Black Narcissus

Black Narcissus is a beguiling, atmospheric miniseries from FX that released in 2020. This three-part drama was engendered from the 1939 novel of the same name written by English author Margaret Rumer Godden, and is also a remake of the 1947 film. The series is predominantly set against the glorious backdrop of the distant Himalayas, brilliantly captured by cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen, and this setting is a fundamental part of the tale's suspense, stark beauty, and palpable tension.

The timeline of the show is set in 1934 and starts with a group of British nuns from the order of the Servants of Mary, who are sent to a secluded palace perched high on a Himalayan cliff, the Palace of Mopu. This old harem was previously known as the 'House of Women'. The mission behind this journey is to establish a new branch of the order that will provide medical assistance and education to the local people. However, mysterious forces and the haunting beauty of the palace begin to challenge their pious chastity and strict discipline, triggering disturbing events and threatening their sanity.

The principal character is Sister Clodagh, portrayed impressively by Gemma Arterton, who is appointed as the youngest Sister Superior of her order. With this position comes the overwhelming responsibility of leading her sisters to Mopu and transforming the erotically charged palace into a consecrated nunnery, an endeavor full of unseen trials and tribulations. She's battling not only her own mounting fears and insecurities but also the growing tension among the sisters.

Accompanying Sister Clodagh on this arduous journey are four other nuns, each with their distinct traits that get intensified as the plot unfolds. Sister Ruth (Aisling Franciosi) has an unstable mind, Sister Briony (Rosie Cavaliero) is hardworking, Sister Philippa (Karen Bryson) is a skilled gardener, and Sister Blanche, also known as Sister Honey (Pansi Down), is a cheerful soul with her faith steadfastly intact.

The series isn't just about the sisterhood of the nuns. One fascinating character is Mr. Dean, portrayed by the charming Alessandro Nivola. An Englishman working as the agent of the local general, Dean frequently visits the nuns to offer his assistance. His character becomes an essential pivot of the show, stimulating an array of impassioned responses from the nuns. More so, his handsome and worldly charm triggers suppressed desires and emotions within the sisterhood.

Adding to the mesmerizing portrayals by the ensemble cast is the set's ambiance. The constant interplay between tranquility and tension is brilliantly captured in the grand, eerily beautiful, and isolating Himalayan locale. The palace is filled with vibrant memories of the past, radiating an enigmatic aura that incarcerates the nuns in its magic and spell. The grand decor of the palace, with its intoxicating frescoes, mirrors a paradise lost that slowly destabilizes the nuns' spiritual stillness.

The mini-series often cuts from the alien beauty of the mountains back to the Sisters’ bleak, colorless lives back home, emphasizing the heavy contrast between the two worlds and the enormous test of faith the Sisters face in their new Himalayan endeavor.

Above all, what makes 'Black Narcissus' truly noteworthy is its stunning exploration of personal faith, mental wellness, and the psychological complexities of spirituality, oppression, and desire. It deals with numerous themes – the most prevalent being the power of place - how one's surroundings can change perception, stir old memories, and awaken dormant desires. In the process, the nuns must confront their past, while struggling with their own inner demons, desires and the ravages of isolation.

Overall, Black Narcissus beautifully marries psychological drama with a touch of gothic horror. It's a tightly knotted narrative rife with unsaid words, raveled emotions, and restrained passions. This isn't a series filled with overt, dramatic moments but instead quietly unpacks its plot spy thread by spy thread, teasing out the intricacies of the human spirit and its struggles within the confines of faith and desire. It comes with a caveat: it takes its time and will require some patience on behalf of its viewers. However, with its outstanding performances, excellent production values, and evocative narrative, it's a journey well worth undertaking for fans of character-driven series set against the dramatic backdrop of yesteryears.