The Resort

The Resort is a mystery comedy-drama television series that premiered on Peacock in 2022. Created by Andy Siara, known for his work on the film "Palm Springs," and executive produced by Sam Esmail, the mind behind "Mr. Robot," the show combines an engaging whodunnit puzzle with a deep exploration of love, relationships, and the passage of time.

The series revolves around a married couple, Emma and Noah, who find themselves at a crossroads in their relationship. Played by Cristin Milioti and William Jackson Harper, the pair embarks on a vacation to a tropical resort in the Yucatán Peninsula to celebrate their 10th anniversary and hopefully rekindle their romance. However, what was intended to be a blissful getaway quickly takes an unexpected turn when the couple stumbles upon an old mobile phone that contains mysterious clues about an unresolved incident involving two young vacationers who disappeared fifteen years prior.

The narrative structure of The Resort is woven through dual timelines. It concurrently follows Emma and Noah's present-day investigation into the disappearance of the young tourists, Sam and Violet, while also delving into the past events that led up to the enigmatic incident. The past timeline provides viewers with glimpses of the charm and experiences of these two missing individuals, played by Skyler Gisondo and Nina Bloomgarden, creating a poignant contrast against the backdrop of the ongoing mystery.

As the curious couple digs deeper into the history of the resort and the circumstances surrounding the cold case, they encounter an eclectic mix of characters, each with their unique secrets and quirks. These characters, including resort staff and other tourists, introduce both comedic relief and further layers of intrigue to the unfolding storyline. The series deftly manages to balance humorous situations and dark, compelling mysteries—a testament to the writing and the strong performances by the ensemble cast.

The creators have imbued The Resort with a surreal, almost dreamlike quality, which acts as both a thematic and visual motif throughout the show. This aesthetic choice enhances the central premise, which contemplates the nature of time, memory, and the complexity of human connections. The series invites viewers to ponder the choices they make, the relationships they hold dear, and the significance of experiences that leave indelible marks on their lives.

Emma, portrayed by Milioti with her signature mix of charisma and depth, becomes increasingly obsessed with the old case, seeing it as a way to escape from the burdens of her own life and inject a sense of purpose into her stagnating marriage. Harper’s Noah, on the other hand, is initially reluctant to participate in what he views as a distraction from their relationship issues. However, as they begin to unravel the strands of the long-forgotten mystery, their own bond is tested and redefined in ways they could not have anticipated.

Thematically, The Resort offers a rich tapestry of ideas. It explores the concept of nostalgia, the human desire to return to or cling onto a past version of oneself or a bygone era. It examines the often arbitrary lines between past and present, and how obsession with one can dramatically reshape the other. As the series progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the search is not just about finding out what happened to Sam and Violet; it’s also a journey of self-discovery for Emma and Noah.

The series is also notable for its scenic depiction of the tropical location, using the natural beauty of the setting to amplify the atmosphere and sentiment of the narrative. Cinematically, the lush environments and picturesque visuals serve as a stark counterpoint to the impending sense of foreboding that lingers as the plot thickens.

For fans of the genre, The Resort offers a well-crafted mix of humor and suspense, reminiscent of classic mystery capers but with a contemporary twist. Siara’s writing ensures that the series is filled with sharp dialogue and unexpected turns, while Esmail’s influence can be seen in the visually engaging storytelling and intricate plot design. The show steadily builds tension episode by episode, guiding the audience through a labyrinth of clues and red herrings that keep the ultimate resolution just out of reach until the very end.

In summary, The Resort is not merely a tale of unraveling a forgotten mystery but also a deep dive into the human psyche, relationships, and existential yearnings. It’s a show that challenges viewers to consider the impact of the past on the present, all while delivering a compelling story infused with wit and a touch of melancholy. With strong performances from its main and supporting cast, a gripping narrative, and a perfect balance of thematic depth with entertainment, The Resort stands out as a distinctive addition to the modern television landscape.