White Lines most definitely flies past a PG-13 rating... so prepare yourself for the unexpected! Storyline begins with Zoe Walker-mother, wife and devoted sister, leaving her quiet life behind to further investigate the death of her brother, whose body has just been found, from 20 years prior. She quickly heads down a path of danger in Ibiza, where the culture exhibits drugs, sex, parties and lifestyles compiled of thrill and busy night life.
After getting kicked out by his father, Axel leaves behind his home and younger sister Zoe to pursue his music career in Ibiza with his close-knit friend group. There, he finds everything he was dreaming of and more, but consumes himself in the rockstar lifestyle; living a overwhelmingly exotic and pronounced life, but suffering a tragic death. Zoe's hunt for answers leads her into a world of trouble with her family back home, old childhood friends with hard secrets, and a glimpse into her brothers life that was disturbingly intense. But most importantly, clarification toward herself, and the life she should embark on next.
White lines delivers a life-like approach to behind-the-curtain scenes of what the hunt for fame and popularity as a young adult with poor intentions can look like. Axel very quickly on is portrayed as a thrill seeker- the rare kind that gains pleasure and excitement from pain and risky ordeals. Through his traveling experiences and golden brick road to becoming a DJ, nothing is enough for his satisfaction. This one-season show takes late teenage-life to the extremes, while also displaying moments of tense humor and zest.
Underlying themes are more understood towards the end of the murder mystery, where patterns of pain and consequence come into play and surprise viewers. Retro rave anthems are littered throughout the series creating an exciting and aesthetic experience for viewers-most moments will make you want to get up and dance or go on that late night drive you are debating. Instances of substance abuse also create a realization about the uncontrollable mental and physical effects to drugs and depression, helping to spread the word on this issue. A theme of release also sways strong in the series and shows the benefits of finding yourself through difficult circumstances.
Fantastic character development and heavy emotions in each scene lead the audience to feel like they're in the show. Each person connected to the crime tries to move forward and steer away from the devastating past, with little remorse for Zoe's situation and findings. The narrative ping-pongs between present and flashbacks for an exhilarating experience and clear picture into the crime, while also leaving room for imagination and time to investigate.
Although an unfortunate plot resolution, that's been foreshadowed since the first episode, leaves the ending with a truth that cannot be fixed legally (leading to a little frustration on viewers behalf) the dangerous, dramatic, intriguing and sexy series should be highly recommended!
