Discover the Mind-Bending Blend of Sci-Fi, Drama, and Mystery in the Groundbreaking Series 'Undone'
Aleksey Khromov
Aleksey Khromov 4 years ago
Film and Television Critic, Podcast Host #Inspiring Movies & TV Shows
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Discover the Mind-Bending Blend of Sci-Fi, Drama, and Mystery in the Groundbreaking Series 'Undone'

Explore the unique storytelling of 'Undone,' a visually stunning series that weaves time travel, family dynamics, and a gripping mystery into an unforgettable experience.

Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary visual style, intricate time travel sequences, and a heartfelt exploration of family bonds.

Available now on Amazon Prime, the eight-episode series 'Undone' has garnered widespread acclaim from audiences and critics worldwide. At the time of writing, it holds an impressive 8.3 rating on IMDb, a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 95% audience approval.

Created by comedian Raphael Bob-Waksberg, known for the acclaimed 'BoJack Horseman,' this series takes a completely different path, offering a fresh and innovative narrative.

In fact, 'Undone' defies comparison to any existing film or show, thanks to its unconventional filming techniques and the fusion of complex themes that create a rich, multi-layered story.

The story centers on Alma, a young woman stuck in the monotony of everyday life. Her father died in a car accident two decades ago. On the eve of her sister’s wedding, Alma encounters her father’s ghost on the road, leading to a crash. Awakening in a hospital, she discovers her newfound ability to travel through time. Her father’s spirit urges her to prevent his death, though those around her believe she’s suffering from trauma caused by the accident.

Layer One: Stunning Visual Innovation

Even the trailers reveal the series’ distinctive filming style. Though 'Undone' features live actors, including Rosa Salazar—best known for 'Alita: Battle Angel'—and Bob Odenkirk as Alma’s father, every frame is meticulously rotoscoped. This technique transforms live-action footage into an animated experience, creating a mesmerizing, dreamlike effect.

While rotoscoping has been used before—such as in Richard Linklater’s 'Waking Life' and 'A Scanner Darkly' to evoke dreams or hallucinations—'Undone' employs it to immerse viewers in a world where reality constantly shifts.

Initially, this animation style may seem like a mere aesthetic choice, but from the second episode onward, it becomes clear that it’s essential. Alma’s sudden jumps to surreal locations, the disintegration of her surroundings, and the morphing appearances of people around her are all brought to life through this technique.

Undone Series
images Undone Series

Attempting to replicate these effects with traditional CGI would have significantly increased the production budget. Instead, the rotoscoping allows the creators to break free from physical constraints and paint the narrative exactly as envisioned.

Undone Series
images Undone Series

Moreover, replacing live-action performances with purely animated characters would have sacrificed the emotional depth and authenticity delivered by the actors. Bob Odenkirk’s nuanced performance and the cinematic quality of the visuals combine to create a truly unique viewing experience.

Layer Two: The Mind’s Maze and Time Travel

At first glance, the plot might remind viewers of classic time travel tales like 'Back to the Future' or time loop stories. Alma’s ability to jump through time might suggest repeated attempts to save her father.

Undone Series 2019
images Undone Series 2019

However, the narrative is far more intricate and emotionally charged. Alma initially lacks control over her temporal shifts, finding herself reliving moments out of order, encountering multiple versions of herself, and navigating a storyline that feels like a vivid dream.

Her jumps can transport her from a hospital room to a painted forest or leave her unexpectedly vulnerable in public settings. This surreal approach blurs the line between fantasy and psychological exploration.

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images Undone Series

Gradually, these fragmented moments coalesce into a coherent timeline, though the story retains its unpredictable and chaotic essence until the finale.

Layer Three: Mystery and the Search for Truth

Alma’s time travel is not merely a fantastical element; it serves a deeper purpose. Her father’s spirit guides her to master her abilities to uncover the truth behind his death, which may not have been accidental.

Scene from Undone
images Scene from Undone

This introduces a compelling detective storyline where Alma uncovers hidden secrets about her family’s past. She realizes her mother has been withholding critical information related to her father’s activities and their relationships.

Sometimes, Alma’s supernatural powers aid her investigations; other times, she relies on classic detective work—gathering clues, interviewing witnesses, and deciphering motives.

Unlike typical mysteries, Alma doesn’t just seek to identify culprits—she is determined to prevent a tragic fate from unfolding.

Yet, the resolution leans more toward a poignant drama than a conventional whodunit. It challenges viewers to reflect on personal priorities, reminding us that work and ambition can overshadow the truly important aspects of life. Alma faces a critical choice: repeat past mistakes or forge a new path.

Layer Four: A Touching Family Drama

At its core, 'Undone' is a deeply emotional story about family, closeness, and the human desire for connection. The uncertainty surrounding Alma’s experiences mirrors the skepticism of her loved ones.

Drama in Undone 2019
images Drama in Undone 2019

Alma’s life has become a dull routine; her relationship lacks future prospects, and her sister’s upcoming wedding highlights feelings of loss and change.

Her encounters with her father’s ghost may symbolize her loneliness and need for support. She longs for guidance from the man who once abandoned her on the street and struggles with her mother’s secrets.

Drama in Undone
images Drama in Undone

Viewers are invited to interpret which events are real and which might be manifestations of Alma’s psyche. Regardless, the series highlights universal experiences: wishing to rewind time to avoid hurtful words, protect loved ones’ secrets, or simply spend more time together.

'Undone' poignantly captures these moments through its fantastical lens, showing that understanding often comes only after multiple attempts—except Alma truly has the chance to change her fate.

Critics praise 'Undone' for its accessibility despite its complex layers. The entire season runs just over the length of a feature film, delivering a tightly woven narrative that challenges perceptions of time and reality.

In less than three hours, the series immerses viewers in a world where time is malleable and emotions run deep, leaving audiences with a renewed appreciation for the preciousness of family and moments shared.

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