The quest for eight missing scientists from Alaska’s Tsalal Arctic Research Station takes a chilling turn in “True Detective: Night Country,” culminating in a haunting discovery that leaves viewers horrified and intrigued. The HBO series, which airs on Sundays at 9 EST/PST, unfolds a gripping narrative that swiftly transitions from a search mission to a disturbing revelation.
In the acclaimed show’s first episode, the majority of the missing scientists are found running into the deadly winter storm, inexplicably naked and terrified. The shocking climax comes when the frozen bodies, each contorted in agony, are unveiled at the end of Episode 1 and further explored in the subsequent episode. The unnerving tableau sets the stage for a mysterious investigation led by Ennis, Alaska, police chief Liz Danvers, portrayed by Jodie Foster, and state trooper Evangeline Navarro, played by Kali Reis.
As the narrative unfolds, the series deftly dismisses any mystical explanations for the macabre scene. Danvers, grounded in practicality, attributes the shocking tableau to the harsh realities of hypothermia, asserting, “There’s no Yetis.” According to her, the victims succumbed to delirium induced by hypothermia, leading them to panic, freeze, and ultimately become what she grimly terms “corpsicles.”
The term “corpsicle” aptly captures the gruesome imagery depicted in the show. In the second episode, Danvers, along with her team armed with chainsaws, relocates the entire frozen crime scene to a local hockey rink for further examination as it thaws. The deliberate choice of words reflects the dark and chilling nature of the discovery, adding an unsettling layer to the unfolding mystery.
For writer, director, and executive producer Issa López, bringing this nightmarish apparition to the screen became an “obsession.” López drew inspiration from various dark references, including 14th-century Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno,” portraying the eternally damned in hell. Renaissance artworks depicting twisted bodies, childhood memories of mummified remains, and the concept of a “rat king” – a group of rats entangled in death – all contributed to López’s creative vision.
The challenge of translating this vision from script to screen prompted questions about its feasibility. López faced inquiries about how such a horrific tableau could be realistically portrayed. Undeterred, she collaborated with the “True Detective” production designers and the prosthetics team, Dave and Lou Elsey, to bring her vision to life. The result is a strikingly realistic 3D-printed sculpture, meticulously crafted with oil-based clay and silicone rubber. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from flesh color to individual hairs, meticulously painted by hand.
The level of realism achieved in the creation of the “corpsicle” proved impactful on set. Reis, who plays Trooper Evangeline Navarro, recalls the lifelike nature of the scene, admitting it gave her chills and aided in getting into character. The scene’s authenticity even extended to the olfactory experience, as Reis could imagine how the frozen tableau might smell, contributing to the overall atmospheric effect.
Jodie Foster, portraying Police Chief Liz Danvers, shared her unique experience of meeting the actors who played the deceased scientists during flashback scenes. The transition from looking at their frozen faces to interacting with the live actors added an eerie dimension to the filming process.
In essence, “True Detective: Night Country” transforms a search for missing scientists into a visceral exploration of horror and mystery. The “corpsicle” becomes a central element, not only as a horrifying discovery but also as a piece of dark and unsettling art that captivates and disturbs the audience. As the characters delve deeper into the investigation, the series promises to unravel more secrets and confront the audience with the chilling consequences of the Arctic expedition gone awry.