While scrolling through the vast menu screen that is HBO Max, I happened upon a show called The Head. Its official synopsis describes the series as “a six-episode survival thriller set in an isolated and inaccessible Antarctic research station” and that’s all I had to read before adding the show to my watchlist.
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the SyFy original series Helix which had a similar initial premise and frozen setting; however, that show went off the rails. And I say that with all the love in my heart. It wasn’t long before that series fully embraced science fiction and camp and I enjoyed every absurd minute of it. (It’s currently streaming for free on Tubi.) But it also never really fulfilled my craving for a good ol’ psychological thriller with a side of horror.
The Head on the other hand fits that bill. It’s grounded in reality, which only adds the innate suspense of watching a locked room mystery. Had I not started watching it on a Sunday night I would have binged it all in one sitting, instead I was responsible and stopped after the first four episodes. I picked it back up first thing Monday morning and then watched the finale during my lunch break. It was that good.
Bundle Up With The Head
The whodunit murder mystery that The Head carries throughout it’s six episodes is well paced and well executed. I’d say there’s also a small dash of Rashomon thrown in for good measure as the survivors’ narratives clash, overlap, and diverge as the story unfolds. I honestly don’t even want to give away any more plot details, because I think this is one of those shows that you’re better off going in blind. Don’t even watch the trailer. I saw it after the fact and it’s definitely a little revealing.
However, I will say that The Head was completely satisfying from start to finish. The twists and turns all track and the characters make mostly logical decisions throughout, which I greatly appreciated considering the fact that they’re supposed to be brilliant doctors and scientists. Solid acting from the ensemble undoubtedly helped too. The final reveal and conclusions are likewise satisfactory, I may even have clapped a little while watching the final few moments.
Bottom line, if you’ve got HBO Max and can stand looking at a wintry landscape for a little bit longer then press play on The Head. It’s dark, but oh so engaging.
Live outside the United States? No problem, click here to see what channels or streaming platforms The Head is available on in your country.
