"We
called it The Corpsicle," Jodie Foster reveals to The
Hollywood Reporter, describing the chilling sight of a pile of frozen bodies at
the center of the HBO drama's new season, True Detective: Night Country.
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| Jodie Foster and Kali Reis in 'True Detective: Night Country' |
The gruesome scene raises numerous
questions. Why are the bodies stacked on top of each other? What caused their
eardrums to bleed? Why are they naked, and why are their clothes neatly piled
nearby? Most intriguingly, how is one of them still alive?
These questions add a layer of mystery and suspense to the narrative, making the frozen murder tableau a central and enigmatic element in the second season of True Detective: Night Country. The stark imagery, discovered at the conclusion of the season premiere, stands out as one of the most unsettling and memorable visuals in the True Detective franchise, known for its dark and mysterious storytelling, including the infamous Yellow King of Carcosa from a previous season.
For the cast and crew of True Detective:
Night Country, the sight of the frozen bodies known as "The
Corpsicle" was just another day on set.
Kali Reis, one of the stars of the
show, likened the experience to casually looking at an everyday object,
stating, “It was like looking at that
lamp over there. It was just… it was there, and so well-made, and so amazing to
see.”
In the unfolding narrative, Trooper Navarro (played by Kali Reis) and Liz Danvers (played by Jodie Foster) have teamed up to investigate the mysterious deaths of the scientists found frozen and unclothed at the Tsalal Research Station. The storyline suggests a connection to a cold case involving the gruesome murder of Annie K, an Indigenous woman.
The haunting presence of the dead
and the mysteries surrounding their deaths add a layer of complexity and
intrigue to the unfolding plot of True Detective: Night Country. Fiona Shaw's
character, Rose Aguineau, imparts insights into the supernatural, emphasizing
the importance of distinguishing the intentions of the departed.
For Kali Reis, understanding the
distinction between corpses in the True Detective universe and the
practicalities of creating such scenes on set was crucial. Despite the
harrowing image of "The Corpsicle" at the Tsalal Research Station for
viewers, it became a rather mundane element for the cast.
Jodie Foster, referring to the frozen bodies as "The Corpsicle," explained that on the first day, the sight was astonishing, but by the next day, it became as commonplace as an old shoe sitting in the corner. The cast members were casually hanging out and drinking coffee around the frozen bodies. Over time, the initial shock wore off, and the surreal atmosphere became part of the daily routine.
Kali Reis added a humorous touch to
the experience, sharing that they met the frozen bodies before meeting the
actors who portrayed them. Despite the initial strangeness, the high-quality
production of the scene allowed the cast to almost sense what it would be like
as the "corpses" thawed out. The blending of the bizarre with the routine
highlighted the professional and immersive nature of the production.
Even for the characters portrayed
by Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, the initially disturbing "Corpsicle"
ultimately became just another aspect of their job.
Reis emphasized the need to maintain a balance between empathy and the recognition that investigating such cases is part of the job. The character Trooper Navarro's emotional journey in the narrative also reflects this dynamic.
Jodie Foster commented on the
thematic aspect of horror, highlighting its connection to anxiety about bodies,
pain, suffering, and fear. She noted the fitting nature of separating the body
from the spirit in the context of the show, where the men in the "Corpsicle" scene are reduced to
mere bodies, while something else of them remains.
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| The pile of frozen bodies begins to thaw in True Detective: Night Country‘s second episode |
Towards the end of episode two, a
significant revelation unfolds: one of the scientists, Clark (played by Owen
McDonnell), is not part of the "Corpsicle"
and is presumably still alive. This revelation places him at the forefront of
the suspect list. Furthermore, the twist that he was once in a relationship
with Annie K adds a new layer of complexity to an already intricate and
different cold case.
Some of the questions surrounding the deaths of the research station scientists in True Detective: Night Country appear to have clear answers:
"Why
are they piled on each other?" - For warmth in the face of
hypothermia.
"Why
are their eardrums bleeding?" - Likely from a sudden drop in
pressure.
"Why
are they naked?" - Potentially because hypothermia causes delirium,
which could also explain what seem to be self-inflicted wounds.
"Why
are all their clothes so neatly piled nearby?" - Maybe
the killer folded them.
However, the question of "How on earth is one of them still alive?"
evolves by the end of the episode. Clark, one of the scientists, is not found
among the pile of bodies, raising further questions. Jodie Foster's character,
Liz Danvers, suggests, "I don't
know, kid. Start asking questions."
True Detective: Night Country
releases new episodes on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
