The Record Keeper - A Steampunk Saga Of Good Versus Evil
The Record Keeper (TRK) is an exceptional steampunk web series about the cosmic war being waged by angels and demons over the fate of humanity.
Created by Jason Satterlund for his Big Puddle Films studio, TRK has a very unusual background.
Originally commissioned by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in 2013, the series was disavowed by the church due to nebulous theological reasons after its completion a year later.
Still, TRK is exemplary purely as a work of speculative fiction. A perfect adjective to describe this 11-episode web series is captivating.
In the beginning of the show, we are introduced to three angelic protagonists -
Raina (Lindsey Frame), the titular record keeper who has been tasked by "the administration" of the kingdom of light to record every major event of the war
Larus (Dennis Hill), a prominent lieutenant in the fallen angel host
Caden (Junesoo Ham), an archangel and a chief military strategist for the administration
Larus and Caden were close comrades before the civil war in heaven. Now on opposing sides, both angels struggle to maintain a friendship even while the conflict they are involved in continues to escalate.
As record keeper, Raina is unwavering in her commitment to solicit truthful accounts of the war from the perspectives of both Larus and Caden.
However, she soon begins to agonize over the toll the conflict is taking on her angelic peers - and herself.
Raina, Larus and Caden each must confront betrayal, loss, self-doubt, and danger as the battle of the ages rages all around them.
Watch the official series teaser here ...
TRK's depiction of angels and demons as conflicted emotional beings is one of the most unique ever filmed.
Credit for this is due to the provocative script in conjunction with the nuanced performances of the fine (and very diverse!) cast.
Also, the steampunk aesthetic of the project is just plain GORGEOUS.
With its intricate clockwork props, richly textured costume designs, expansive sets, breathtaking location shots, and dazzling visual effects, TRK looks as if it belongs on cable or broadcast television.
Even more impressive, the series entertains sans any overt, heavy-handed sermonizing despite its mythology being deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian theology,
TRK is among one of the most compelling and beautiful web series we have seen. It's definitely a singular viewing experience not to be missed.
Watch all 11 episodes of the series while they are available on YouTube.