Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mysteries abound in tense, sci-fi-tinged drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Signal
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE SIGNAL centers on Paula (Peri Baumeister), an intelligent but unstable astronaut who disappears after returning from a three-month stint in space -- but not before leaving behind cryptic messages for her husband Sven (Florian David Fitz) and daughter Charlie (Yuna Bennett) about something she discovered while among the stars. The details of her disappearance are suspicious, and tensions rise as detectives, the government, and the billionaire who funded Paula's trip to space start to circle Sven and Charlie, desperate to uncover the truth. Trouble is, the grieving pair are still trying to sort the puzzle out for themselves, while not knowing who -- if anyone -- they can trust.
Is It Any Good?
The ending may let down those expecting a flashy, CGI-filled blowout, but powerful acting and a well-constructed plot that time-jumps back and forth without getting confusing make this very watchable. The Signal has a lot in common with films like Contact in that despite the sci-fi trappings, it is less about space and extraterrestrial life and more about human nature, family, and idealism versus cynicism.
The father-daughter relationship is especially well done, with Yuna Bennett doing a standout job as the tenacious Charlie. The character's hearing impairment is depicted organically -- it feels right seeing her choose to take her hearing aids out when she wants to ignore someone or switch to sign language when she needs to communicate with her dad more covertly during potentially dangerous situations. The story isn't without weak spots, and whether viewers find the payoff satisfying or not will vary wildly, but with only four episodes to get through, you could do worse.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what motivated Paula to keep a secret from everyone but her husband and child. Did your view of Paula change once you learned the truth of what she'd uncovered in space? Were her efforts worth it?
Throughout the series, Charlie demonstrates perseverance and curiosity. Why are these important character traits?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 7, 2024
- Cast : Florian David Fitz , Yuna Bennett , Peri Baumeister
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 15, 2024
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