Ennis, Alaska – The new season of the popular HBO series, “True Detective,” takes viewers on a chilling journey into the depths of Alaska’s frigid winter. Titled “Night Country,” the season immerses audiences in the dark and mysterious world of Ennis, a fictional town that combines elements of Kotzebue, Utqiagvik, and Nome in the northernmost region of the state. Premiering on HBO recently, the series follows law enforcement agents Kali Reis and Jodie Foster as they investigate the perplexing disappearance of eight men employed at an arctic research center. As the investigation unfolds, they discover a connection to a missing Indigenous woman from the area.
Although the story is set in Alaska, the series was predominantly filmed in Iceland. Due to the challenges posed by COVID-19, the production team had to find alternative locations to bring the Alaskan setting to life. Iceland provided the necessary infrastructure and offered a significant tax break, making it an ideal choice. Showrunner Issa Lopez, who originally envisioned the story in Alaska, immersed herself in the local culture through social media accounts and radio stations. Eventually, she had the opportunity to visit the communities she had been researching and incorporate her firsthand experiences into the script.
The decision to shoot in Iceland, particularly in the town of Keflavik, was driven by both practical and creative considerations. Keflavik, with its architectural similarities to American cities, provided an authentic backdrop for the fictional Ennis. The harsh Arctic winter and the absence of sunlight for several months also play a crucial role in the narrative. This atmospheric setting aligns with the “True Detective” model of using location to shape the psychological space of its characters.
The production of “True Detective: Night Country” features a talented team of executive producers, including Jodie Foster, acclaimed director Barry Jenkins, and previous season stars Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey. Notably, Alaskan Native women Princess Daazhraii Johnson and Cathy Tagnak Rexford serve as producers on the show. Their involvement ensures that the series reflects the importance of accurate Indigenous representation and authenticity. To achieve this, an Iñupiaq advisory council was formed during the early stages of production, guiding the show’s portrayal of Alaska Native culture and providing invaluable input on script revisions.
The series delves into several significant issues that resonate with Alaskans, such as the debate over natural resource utilization and the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Kali Reis, who has Native American and African American heritage, hopes that the show will bring greater awareness to the epidemic of violence faced by Indigenous communities. Johnson and Rexford share this sentiment, hoping that the series sparks nuanced discussions about diversification in the Arctic economy and the connection between extractive industries and violence against women.
“True Detective: Night Country” offers viewers a compelling narrative that combines Alaskan and Icelandic landscapes, captivating performances, and important social issues. Through its meticulous attention to detail and collaboration with Alaska Native producers, the series seeks to authentically explore the depths of Alaska’s darkness, both literally and metaphorically.