewers on a thrilling journey with its latest horror series titled ‘Archive 81’.
The upcoming series falls in the “found footage” sub-genre, which has been a staple of horror for many decades now. It started with the 1980 movie ‘Cannibal Holocaust’ and since then, we have seen a lot of movies in that particular sub-genre. The movie that made it famous was actually ‘The Blair Witch Project’ (2001). Since then, movies like ‘Cloverfield’, ‘The Devil Inside’ and ‘Paranormal Activity’ have taken this genre to greater heights.
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As far as the Netflix series is concerned, ‘Archive 81’ revolves around a man named Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie), who is an archivist and is given the responsibility of restoring a collection of damaged videotapes from 1994. However, his world turns upside down when he gets to know the reality of those tapes and he gets to know about a cult operating at the Visser Apartment building. The series is backed by some of the biggest names in the industry, including James Wan.
So, we can expect some good thrills and chills from the upcoming project. Here’s everything we know about ‘Archive 81’.
When does ‘Archive 81’ release and where can you watch it
The horror series will be premiering exclusively on Netflix on Friday, January 14. According to the Netflix Press Site, the show will be available for streaming at 3:01 am EST. Viewers can watch the series by downloading the Netflix app and taking a subscription.
What is ‘Archive 81’ all about?
The official synopsis reads, “The show follows archivist Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie), who takes a job restoring a collection of damaged videotapes from 1994. Reconstructing the work of a documentary filmmaker named Melody Pendras (Dina Shihabi), he is drawn into her investigation of a dangerous cult at the Visser apartment building. As the season unfolds across these two timelines, Dan slowly finds himself obsessed with uncovering what happened to Melody. When the two characters form a mysterious connection, Dan becomes convinced he can save her from the terrifying end she met 25 years ago.”
Who stars in the Netflix horror series?
Mamoudoue Athie will be playing the role of Dan Tuner on the show while Dina Shihabi portrays the character of Melody Pendras. ‘Dunkirk’ star Martin Donovan also has a pivotal role in the series and will be seen playing a guy named Virgil.
Mamoudou Athie
The Mauritanian-American actor began his career in 2015 with cameo roles in the feature film ‘Experimenter’ and TV show ‘Madam Secretary’. His first major acting role on TV came in 2016 with ‘The Get Down’. In 2017, he starred in the movie ‘The Circle’ opposite Tom Hanks and Emma Watson. 2019 turned out to be his biggest year as he was nominated an Emmy Award for his acting in ‘Oh Jerome, No’.
Athie will be next seen in ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ alongside Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt.
Other actors to feature on the series include Ariana Neal as Jess, Matt McGorry as Mark, Evan Jonigkeit as Samuel, Julia Chan as Anabelle, and Kate Eastman as Tamara Stefano.
Showrunners
Rebecca Thomas, who is known for directing ‘Stranger Things,’ has directed the first four episodes of the series. Meanwhile, Evan Bleiweiss, Paul Harris Boardman, Helen Leigh, and Rebecca Sonnenshine have written the series.
On the other hand, James Wan, Rebecca Sonnenshine, Rob Heckett, Michael Clear, Paul Harris Boardman, and Marc Sollinger serve as executive producers on the show.
Wan is known for creating the ‘The Conjuring’ universe while Sonnenshine is known for producing shows like ‘The Boys’ and ‘The Vampire Diaries’.
Trailer
The trailer sees Dan Turner (Athie) trying to restore tapes that have been partially destroyed by fire. However, as soon as he sees what’s in those tapes, he gets to know that these are not any ordinary tapes. The mystery around Melody Pendras’ disappearance gets even more unsettling when Athie gets to know about a cult associated with the case. You can watch the trailer here.