Gemini Division, the science fiction / thriller web series starring Rosario Dawson, should be boring. While it boasts an innovative new look — everything is shot in front of a green screen, and a static background is put in its place — the effect actually looks cheaper than other series of mediocre production value, and it severely limits action. As a result, most of the scenes are static shots of Dawson speaking into her phone and recounting what has already occurred.
Despite those setbacks, the story and the acting save this series. With episodes ranging 3 to 5 minutes, there is just enough of a hook, just enough shock value every couple of minutes to keep the viewer hanging on for one more installment.
Dawson plays NYPD cop Diaz, whose picture-perfect boyfriend Nick whisks her away to Paris and proposes. When she finally overcomes her fears and decides to say yes, she witnesses his murder. But it’s not like any other murder she has investigated – Nick is practicallymelted, disintegrated, leaving a mangled mess of metal.
As Diaz follows her cop instincts, she uncovers a global conspiracy tied to an underground movement called the Gemini Division that supposedly protects the world from ‘Simulants’ or simulated humanoids. Diaz must learn who to trust so she can bring her fiance’s killers to justice.
While it’s not the most impressive series in terms of production or imagination, Gemini Division is entertaining, surprising enough, and has one of the strongest casts of any of the web series.