Mexico City, Mexico – Issa López, the first female showrunner, writer, director, and executive producer of the HBO series “True Detective,” is feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement as the fourth season of the thriller approaches. The season, titled “Night Country,” takes a new direction by infusing the series with cosmic horror and featuring two female detectives in frigid Alaska. This change challenges the previous male-helmed and male-centered narrative of the show.
López acknowledges the pressure she feels with the upcoming premiere of “Night Country” and the anticipation of reviews. Despite early overwhelmingly positive reviews, she remains restless, aware that there are still more reviews to come and audiences who have yet to watch the season.
“Night Country” was years in the making, with López beginning to write the script during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The season is a sharp and feminine addition to “True Detective,” expected to be disturbing in a whole new way.
López took great care to ensure the authenticity and cultural accuracy of the story. She hired consultants and producers from diverse backgrounds and worked closely with Indigenous advisers to capture the nuances of the Indigenous experience. She even found an alternative location in Iceland that resembled the snowy and shadowy Indigenous setting of the show.
The season explores the complex dynamics of its female characters and addresses themes of femicide and missing Indigenous women. López emphasizes that the story is grounded in community and the idea of surviving darkness together.
As a storyteller, López is drawn to horror as a way to explore emotions and process grief. She found solace in horror movies during her childhood, using them as an escape and a way to cope with the loss of her mother. This personal connection to horror influences her work, including “Night Country.”
López understands the importance of representation and the need for greater Indigenous narratives in the entertainment industry. She respects the distinctive experiences of Indigenous communities and collaborated closely with them to ensure the story’s cultural authenticity.
While “Night Country” marks López’s first foray into the horror genre, she already has ideas for future projects. She envisions an anthology series that delves into Mexican folklore and highlights the unique and rich imaginary of Mexican culture.
In conclusion, Issa López’s “Night Country” brings a fresh and feminine perspective to the “True Detective” series. With its infusion of cosmic horror and exploration of cultural themes, the season promises to be both captivating and thought-provoking. López’s commitment to authentic storytelling and representation sets a new standard for diversity in the entertainment industry. The premiere of “Night Country” on HBO and Max will be eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike.