Tribes of Europa (2021) – Overview

Tribes of Europa is a German dystopian sci-fi series that premiered on Netflix in February 2021. Created by Philip Koch, the show presents a vision of a post-apocalyptic Europe fractured into warring tribes following a mysterious global catastrophe. With stunning visuals, fast-paced action, and political intrigue, the series combines elements of science fiction, adventure, and drama, set in a bleak future where survival is a constant struggle.

Plot Summary

Set in the year 2074, Tribes of Europa takes place in a world devastated by an unexplained global disaster known as “Black December.” This event caused the collapse of governments and technology, plunging Europe into chaos and leading to the rise of tribes, each with its own distinct culture, beliefs, and way of life. The series follows three siblings from the peaceful Origine tribe who are drawn into a brutal struggle for power after discovering a mysterious cube from a crashed aircraft.

The Origine siblings—Kiano (Emilio Sakraya), Liv (Henriette Confurius), and Elja (David Ali Rashed)—each embark on separate journeys after their village is attacked by the Crows, a brutal and militant tribe. Their paths take them into the heart of the conflict between warring factions, as they search for answers, survival, and hope.

1. Kiano is captured by the Crows and forced to adapt to their ruthless way of life, ultimately rising through their ranks as he struggles to retain his humanity.
2. Liv joins the Crimson Republic, a militarized tribe seeking to unite Europe under a common banner. She becomes embroiled in a conflict between the Crimsons and the Crows, searching for a way to save her family.
3. Elja, the youngest sibling, is entrusted with a mysterious cube belonging to the Atlanteans, a highly advanced and secretive civilization. Guided by a rogue scavenger named Moses (Oliver Masucci), Elja embarks on a quest to unlock the secrets of the cube, which could hold the key to the future of humanity.

Key Tribes

• The Origine Tribe: A peaceful and nature-loving tribe living in harmony with the environment. They are technologically primitive compared to other tribes and seek to remain isolated from the violence of the outside world.
• The Crows: A brutal, militaristic tribe that thrives on violence and domination. Led by the fearsome Lord Varvara (Melika Foroutan), the Crows represent a society where strength and cruelty are prized above all else.
• The Crimson Republic: A militarized group seeking to restore order to Europe through a united front. They are technologically advanced and oppose the Crows, working to establish a form of government and civilization amidst the chaos.
• The Atlanteans: An advanced civilization shrouded in mystery. They are believed to possess powerful technology and knowledge, and their cube becomes the focal point of the story, hinting at their potential role in rebuilding the world.

Themes

• Survival and Adaptation: Tribes of Europa explores how people and societies adapt to life in a post-apocalyptic world, where survival often means compromising moral values. Each of the siblings is forced to make difficult choices, navigating a world where the line between good and evil is often blurred.
• Power and Control: The series delves into the dynamics of power and control as various tribes vie for dominance over the remnants of Europe. The conflict between the Crimsons, Crows, and other factions reflects the struggles for political and military supremacy in a fractured world.
• Hope and Rebirth: Despite the bleakness of the setting, the show also carries themes of hope and rebirth. The mysterious cube and the existence of the Atlanteans suggest that humanity may yet find a way to rebuild after the apocalypse.
• Family and Loyalty: The bond between the three siblings serves as the emotional core of the series. As they are separated and forced to survive in different environments, their loyalty to each other and their determination to reunite drives much of the plot.

Visuals and Atmosphere

The visual style of Tribes of Europa is highly cinematic, with striking landscapes that showcase both the beauty and desolation of a ruined Europe. The series makes excellent use of both natural settings and futuristic, dystopian cityscapes to create a stark contrast between the different tribes and environments. The attention to detail in costume design, set pieces, and tribal symbols helps to immerse viewers in the distinct cultures of each tribe.

The action sequences are intense, with a mix of hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and futuristic technology adding a dynamic edge to the series. The show balances these action moments with slower, more introspective scenes that explore the characters’ inner conflicts and moral dilemmas.

Pacing and Structure

Tribes of Europa is a fast-paced series with multiple interwoven storylines following the three siblings. The plot unfolds across different locations and factions, offering viewers a broad perspective on the political and social landscape of this post-apocalyptic world. The pacing is brisk, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger or dramatic revelation that keeps the audience engaged.

However, the show’s expansive world-building leaves many questions unanswered by the end of the first season, setting up a potential continuation of the story in future seasons.

Reception

The series received generally positive reviews for its ambitious world-building, compelling characters, and high production values. Critics praised the show’s ability to blend familiar sci-fi tropes with fresh cultural and political commentary. The performances, especially from the young cast, were highlighted as strong points, as was the visual style.

However, some viewers felt that the series left too many plot threads unresolved, with the first season ending on a cliffhanger without clear resolution. The complexity of the world and the introduction of numerous tribes and factions also made it difficult for some viewers to follow all the political intricacies.

Conclusion

Tribes of Europa (2021) offers a compelling mix of dystopian sci-fi, action, and drama set in a richly imagined post-apocalyptic world. With its focus on tribal warfare, power struggles, and survival, the series appeals to fans of shows like The 100, The Walking Dead, or Game of Thrones. While the first season lays a strong foundation for future storylines, its open-ended conclusion leaves viewers hoping for a continuation that will provide answers to the mysteries it introduces.

If you’re a fan of gritty sci-fi and political intrigue set in a chaotic future, Tribes of Europa is well worth watching. Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into specific episodes or characters!