3 Body Problem Review: Is The Netflix Sci-Fi Worth Your Time?

A young woman’s fateful decision in 1960s China reverberates across space and time into the present day. When the laws of nature inexplicably unravel before their eyes, a close-knit group of brilliant scientists join forces with an unorthodox detective to confront the greatest threat in humanity’s history.

Netflix’s newest offering, “3 Body Problem,” crash-lands with a promising premise but requires a little patience to take flight. If you’re ready to blast off on a mind-bending journey filled with complex characters, head-scratching science, and a slow burn that erupts into full-on sci-fi mayhem by the midseason mark, then buckle up!

3 Body Problem Video Review:

First things first, the characters in “3 Body Problem” are stellar. The acting is top-notch, and the show boasts a cast littered with familiar faces. Remember the creepy priest from Game of Thrones? He’s back, and just as fantastically unsettling here. There’s a great mix of veteran actors and rising stars, each bringing their unique energy to the table. However, there’s one character, Auggie, whose questionable decision-making skills had me screaming at the screen in frustration. Seriously, every single episode, this girl pushed all my buttons!

Now, let’s talk about the science in “3 Body Problem.” This is where things get a little… dense. The show dives headfirst into some seriously complex scientific concepts, leaving viewers who aren’t science buffs scratching their heads. While the initial learning curve is steep, the show does a decent job of easing you in. If you stick with it, the concepts become clearer as the story progresses.

Here’s the biggest hurdle for some viewers: the pacing in the first two episodes. Brace yourselves, because it’s slow. These episodes are heavy on exposition, throwing a ton of backstory and character introductions at you. It can feel overwhelming and leave you wondering if it’s all worth it. But here’s the secret – it is.

The Slow Burn: A Necessary Evil?

Remember that agonizingly slow start to Game of Thrones? Yeah, “3 Body Problem” pulls a similar move. Trust the creators, the same wtiers behind Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. They know how to build suspense, and all that seemingly pointless information you’re introduced with in the beginning? It all becomes shockingly relevant later on. Think of it as careful laying of the groundwork for an epic sci-fi ride.

I’d say that the cliffhanger in episode 2 is where your interest may pique. Then around episode three, things start to pick up the pace. By episode five, you’ll be sitting up on the couch, with your jaw dropped at the crazy situation that happens. (You’ll know it when you see it. )  white-knuckling your remote. This is where the show truly unleashes its inner Game of Thrones, hitting you with a plot twist so shocking and dramatic, it rivals the infamous Red Wedding. If you’re not hooked by episode five, then “3 Body Problem” might not be your cup of cosmic tea.

Patience Rewarded: A Thrilling Midseason and Beyond

But for those who love their sci-fi with a healthy dose of mind-bending concepts, high stakes, and a slow burn that explodes into pure sci-fi brilliance, “3 Body Problem” is a must-watch. By the season finale, you’ll be left with one burning question: what happens next? This show is a guaranteed binge-watching wormhole, leaving you desperate for season two. So, gather your crew, pack some patience for the initial launch sequence, and prepare to be transported to a world unlike any other in “3 Body Problem.”

Directors: Derek Tsang, Andrew Stanton, Minkie Spiro, Jeremy Podeswa
Writers: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Alexander Woo, Rose Cartwright, Madhuri Shekar
Stars: Jovan Adepo, John Bradley, Rosalind Chao, Liam Cunningham, Eiza González, Jess Hong, Marlo Kelly, Alex Sharp, Sea Shimooka, Zine Tseng, Saamer Usmani, Benedict Wong and Jonathan Pryce
3 Body Problem is currently streaming on Netflix. Be sure to follow E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter/IG @EmansReviews for even more movie news and reviews!