Black Narcissus Season 1 Episode 1
Black Narcissus
Season 1

Ep 1. Episode 1

  • TVMA
  • November 23, 2020
  • 58 min
  • 6.5  (207)

In Black Narcissus season 1 episode 1, viewers are transported to a remote area in the Himalayas where a group of nuns have been dispatched to establish a mission in an abandoned palace. The episode begins with the nuns, led by Sister Clodagh (Gemma Arterton), arriving in Mopu, a small hill town in India. The group is joined by an Englishman named Mr. Dean (Alessandro Nivola), who acts as their translator and guide.

Upon arrival, Sister Clodagh and Mr. Dean discuss the challenges they will face in establishing the mission. The palace they have been given to establish their mission has a daunting history, and the locals believe it to be cursed. The palace had previously been occupied by a powerful prince who had numerous wives, and according to the locals, the atmosphere still bears some of the negative energy from the prince's reign.

As the nuns begin to do their work, the locals begin to treat them with suspicion. They are seen as outsiders, and some of the locals outright refuse to help the nuns. The sisters watch as a man is beaten by soldiers; they learn that he is a local trader who refuses to pay taxes to the ruling British government. This incident shows the nuns that they will need to be careful in how they operate in this area.

As the episode progresses, Sister Clodagh begins to realize that her task of establishing a school and hospital will be more difficult than she initially thought. She struggles to assert her authority over the other nuns, who have varying degrees of dedication to the task. Sister Ruth (Aisling Franciosi), in particular, has difficulty adjusting to the harsh conditions and becomes increasingly unstable.

The themes of Black Narcissus are woven into the narrative throughout the episode. The struggle that the nuns face in trying to establish their mission is seen as a metaphor for the struggle between East and West: a battle of different ideologies. The idea of imperialism and the ways it has harmed local communities is also explored through the interactions with the locals, who are subject to the rule of the British Empire.

The episode is filmed in a stunningly beautiful location, and the cinematography enhances the sense of isolation that the nuns feel. The use of color is also noteworthy, with the bright, vibrant colors of the nuns' habits contrasting sharply with the muted tones of the palace and the surrounding landscape.

Overall, season 1 episode 1 of Black Narcissus is a compelling start to the series. Viewers are left with a sense of unease as the nuns struggle to establish their mission in an unwelcoming environment. The themes of imperialism, religion, and cultural clashes are all explored through the interactions of the nuns with the locals. The performances from the cast are excellent, with Gemma Arterton in particular standing out in her role as Sister Clodagh.

Description
Watch Black Narcissus - Episode 1 (s1 e1) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Black Narcissus, Season 1 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on FX. You can also buy, rent Black Narcissus on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    November 23, 2020
  • Content Rating
    TVMA
  • Runtime
    58 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (207)