Nautilus

Nautilus

Nautilus is a bold and visually ambitious reimagining of the classic tale of Captain Nemo and his legendary submarine. Created by James Dormer, this ten-episode action-adventure drama premiered in Europe in late 2024 before arriving in the U.S. on AMC in June 2025. Inspired by Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, the series offers an origin story for one of literature’s most enigmatic characters.

Set in 1857, the story opens with what appears to be a sea monster attacking a British merchant vessel. The “creature” turns out to be the Nautilus, a technologically advanced submarine secretly built by the British East India Mercantile Company using slave labor. The mastermind behind its creation is Prince Dakkar, better known as Captain Nemo, an Indian nobleman enslaved and betrayed by the British Empire. Seizing control of the vessel, Nemo and a group of fellow captives launch a rebellion, turning the Nautilus into a weapon of liberation.

Shazad Latif delivers a commanding performance as Captain Nemo. His portrayal captures both the character’s tactical brilliance and the inner turmoil of a man driven by vengeance and moral idealism. As the series unfolds, Nemo evolves from a vengeful rebel to a more conflicted, world-weary leader. Alongside him is Humility Lucas, played by Georgia Flood, a stowaway engineer whose presence challenges traditional gender roles and adds emotional depth to the story.

The cast also includes Thierry Frémont as Gustave Benoit, the submarine’s lead engineer, and a variety of diverse characters who round out the crew. Each brings their own backstory, perspective, and cultural identity, offering a global lens on themes of colonialism, freedom, and resistance.

Visually, Nautilus is a standout. The series uses a steampunk-inspired design—complete with brass interiors, ornate portholes, and intricate machinery—to bring the submarine to life. Underwater scenes are filmed with a blend of practical effects and CGI, creating an immersive and believable world beneath the sea. Much of the filming took place in a massive water tank in Australia, giving the show an impressive level of authenticity.

Thematically, the series explores colonial injustice, personal trauma, and the dangers of unchecked power. Unlike traditional adaptations that center on Western explorers, Nautilus reframes the narrative from the perspective of the colonized. Captain Nemo is no longer simply an eccentric scientist but a revolutionary figure shaped by the violence of empire.

Critical reception has been largely positive. Viewers have praised the show’s adventurous tone, character-driven storytelling, and fresh political perspective. Some critics noted occasional pacing issues and underdeveloped side plots, but overall, the series was recognized for its ambition and depth.

Nautilus succeeds in merging high-seas adventure with social commentary, making it more than just a rehash of a familiar story. It offers a rich character study, a visually stunning experience, and a timely reflection on history and justice. For fans of period dramas, steampunk aesthetics, and morally complex heroes, Nautilus is well worth the voyage.