"Nautilus" subverts Jules Vernes sci fiction vision to create a revisionist but not entirely unwatchable take on his classic tale of undersea adventure.
The Captain Nemo we all know, has been replaced by a downtrodden but astute captive, of what appears to be an East India style 19th century corporation. An organisation who have their own military and slaves to do their bidding.
The whole social justice, persecution of other races and minorities proposition, is on display here. Its not over stated but again, you have to question why this approach was necessary?
Adding to this are straw man scenario's that "empower" the female cast. For example, in spite of his knowledge and capability, in helping to build the Nautilus, the first time there's an engineering problem Nemo promptly turns into a moron, who has to rely on a high society lady to solve his problems. Its so transparent, what they are doing here and it comes across as pure farce.
If you can look past this nonsense, the overall story is quite entertaining. I will add the acting is good too from a cast of actors from around the world including the UK, Australia and even little New Zealand. That's not a bad thing as it add's variety and interest, to the tale.
Sets and CGI are decent, if not exceptional too. They do a great job of capturing that Victorian vibe with elegant flourishes, that extend to the design of the submersible Nautilus, itself.
In summary. "Nautilus" is a mixed bag, as is so often the case these days. The reliance on DEI silliness serves to disrupt and undermine the integrity of storytelling, in this tale. Thankfully, in this case, they do navigate around this nonsense to a good measure, offering enough that's entertaining, to keep this series afloat.
