The War of the Worlds (2019)

This is a new BBC mini series based on the familiar and often filmed HG Wells' science fiction about the invasion of earth by Martians written in 1898. Publicity notes inform us that his is the first time that the story is set in the right time and place as the original story was written. However, it seems most of the characters and story is not from the novel so making this so called adaptation much like its predecessors where the only element of the story that remained intact is the invasion of unfriendly aliens from Mars. I suppose HG Wells was probably way ahead of his time with this story concept and hence, his name lives on forever as the author of one of the most filmed science fiction stories.

The big question is of course is this latest interpretation any good? Alas, I have to report that I did not like this. Despite the opportunity to be unique by having an alien invasion story take place in the early 1900's the series is booooooring. The main story of an adulterous love affair seems a bit out of place and frankly not very interesting, which meant it only served the purpose of slowing the plot down. The technique of jumping back and forth in timeline also did not help with the narration and I actually found it annoying as it often broke the momentum of the story. At the end, none of the characters came out to be particularly likeable or worthy of the viewers' sympathies.

Don't let the dramatic promotional photos fool you. There is very little aliens action. The special effects were in modest scale and nothing to shout about. Having said that, I feel that you don't necessarily need to show off expensive special effects in order to be entertaining. Clever directing and editing can often be just as effective in making fantasy scenes standout.

I understand that the series appears to be facing some internal issues in BBC as its telecast in UK has been delayed. This version I saw was originally telecast on New Zealand television, and presented as two rather lengthy 85 minutes episodes. BBC's name is synonymous with quality British productions especially the costumed and period pieces). The War of the Worlds is sadly not typical BBC quality and probably struggling to get a proper release date due to self realisation of it being not up to standard.