The Rain is a Danish post-apocalyptic sci-fi TV series that originally aired from 2018 to 2020. It was created by Jannik Tai Mosholt, Esben Toft Jacobsen, and Christian Potalivo. The series, which consists of three seasons and a total of 20 episodes, is set in a world where a deadly virus, carried by rainfall, has wiped out most of the population in Scandinavia, and potentially the world.
Plot Summary
The show follows Simone and her younger brother Rasmus, two siblings who survive the pandemic in isolation in a bunker for six years. After they leave the safety of their underground shelter, they must navigate a world where society has collapsed, and the virus has mutated into a deadly, contagious rain that kills anyone who is exposed to it. As they travel across Scandinavia in search of safety and answers, they encounter a group of survivors, and together they try to uncover the truth behind the virus, while facing dangers from both the environment and hostile human factions.
Key Themes:
- Survival: A central theme of the show is survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The characters must rely on their wits and teamwork to survive in an increasingly dangerous environment.
- Family: The sibling relationship between Simone and Rasmus is at the heart of the show, with their bond playing a key role in their journey and survival.
- Human Nature: The show explores how humans behave under extreme circumstances, both in terms of cooperation and conflict, as the survivors encounter other groups of people who may or may not have their best interests at heart.
- Scientific Discovery: A large part of the narrative revolves around uncovering the origins of the virus and exploring how science and genetics play a role in the post-apocalyptic world.
Reception:
“The Rain” was generally well-received for its strong world-building, suspenseful plot, and the performances of its cast, particularly the young actors who played the siblings. The show is often compared to other post-apocalyptic series, such as The 100 or The Walking Dead, but it has a more grounded, character-driven focus. It was praised for its atmosphere, and its exploration of the consequences of environmental disaster and viral pandemics, which resonated with contemporary audiences, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While it didn’t achieve the same level of mainstream attention as some other Netflix series, “The Rain” earned a dedicated fanbase for its captivating storytelling and relatable characters. The show’s end in 2020 left many fans with a sense of closure, but it also opened up discussions about climate change, pandemics, and humanity’s response to catastrophic events.