High Tides Review: Belgian Romantic Drama Showcases Strong Performances but Lacks Originality in Plot
High Tides Review: Also known as Knokke Off, directed by Tom Goris, this Belgian series stars Willem De Schryver as Alexander Vandael, Pommelien Thijs as Louise Basteyns, Eliyha Altena as Daan, Manouk Pluis as Anouk, Ayana Doucouré as Margaux, Kes Bakker as Matti, Jef Hellemans as Victor, Emma Moortgat as Emilie Basteyns, Anna Drijver as Melissa, Ruth Becquart as Eleonore, Geert Van Rampelberg as Patrick Vandael, and others. Consisting of 10 episodes, this Netflix series has an approximate runtime of 35 minutes.
High Tides Plot
A young couple, Louise and Alex, enjoy a glamorous summer in Knokke, Belgium, but their affluent lifestyle masks family pressures and personal struggles. Louise questions her bipolar medication, while Alex fights against his family’s history of infidelity. Their world is disrupted by Daan and his mother, Melissa, leading to revelations as hidden secrets and true identities are exposed amid the tumultuous summer.
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-The Review Contains No Spoilers-
High Tides Review
As the story unfolds, the seemingly flawless facades of the protagonists begin to crack. Louise faces the challenges of managing her bipolar disorder and questions the necessity of her mood-regulating medication. Meanwhile, Alex battles inner demons, determined not to repeat his father’s scandalous actions involving his mother, Eleanore, and her best friend. The glamour of Knokke gradually reveals hidden secrets and deceptions. And then enters Daan, who came there for the summers with her mother.
This particular series seems to lean heavily into melodrama, resembling more of a familiar family drama than a groundbreaking show. It threads together a tapestry of well-worn clichés commonly found in dramas centred around youthful characters. Without revealing too much, picture the typical tropes amalgamated from various soap operas or teenage-focused series. Its lack of originality made the storyline feel quite foreseeable.
Throughout the show, it consistently evokes elements of the Spanish drama Elite, focusing mainly on the contrast between the affluent and the less privileged. Daan, positioned as the character from a less affluent background, attempts to integrate into the opulent lifestyle by befriending Alex. The series frequently revolves around parties, drug use, and romantic entanglements, often involving predictable plotlines that don’t offer much novelty.
The narrative took several implausible turns, stretching the boundaries of believability. Instances like a mother procuring a gun during the search for her sister raised questions about its purpose and led to perplexing actions, such as flaunting it carelessly. Additionally, the rapid transformation of a mere concept into a fully realised major disco within a week seemed far-fetched, lacking the realistic bureaucratic and logistical processes that such a project would entail. This speedy development by a handful of affluent youngsters contrasted starkly with the reality of what would take a team of professionals months to accomplish.
It appears tailored to cater to the tastes of teenagers and young adults, ticking off a checklist of elements: attractive protagonists, tangled romantic relationships, struggles with substance abuse, a character navigating a disorder, the dichotomy between opulent and modest lifestyles, and other familiar themes. I found myself drawn to the series primarily out of curiosity surrounding a particular mystery. Its visual appeal, showcasing stunning and picturesque locations along with an attractive ensemble cast, served as a compelling factor when other entertainment options seemed lacking.
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One commendable aspect lies in the series’ stunning settings, offering a visual feast that captivates the viewer. Moreover, the acting, notably by Alexander and Louise, surpassed the typical standards observed in this genre. Their performances elevated certain moments, injecting a sense of depth into an otherwise commonplace narrative.
I wouldn’t say that the show was entirely unwatchable, but it could have significantly improved with a stronger focus on the suspense surrounding Daan’s mother’s arrival in town. Delving deeper into this aspect would have heightened the show’s intrigue and maintained viewer engagement. However, it unfortunately became predictable even before the revelation. While acknowledging the genre’s inclination towards suspending disbelief, the series pushed this tolerance to its limits. The resolution, though shedding light on past events, left crucial aspects unexplained, particularly regarding the cover-up of certain incidents. The final appearance of the gun in the storyline felt contrived and absurd.
Netflix High Tides Review: Final Thoughts
High Tides, the series, journeys through the tumultuous lives of its characters amidst the picturesque backdrop of Knokke. Despite its attempt to weave an intricate web of mystery and drama, the narrative leans heavily on familiar tropes and predictable plotlines. While the show’s portrayal of contrasting lifestyles and the commendable performances of certain actors add depth, its reliance on clichés and implausible turns dampens the overall impact.
The series tantalises with visual splendour and occasional moments of intrigue, notably surrounding Daan’s mother’s arrival, yet falls short of maintaining sustained suspense. Ultimately, while it offers glimpses of potential, a stronger focus on originality, deeper exploration of pivotal mysteries, and a more coherent resolution could have elevated High Tides beyond its predictable boundaries, making it a more compelling watch.
The series is now streaming on Netflix.
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