Don't Look Deeper

Don't Look Deeper is an intriguing science fiction drama series that launched on Quibi in 2020. Set in the not-so-distant future, specifically in Merced, California, the series places high-tech concepts in a familiar environment to create a unique narrative that hinges on futuristic technology while staying grounded in reality. Quibi, a streaming platform specializing in 'quick bites' of content (10 minutes or less), makes this sophisticated story accessible and comprehensible with its unique short-form format.

The series pivots around the life of high schooler Aisha, centralizing its plot on the dramatic and more relatable aspects of teenage life. Aisha, portrayed by Helena Howard, is a typical teenager grappling with the usual dilemmas of high school life including friendships, relationships, and looming college decisions. All seems normal, except Aisha often experiences vivid and unsettling nightmares that hint at a deeper issue. These mysterious dreams, coupled with high-stress situations, result in blackouts which she cannot explain.

The heart of the show lies in its exploration of the human condition and identity. The narrative starts to build a sense of unease when Aisha begins to suspect that something is amiss about her own existence. This personal crisis sends her on a journey to unravel the truth about herself. Her quest is embellished by the complex relationships she has with her concerned father Charles, played by Don Cheadle, her infatuated boyfriend Levi, portrayed by McKay, and her supportive best friend Jenny, portrayed by Emily Mortimer.

Methodically, Aisha's teen drama unfolds into a compelling narrative web entwining advanced technology, corporate conspiracies, and identity conflicts. Adding another layer to the story is the character of Sharon, brilliantly portrayed by Emily Mortimer, who works as a psychologist at Merced High School. The characters' paths cross, and mysteries unfold in an elegantly paced storyline, leaving the audience anticipating each new episode.

The setting sets the stage for commentary on pressing contemporary issues. The series deals with some potent themes like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other rapidly advancing technologies and their impact on human existence, identity, and society.

Helena Howard's strong performance as the questioning, introspective Aisha is the heartbeat of the series. The stellar supporting cast (Don Cheadle as Charles and Emily Mortimer as Sharon) help to weave the complex and compelling narrative. Their world-class performances add depth and nuance to the overall plot and aid the viewer in navigating through the intricate storyline.

Don't Look Deeper is a bold dive into the concepts of self-awareness, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion set amidst the backdrop of a technological dystopia. Catherine Hardwicke, known for her work on the Twilight series, served as one of the directors of the series, alongside creators Jeffrey Lieber and Charlie McDonnell. The trio expertly employs elements of suspense, mystery, and drama to present a series that keeps the audiences hooked.

Don’t Look Deeper stands as a testament to Quibi’s innovative approach to content creation, offering its audience a high-quality, high-concept science fiction drama in a digestible format. The ambitious story, the talented cast, and the mysterious narrative and themes make for an engaging watch. Despite running for less than 10 minutes each, the episodes skillfully accommodate a detailed narrative, delivering a rich story that reflects on the profound philosophical questions of our time.

Don't Look Deeper proves to be more than just a sci-fi teen drama. It offers a thrilling exploration of identity, self-realization, and the implications of technological advancements. Its society mirrors our own - wrestling with the boundaries of the real and the artificial, and asking what it truly means to be human.