Bloodride is a Norwegian anthology series, created by Kjetil Indregard and Atle Knudsen. The horror-thriller was released onto Netflix this year comprising of six 25-30 minute episodes.
This series was easy to watch, and pretty entertaining. I believe the intention of each episode was to create a surprising plot twist. However, once I was aware of this theme, the 'twists' became a little predictable. So, if you're looking for an unexpected and dramatic twist in each episode... I wouldn't say that's in store. Never the less, it was still somewhat entertaining. The episodes weren't ruined by their predictability, but made the series a search for the 'twist', making predictions of what would happen.
I want to talk a little more in depth about each episode as there are multiple different narratives to discuss. I just want to express which ones I liked and what I found disappointing in each episode.
Episode One - Ultimate Sacrifice
I thought this idea was interesting and original. There was a 'cult' vibe to it which always makes a narrative a lot creepier. At this point I wasn't even aware it was an anthology series, as I just pressed play - but I would have been willing to continue with this narrative in a larger series. I was genuinely surprised by the plot twist, well until just before it happened anyway. It was definitely one of the best episodes.
Episode Two - Three Sick Brothers
As soon as the brothers arrived, it was clear to me they weren't actually there. I had suspected they had died however, not that they never existed. I knew they would be his "personalities" so the episode wasn't shocking to me. It's another example of film and television using a serious mental illness to create horror which can be pretty distasteful. On the other hand I felt like they twisted the story a little more at the end but at this point, I wasn't really interested.
Episode Three - Bad Writer
Although I picked up on the narrative "twist" quickly, it surprisingly didn't ruin the episode. It was probably one of my favourite episodes, the characters were all really interesting - and the scene were her flatmates want to kill her was really eerie and entertaining. When they said about 'throwing some dirt in the face of the character' if things are going too well, I knew her life would turn around as she was a character in a plot. However, I was genuinely shocked when they twisted the story once more by making the writer her boyfriends mother who disliked her. I feel the ending of her death was a little far though, I was kind of disappointed with it.
Episode Four - Lab Rats
This episode was a lot more mystery than the others. It had an 'escape room' theme where the group were locked in a container and had to find out who had stolen from the host to get out and escape their deaths. It was easy to watch and pretty entertaining. Not a favourite but was a decent watch.
Episode Five - The Old School
I feel this episode was based around your typical horror film. It was suspenseful and was generally interesting but also very predictable. I believe this had the lowest rating of the series on IMDB, I don't think it was dramatically worse than the others but wasn't very memorable either.
Episode Six- Staff Party
This was by far my least favourite episode. It was really boring to me and felt drawn out and a little disoriented. I wasn't really interested and it was probably the worst episode to end the series on because the audience are more likely to remember the first and last episode.
Overall, the series was mildly interesting. I wouldn't steer people away from watching it but also wouldn't encourage it. I guess it would be good for an easy watch and I'd imagine some people would really enjoy it. I feel as though that's not really helpful, but do with this as you wish!