Archive 81 is a multi-genre Netflix series that packs mystery, suspense, fantasy, sci-fi and supernatural elements in its eight episodes. The series, created by Rebecca Sonnenshine and written by Paul Harris Boardman, is loosely adapted from a fictional podcast that goes by the same title.

The Netflix series introduces us to Dan Turner, an archivist whose life revolves around his passion for unearthing lost films and combing flea markets and estate sales for forgotten treasures. On account of his expertise, Virgil Davenport, a millionaire played by actor Martin Donovan, approaches him with a peculiar job offer: to restore fire-damaged VHS tapes from a 1994 oral history project.

As Dan immerses himself in the task, viewers are taken back to the ‘90s, following Melody Pendras, an undergraduate who originally recorded the tapes, as she explored the secrets of the Visser apartment building.

The narrative develops through a dual timeline structure, expertly written and delivered to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Mamoudou Athie gives an outstanding performance as Dan, capturing his descent into paranoia and obsession with history and authenticity. Likewise, Dina Shihabi stands out as Melody, who navigates the eerie mysteries of the Visser building with a compelling mix of determination and vulnerability.

In the present day, after accepting the job offer, Dan finds himself isolated in a remote compound in the Catskills, where he untwists the twisted and sinister secrets hidden in the damaged video cassette tapes. He is determined to restore the tapes to earn a whopping $100,000.

Through the tapes, the audience joins Dan in dissecting and exploring Melody’s investigations into the Visser building which reveal a dark history of disappearances and supernatural occurrences. As two narratives and timelines intertwine, Dan and Melody’s paths merge in unexpected ways, blurring the line between reality and hallucination.

Dan is cut off from the outside world, with barely any mobile phone reception and no Wi-Fi. His only connection is a landline that appears to be bugged. As he delves deeper into his work, Dan’s past traumas resurface, leading him to question his sanity and the true nature of the tapes he is restoring. Haunted by memories of a fire that claimed his entire family and led to a nervous breakdown, Dan wrestles with his own demons as he confronts the mysteries of the Visser apartment building.

As two narratives and timelines intertwine, Dan and Melody’s paths merge in unexpected ways, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination.

Melody’s tapes explore the secrets of the Visser apartment building. Built on the site of a mansion that burned down in 1920, the Visser holds dark secrets, including the disappearance of 13 people in a subsequent fire. Suspense mounts as Dan spots his late father, Steven and his dog in the restored videos. Dan finds the connection between the two fires — the one that claimed his family and the other at the Visser building — unfathomable. It is something he needs to investigate.

Dan occasionally dashes into the woods to search for mobile phone reception. He sometimes manages to get through to his best friend, Mark Higgins, played by Matt McGorry, to update him about the developments. He tells Mark about a demonic image he saw on the screen but Mark dismisses it, insisting that Dan is seeing things that are not there.

As we switch to Melody’s perspective, she is desperately looking for someone in the building willing to talk to her. She eventually meets Jess, played by Ariana Neal, a young teen resident who also runs errands for everyone in the building. Assisted by Jess, Melody discovers strange occurrences and eerie happenings in the building, leading her to question the reality of what she is experiencing.

With each episode, the series scoops out generous portions of mystery and suspense, keeping the audience hooked. The exploration of conspiracy theories, supernatural events and cult activity adds layers of complexity to the narrative and keeps the viewer guessing until the final moments.

Archive 81 does an excellent job of building tension and intrigue, absorbing viewers in a world where nothing is as it seems. As the dual narratives of Dan and Melody unfold, the series delves into conspiracy theories, jump scares, corridor stalkings and hallucinations, blurring the line between reality and fiction.

The series is not without its flaws. At times, the pace feels a bit sluggish as some episodes drag on. The constant back-and-forth between timelines can also be disorienting, making it difficult to fully engage with the story. Apart from that, the dicey finale may lead viewers to differing opinions.

Despite the minor drawbacks, Archive 81 stands out as a must-watch for fans of horror and mystery. Its blend of escalating melodrama and unrealism leaves viewers eagerly anticipating what lies beyond the next turn. The series is creepy, thrilling and unsettling at the same time.

The author is a freelance contributor