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Netflix’s new thriller ‘The I-Land’ is giving us serious ‘Lost’ flashbacks

Published Aug 21st, 2019 2:12PM EDT
Netflix New Series
Image: Netflix

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ABC’s hit drama Lost is one of those shows that’s been off the air for almost a decade now (it ended in 2010) and yet it still has such a passionate fanbase with strong feelings about the series, which started off following the survivors of a plane crash who found themselves marooned on an island. From there, the show spun a complex, richly-drawn and interwoven series of character sketches that touched on faith, purpose, family ties — the weightiest elements, really, of human existence, and all of it done in such a way that Lost at its very best could take your breath away.

Those Lost fans amongst you who can think back to the very beginning — I’m talking back before season 1, episode 1 had even aired, when ABC was still running promos — you may recall a slight horror tinge viewers seemed to be in store for. I can remember a specific commercial teasing the Lost premiere, with Dominic Monaghan looking frightened by the sound of what we would come to know as the smoke monster and a camera close-up of his face as he surveys the island and asks, “Guys … where are we?”

That same kind of quasi-horror vibe is what Netflix’s new limited series The I-Land (yes, it’s an unfortunate pun) seems to be doubling-down on in a nod, inadvertent or not, to Lost.

Check out the trailer above and see what you think. That, plus Netflix’s own official description of The I-Land, will surely call to mind the beloved 2000s-era drama for many of you (which we don’t intend as a criticism of the new series, just pointing out the similarity).

Netflix’s description: “When ten people wake up on a treacherous island with no memory of who they are or how they got there, they set off on a trek to try to get back home. They soon discover this world is not as it seems. Faced with the I-Land’s extreme psychological and physical challenges, they must rise to their better selves — or die as their worst ones.”

Image source: Netflix

At one point in the trailer, we see what seems to be someone holding the bloody stump of a hand, minus some fingers (like we said — horror!). Netflix is also describing this is an “immersive” sci-fi thriller, but it’s not immediately clear where the immersive element will come into play, so there could be a Bandersnatch-style component to this series.

The series’ seven-episode first season premieres on Netflix on September 12, and the cast is topped by leads including Natalie Martinez and Kate Bosworth.

Andy Meek Trending News Editor

Andy Meek is a reporter based in Memphis who has covered media, entertainment, and culture for over 20 years. His work has appeared in outlets including The Guardian, Forbes, and The Financial Times, and he’s written for BGR since 2015. Andy's coverage includes technology and entertainment, and he has a particular interest in all things streaming.

Over the years, he’s interviewed legendary figures in entertainment and tech that range from Stan Lee to John McAfee, Peter Thiel, and Reed Hastings.