Survive

Survive is a thrilling drama series that first debuted on Quibi in 2020. The show is an adaptation of the novel of the same name written by Alex Morel with the narrative unfurling across a series of bite-sized, 10-minute episodes. Combining a compressed, intense narrative with an exploration of mental health issues, it offers a gripping account of the struggle for survival under the most dire of circumstances.

The series stars Sophie Turner, best known for her role as Sansa Stark in the iconic series Game of Thrones, opposite Corey Hawkins who has accrued a strong body of work in successful films and series such as Straight Outta Compton and The Walking Dead. It represents Turner's first major television role post Game of Thrones, demonstrating her ability to channel powerful emotions and lend credibility to her character's internal struggles.

Turner plays Jane, a troubled young woman battling demons of her own who finds herself in the fight of her life. As she is returning home from a stay at Lifehouse, a mental health facility where she is receiving treatment for suicidal thoughts, her plane crashes on a remote, snow-covered mountain. Jane and Paul, portrayed by Corey Hawkins, are the only survivors of the accident. They must work together to overcome not just the physical challenges that Mother Nature presents in this barren, frozen wasteland, but the mental ones as well.

Over the course of the series, viewers witness Jane and Paul's harrowing journey as they traverse the unforgiving wilderness, battling not only the bitter cold and other natural threats but also their own personal challenges. The dynamic between Jane and Paul evolves over the course of the series as they learn to trust each other and even find strength in their shared struggle. However, their pasts are never far behind, making their quest for survival an examination into the human psyche and the will to survive against all odds.

In addition to the physical survival element of the story, Survive adds layers of depth as it explores the mental health struggles of its protagonists. It delves into Jane's mental state, her battles with her own mind while also confronting the realities of her past and her reasons for being in a mental health facility in the first place. Her mental health journey is an integral part of the character study that Survive offers and adds a poignant dimension to the survival drama.

Survive also shines in terms of its technical accomplishments. Its breathtaking visuals and stark juxtapositions between the tranquil yet deadly natural environment, and the mental turmoil the characters face aids in building the tension and underlines the severity of their ordeal. The cinematography, visual effects, and the atmospheric score all work in harmony to give this adventure an intensely immersive feel.

With that said, Survive could best be described as an intense character-driven drama, adroitly enhanced by a survival narrative. The series presents an intriguing blend of action, suspense, and psychological exploration that will undoubtedly keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Despite airing on the short-lived mobile-first platform Quibi, Survive manages to tell a compelling story in short running episodes that manage to capture the attention of viewers from the very outset. The show puts forward some thought-provoking themes relating to mental health, human resilience, and primal survival instincts combined with intense drama and gripping storytelling.

Survive is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Even in times of sheer adversity, it shows how humans can dig deep within themselves to find the will to keep going. It also paints a vivid picture of the struggles of mental health, and how it can be just as challenging to survive in one's own mind as it is in the wild. It is a story of courage, determination, friendship, and the power of the human spirit. It paints the terrifying reality of a survival saga while reflecting upon the internal struggles we face every day. Despite its brevity, Survive is a thought-provoking show that lingers long after the credits roll.