The series In the Shadow of the Moon, available on Netflix, is an engaging production that blends science fiction, crime thriller, and elements of time travel. Since its debut, the plot has sparked debates among fans and critics alike, mainly due to its complex structure and the way it weaves events across different decades.
In this article, you will understand the central plot, main themes, the most discussed theories, and some curiosities that make this production even more intriguing.
A Story That Transcends Time
The story of In the Shadow of the Moon begins in 1988, when detective Thomas Lockhart, still early in his career, faces a series of seemingly unrelated murders. However, as he investigates the crimes, he notices a strange pattern: all share the same cause of death, even though the suspects are not connected.
Even stranger, the deaths occur in nine-year cycles.
This discovery leads Lockhart into a growing obsession. With each new cycle, he believes he is close to solving the mystery. Yet, what he finds is beyond his understanding: a mysterious woman who does not seem to age — and who, somehow, is linked to all the crimes.
Over the years, Lockhart’s life unravels, consumed by the chase. He realizes the explanation might lie outside the laws of physics — time travel itself.
Between Science Fiction and Psychological Thriller
What makes the series even more interesting is how it handles scientific themes within a format reminiscent of classic investigative thrillers.
The approach to time travel is not fanciful. On the contrary, it has a darker, more realistic tone. Additionally, the series explores the ethical and emotional consequences of trying to change the past to prevent a dystopian future.
The mysterious female character is a time traveler. She does not act out of malice. Instead, her mission is to prevent a great catastrophe in the future. However, this requires profound sacrifices in the present.
This moral duality makes the narrative dense, moving away from clichés and diving into philosophical dilemmas.
Criticism and Reception
The series received mixed reactions from both audiences and critics. Many praised its ambitious premise and the lead actor’s performance. On the other hand, some felt the execution could have been clearer, especially regarding the time jumps.
Despite differing opinions, the consensus is that In the Shadow of the Moon challenges viewers to pay close attention to every detail. As a result, it rewards those who deeply engage with the story.
How Time Travel Works in In the Shadow of the Moon
Unlike other productions that treat time travel in a fantastical way, this series attempts to justify its time jumps based on scientific theories.
It mentions phenomena related to Earth’s magnetic field and lunar eclipses as triggers that activate the time travel mechanism.
These details make the plot more plausible and appealing to fans of “hard” science fiction — the kind that seeks scientific plausibility.
Furthermore, the fact that the murders occur in nine-year cycles reinforces the feeling of repetition. It seems time is trapped in its own logic, creating narrative tension that grows with each episode.
Curiosities About In the Shadow of the Moon
Now that you know the plot better, here are some curiosities that might go unnoticed:
- References to sci-fi classics: Throughout the episodes, there are subtle homages to works like Looper, 12 Monkeys, and Donnie Darko. The dark atmosphere and moral dilemmas of the characters echo these films.
- The choice of the lunar eclipse: The eclipse appears as a temporal marker in the series. Astronomically, lunar eclipses are rare phenomena that occur in repeating patterns, reinforcing the logic of events.
- Original title: The series’ English title is In the Shadow of the Moon. The translation to “Sombra Lunar” (in Portuguese) keeps a double meaning — referring both to the astronomical phenomenon and to the emotional shadow that haunts the characters.
- Changes in setting: The story spans different decades (1988, 1997, 2006…). Therefore, the art direction adjusted costumes, soundtrack, and visual style to reflect these periods.
- Ambiguous ending: The series’ finale sparked much discussion on social media. The revelation behind the murders and its impact on the characters generated theories about determinism, free will, and time paradoxes.
Is It Worth Watching?
If you enjoy well-crafted mysteries with a dark tone and focus on human dilemmas, the answer is yes.
In the Shadow of the Moon is not a series to binge-watch casually, but it’s perfect for those who appreciate stories requiring attention and reflection.
Moreover, it’s an excellent choice for viewers seeking something outside the traditional crime series formula.
With elements of science fiction, social critique, and psychological suspense, this Netflix production stands out in the catalog.
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