Netflix's miniseries adaptation of Anthony Doerr's acclaimed war novel All the Light We Cannot See has drawn praise from viewers since its release. The four-part drama, starring Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie, brings the beloved book to the screen.
A faithful and moving adaptation
The series follows a blind French girl named Marie-Laure and a young German soldier named Werner, whose paths cross in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. After Werner is forced into the Nazi ranks as a teenager, he is assigned to help maintain radio communications. Meanwhile, Marie-Laure aids her father in fleeing Paris with a precious diamond, making her the target of a ruthless SS officer. Werner faces a choice between protecting her or staying loyal to the enemy.
One viewer on Rotten Tomatoes called it "One of the most amazing war-related TV shows out there," adding: "I wish more people knew of it. It has a beautiful, moving storyline, wonderful actors portraying strong and thoughtful characters. The atmosphere of war, the dressing, and the music set the right mood for the viewer to enjoy."
Book fans react
Many readers approached the adaptation with caution, hoping it would stay true to the novel. An IMDb reviewer wrote: "The book 'All the Light We Cannot See' has - for me personally - been one of the best within the last years. I was expecting that Netflix would ruin it. But after watching all 4 episodes I must say that it didn't."
Another reviewer said: "After reading the excellent book, my wife and I were captivated by the series. Quite a view into the human spirits during WWII." However, some critics felt the miniseries did not fully capture the novel's depth, while other viewers who had not read the book found plenty to appreciate. One commented: "I'm so thankful I watched this before I saw the critics' reviews. What a beautiful, emotional & intense miniseries. I really enjoyed it very much."
Streaming now
All four episodes of All the Light We Cannot See are available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
