THE ETERNAUT. Sci-Fi Series Shows Apocalyptic Comic Vision

The Eternaut, six-episode series directed by Bruno Stagnaro is more than just a story about an alien invasion—it’s a deeper look at human reactions in the face of catastrophe. The show follows the journey of Juan Salvo and a group of survivors who must confront an invisible threat from another world.

The series opens with a dramatic event: toxic snow suddenly begins to fall on Buenos Aires, killing most of the population within minutes. Ricardo Darín plays Juan Salvo, who survives the disaster along with a group of friends. It quickly becomes clear this is just the beginning of their ordeal.

Stagnaro didn’t take the easy route. Instead of rigidly sticking to the original material, he introduced new characters and plotlines. Some additions genuinely enrich the story—like Favalli’s wife, Ana, who brings emotional depth to the narrative. Others are more controversial, such as a delivery woman character or the one played by Ariel Staltari, who at times feel unnecessary.

Fans of the comic may be divided over these changes, but I believe they allow the series to breathe with a life of its own. It’s clear the production team knew and respected the source material, even as they boldly reinterpreted it.

At first glance, The Eternaut might seem like another alien invasion tale. But it differs significantly from typical American blockbusters. Instead of a single superhero with extraordinary powers, we see a group of ordinary people who must work together to survive.

The series builds atmosphere incredibly well. The deserted streets of Buenos Aires, bodies covered in strange, unmelting snow, the sound of accelerated breathing inside gas masks—all of this leaves a powerful impression. Stagnaro doesn’t rely on massive explosions or expensive CGI to keep viewers in suspense.

There are action scenes, of course, but the most compelling moments happen between the characters. Their interactions highlight the comic’s core message: that true heroism lies in the community, not the individual. In a time when most sci-fi shows prioritize individualism, this approach feels refreshingly different.

Although The Eternaut is primarily a sci-fi story, it has deeper layers. The mysterious “They”—the invisible forces behind the invasion—can easily be interpreted as metaphors for systems of oppression and power. It’s no coincidence that the original comic’s author, Héctor Germán Oesterheld, disappeared along with his four daughters during Argentina’s military dictatorship in the 1970s. The series doesn’t push this parallel too hard, but with that historical context in mind, the political undertones are hard to ignore.

What’s striking is how relevant these themes feel today. In an era of escalating global conflicts—from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to violence in the Middle East—questions about power, manipulation, and resistance carry renewed weight. How do we respond when invisible decision-makers influence the fate of entire societies? Who really pulls the strings behind global crises? The show doesn’t offer easy answers but prompts reflection on our collective responsibility in the face of such challenges.

Ricardo Darín, a legend of Argentine cinema, was the perfect choice to play Juan Salvo. He doesn’t disappoint—his performance is nuanced, free of melodrama or exaggeration. He doesn’t play a superhero, but an ordinary man simply trying to survive and protect those he loves. This realism makes it easy to relate to his character.

The rest of the cast also delivers. César Troncoso as Favalli and Carla Peterson as Elena create believable, complex characters with their own motivations. Even the secondary characters are given backstories and distinct personalities, reinforcing the theme of collective heroism.

Visually, the series is solid. The cinematography captures the desolate beauty of Buenos Aires in a haunting way—both majestic and terrifying. The special effects may not rival Hollywood, but they’re effective and don’t distract from the story. The production team clearly made smart use of their budget.

Will fans of the comic be satisfied? That’s hard to say. The series preserves the spirit of the original while making significant changes. Purists may complain, but most viewers will appreciate the fresh approach.

Stagnaro did something bold—he didn’t just copy the comic panel by panel, but created a new interpretation that honors the original while speaking to a modern audience. That’s rare in an era of safe, calculated remakes.

The Eternaut isn’t a flawless show. Some of the added plotlines feel unnecessary, the pacing lags at times, and the special effects could be better. Certain scenes don’t make much sense. But the series has something many modern productions lack—soul and a unique perspective.

Is it worth spending six hours on this tale from apocalyptic Buenos Aires? If you’re looking for science fiction with deeper meaning, or are curious about the genre from a Latin American angle—absolutely yes. The series stays with you long after the credits roll and invites deeper thought.

This isn’t a show for passive viewing. The Eternaut demands attention and emotional investment, but it rewards them with a story that resonates far beyond its final scene.

The creators have left the door open for a continuation—and it looks like that was a smart move. The Eternaut received a warm reception from audiences, and Netflix has already ordered a second season. The final episode wraps up the main storyline but intentionally leaves some questions unanswered and introduces new elements to be explored in the future. The rich world Oesterheld created offers plenty of room for expansion, and Juan Salvo’s story is clearly just the beginning.