Prime Video’s The Rig worth the effort?

The Rig launches on Prime Video 6 January. Vigil star is featured in the Rig Martin Compston For a thrilling new year treat, get back to the waves

The fog has engulfed workers at the Kinloch Bravo drilling station, leaving them stranded off Scotland’s shore leave. With communications cut off, dwindling morale and a powder keg claustrophobia rekindling resentment — an endgame is imminent.

Continue reading: Prime Video shares first look at The Rig

Drawing inspiration from the horror work of John Carpenter, James Cameron and Ridley Scott – this oil rig drama rests on the shoulders on an exceptional ensemble cast. Magnus (Iain Glen), who leads this motley crew of workers, is under immense pressure after Baz (Calvin Demba), a young team member, falls from a tower ten-minutes into the film.

Check out the trailer for The Rig

Baz sustains injuries that would kill most men. He recovers quickly, but is haunted by nightmares about the sea floor rupturing. The incessant excavation has caused the destruction of organic parasites and unsent entities. This might be a return to nature. Rose (Emily Hampshire), who represents corporate interests, has been brought on board to address escalating problems. This is an obvious resemblance to Aliens.

As ash rains down, contaminants start infiltrating other crew members and Magnus begins losing control of the situation – these actors really kick into gear. Magnus and Hutton (Owen Teale), who have fought many times, are able to keep their friendship going as the dangers escalate. Martin Compston (Line of Duty), as Fulmer, is a veteran alongside them. He goes from being an ostracized team member to a heroic martyr without missing any beat.

Rose and Fulmer’s relationship is a conflict of interests for them both. Fulmer is mocked at every opportunity by crew members and accused in every way of favoritism. This causes unrest in the opening episode, while creator David Macpherson is busy establishing character dynamics and setting up introductions.

Continue reading: Martin Compston updates on Line of Duty

This Prime Video oil rig chiller is compared to John Carpenter’s classics The Fog and The Thing. However, it also manages to sprinkle important moments with some environmental subtext. There is much talk of renewable energy and fossil fuels mixed in with the chaos. A few moments of conversation between generations hint at long-term impacts that off-shore oil drilling has had.

The Rig is a great place to find films for those who happen upon it while browsing the web. The series features Mark Bonnar, (Litvinenko), who gives a great performance alongside Iain Glen. It is well worth the effort to watch these actors in action. With Stuart McQuarrie (Foundation) also on top form as mess hall chef Murchison, who builds tension through the retelling of old seafaring tales – this really has some great pockets of drama.

Abraham Popoola, Andor, as Easter is another prominent presence. He proves to both be a strong security guard and a compassionate voice of reason. If audiences include Rochenda Sandall (Small Axe) alongside him as platform medic Cat – then performance-wise they are spoilt for choice.

As crew members continue to get injured, continually bicker or battle for dominance within their dynamics – small details are slipped in which fill out back story. Magnus has been separated from Cat, and is working through the grief of losing a child. Cat had plans to spend more quality time with Cat. This is where The Rig really shines. David Macpherson softly shapes the characters into stories that have depth and meaning beyond the drama.

Continue reading: New on Prime Video in January 2023

The Rig is not without its faults. The Rig poses a threat to the most effective elements. The drama of this series is all show and no substance. Talk of ancient evil going back centuries and some concerns over a Petrie meal do not set the pulse racing.

The Rig’s impressive production design, detailed injuries and adequate Macguffins are not what will keep viewers watching. It will be the combination of key casting choices and tag group ensemble exchanges that breathe life into this Aliens homage.

Granted there may be some people who thrive off those John Carpenter moments of silence, as that fog bank gently rolls in and this crew simply look on – but for most it will come down to the sheer quality of talent on screen.

This not only makes The Rig a worthwhile watch, but also shows that actors are sometimes more impressive than any story or story they choose.

Prime Video will stream The Rig starting 6 January.