Anamnesis

Anamnesis is a thought-provoking, psychological sci-fi drama series that premiered in 2015 on Fullscreen, a now-defunct subscription video-on-demand platform, known to bring unique and captivating indie series to its platform. The show is a televisual evolution of an award-winning short film of the same name and dutifully retains its predecessor's profound essence and aesthetic texture.

Anamnesis can best be described as a journey through the mysteries of the mind. The series delves into the unchartered realm of the human psyche, presenting viewers with an engrossing narrative rooted deeply in philosophical and psychological exploration. The title "Anamnesis", which refers to the process of recalling past experiences, itself sets the tone for the series, foreshadowing its deep exploration of memory, dreams, human consciousness, and the intertwining of reality and illusion.

The show takes its audience on an intricately woven journey with its ensemble cast of everyday individuals. Each character is subtly developed and has their respective storylines, revealing their struggles, victories, and individual perspectives. They are linked by an exceptional shared phenomenon; each experiences lucid dreams that not only feel incredibly real but also seem to have significant repercussions on their waking lives.

An important character is Adam, a nonchalant bike messenger who begins experiencing recurring, incredibly vivid dreams about an eerie, mysterious woman he has never met before. Another key character is Hannah, a pragmatic artist battling to come to terms with possibly losing her artistic abilities and dealing with the repercussions of surviving a catastrophic incident. We also follow the journey of Sean, a solipsistic philosophy student who is engrossed in dissecting the concept of lucid dreaming. As these characters navigate through their ordinary, day-to-day lives, they start noticing an uncanny overlap between their lucid dreams and reality, questioning their own sanity and the nature of existence itself.

Anamnesis has a pervasive dreamlike quality, thanks to the expertly designed narrative that blurs the lines between dreams and reality in an intriguing manner. Through their shared and personal experiences with lucid dreaming, the characters slowly reveal layers of the overarching plot narrative that is rooted deeply in uncovering the truth about human consciousness.

Visually, the series adeptly uses its cinematography to evoke the right emotions. Subtle shifts in lighting and camera angles are used to differentiate between dream sequences and reality effectively. The sometimes elegant, sometimes eerie imagery contrasts brilliantly with the intricate narrative to create a mystifying atmosphere that permeates the entire viewing experience.

As the series progresses, it becomes evident that every seemingly insignificant detail or casual narrative thread potentially holds immense significance, stirring curiosity and suspense in the viewers. The deft storytelling of Anamnesis ensures that its audience is continually guessing and questioning, keeping them engaged and emotionally invested in the characters' journeys.

Its soundtrack, packed with serene and sometimes haunting melodies, greatly enhances the show's overall narrative, creating an impressive marriage of visual and audio storytelling. The show's creators have done an excellent job of creating compelling suspense while exploring unconventional themes not commonly seen in mainstream television.

While primarily a psychological thriller, Anamnesis also manages to weave social and emotional themes into its narrative. Relationships, personal dilemmas, societal expectations, and the human tendency to question existence and reality add a sense of relatability and depth to the otherwise complex and abstract main narrative.

The strength of Anamnesis lies in its originality. It doesn't merely explore the concept of dreams as separate from reality but probes the intriguing possibility of the two domains being interconnected. The show raises questions about the nature of reality, personal identity, and consciousness, making it appealing to curious minds eager to engage with profound existential themes.

In conclusion, Anamnesis is a commendable entrant into the world of indie sci-fi dramas. Its inquisitiveness about human consciousness and the mystery surrounding lucid dreams gives it a unique identity. It inspires viewers not just to accept the narrative as it unfolds but to participate actively in the unraveling of the grand psychological mystery. It's an underrated gem that enthralls audiences with its philosophical, thought-evoking narrative and its technical brilliance, leaving them with a memorable viewing experience that lingers long after the screen goes dark.