"Only take what you can carry. Only kill what you can eat. Don't make bonds you can't break. Never ask why. Never look back." - Nameless

Those haunting words open the intriguing post-apocalyptic web series The Silent City.

Set in an unspecified future, the earth has been decimated by a mysterious calamity. Wandering the decaying carcass of New York City is an enigmatic stranger we only know as "Nameless."

Nameless' sole goal is to survive and keep moving. His plans are suddenly interrupted when he rescues a beautiful young woman.

Soon he and his new companion, Otsu, must evade the hidden, terrifying dangers of a world gone insane.

Created by filmmaker Rubidium Wu, The Silent City was shot in actual abandoned, forgotten spaces in New York City.

Mr. Wu conceived the series when the avenues of New York were evacuated during Hurricane Irene in August of 2011. Witnessing "the city that never sleeps" transformed into a ghost town made an indelible impression on the accomplished filmmaker.

The result is one of the most exquisite, visually arresting web series I've ever seen.

Comprised of five 4-6 minute episodes, the project was shot in 1080p HD using a monochromatic pallet. The cinematography makes the stark landscape itself a character in the series.

The musical score is another hallmark with dynamic arrangements that give the project an urgent, almost ethereal feel.

However, the highlight of the series is Eric Stafford as Nameless. Mr. Stafford imbues his character with a weary dignity as he struggles to survive in desolation. He is mesmerizing to watch.

Kettie Jean portrays Otsu with courage and intelligence. It's her determination to venture out on a journey of discovery that convinces the reluctant Nameless to follow.

The Silent City is quite an achievement and gets my highest recommendation.

Watch the series trailer below to get a preview of this fascinating new vision of the future:

Listen to our EYE ON SCI-FI podcast episode featuring THE SILENT CITY!

Update: 03/23/2024: Unfortunately, The Silent City is no longer available online. Should its status change, this page will updated to reflect that.

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