LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series features an explicit romantic and sexual relationship between two male characters, Ángel and Ramiro. Their relationship is a notable part of their individual storylines and the ensemble dynamic. While not the central theme of the entire series, it is a significant and recurring element within the narrative, contributing to the show's diversity of characters and relationships. The portrayal is clear and includes sexual acts.
The characters Ángel and Ramiro are depicted in a same-sex relationship. In Episode 2, 'The Boy', Tove discovers Ángel's cigarette tin and angrily returns it to him, leading to an argument between Ángel and Ramiro that culminates in them having sex. Later, in Episode 3, 'The Fog', Krester is shown giving Ángel a handjob.
Violence
1899 contains frequent and intense depictions of violence, including graphic murders, brutal assaults, and disturbing scenes of death. The violence is often explicit, with visible injuries and blood, and is a central element in many of the plot's mysteries and character backstories. Several characters meet violent ends or are subjected to severe harm, contributing to the show's dark and unsettling atmosphere.
One scene shows a character being brutally murdered with a rock. Another character has half their face blown off by a bullet. Additionally, in Episode 4, 'The Fight', Jérôme is shot during a confrontation with mutineers, and later, many passengers are shown to enter a trance and throw themselves overboard, falling to their deaths.
Romance and Sexual Content
The series includes substantial romantic and sexual content, ranging from implied intimacy to explicit sexual acts. While graphic nudity is generally limited, scenes depict characters having sex and engaging in other sexual behaviors. Sexual violence, including rape, is also explicitly mentioned or shown, adding a very mature and disturbing layer to the content.
Throughout the series, there are scenes with sexual content, including characters having sex, with little nudity shown in many cases. Specifically, a scene shows Ángel and Ramiro having sex in Episode 2, 'The Boy'. In Episode 3, 'The Fog', Krester gives Ángel a handjob. Furthermore, a character (Tove) is depicted as having been raped while unconscious in her flashbacks, and later brutally beaten, with her family forced to watch.
Profanity
1899 features strong and frequent profanity. Viewers can expect to hear explicit language, including F-words and S-words, used throughout the dialogue. The cursing is present in intense and aggressive scenes, contributing to the gritty and desperate tone of the narrative and the stress experienced by the characters.
The series includes offensive language and sexual violence. Common Sense Media notes that there is cursing that includes f-bombs, s-words, and more.
Witchcraft & Occult
While not explicitly focused on traditional witchcraft, the series heavily incorporates occult themes, mysterious symbols, and supernatural elements that drive the central mystery. This includes recurring symbols like an inverted triangle, strange metallic substances, and inexplicable events that defy natural explanation, creating an eerie and supernatural horror atmosphere. The premise involves a reality that is not what it seems, hinting at a higher, possibly dark, manipulation or simulation.
A recurring symbol of an upside-down triangle with a horizontal line is seen on a letter, on the floor under a bed, as a necklace, and as a tattoo on a character's neck, its purpose unclear but consistently ominous. A black metallic substance mysteriously appears and grows in the ship, affecting characters and adding to the supernatural horror.
Substance Use
Substance use is present and at times explicit in 1899. Characters are shown consuming alcohol and smoking. More significantly, there are scenes depicting the forced or willing injection of various substances, including drugs. One character overdoses from willingly injecting a drug for pleasure, and a young boy is involuntarily injected, highlighting the harmful and non-consensual aspects of substance administration.
There are many scenes where drugs are used, with substances injected into various characters either willingly or unwillingly. A character overdoses from willingly injecting a drug into himself for pleasure. In another disturbing instance, a young boy has a long syringe injected into his neck while he screams in pain and fear, held down by restraints.
Scary & Intense Content
The series is a supernatural horror and mystery thriller with a dark, tense, and often oppressive atmosphere. It features numerous frightening and intense scenes, including jump scares, disturbing imagery, and psychological horror elements. The constant mystery and the characters' deteriorating mental states create a pervasive sense of unease and peril, making it consistently suspenseful and potentially unsettling for viewers.
The atmosphere is dark and tense, with scenes that could make viewers uncomfortable, such as a massive pile of dead bodies. Maura frequently experiences strange visions and nightmares, waking up screaming and restrained, which sets a high level of psychological distress. The unfolding mystery continually keeps viewers on edge, questioning reality and the intentions of characters, and includes sudden, shocking discoveries.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Instances of disrespect and rebellion against authority figures are significant in 1899. Passengers, particularly those from third-class, openly defy the captain and crew, leading to mutiny. This defiance is a core plot driver, showcasing class struggle and characters' desperation as they challenge established rules and leadership.
Furious with Captain Eyk's decision to return to Europe and hide Ada's death, Franz arms the third-class passengers and urges them to launch a mutiny. This leads to characters like Tove, initially part of the loyalists, defecting due to disgust with the actions of Iben and Krester, indicating a strong rejection of perceived injustice.
Anti-Christian Themes
While the series features religious characters and themes of faith, particularly with characters like Iben and Ramiro, it does not explicitly promote anti-Christian messages or mock Christian beliefs. However, the overall supernatural and philosophical questioning of reality may implicitly challenge traditional religious frameworks for some viewers, as the narrative suggests a simulated existence rather than a divinely ordained one. The character Ramiro is a 'faux Portuguese priest' which implies a non-genuine religious affiliation, but this is more about character deception within the plot rather than a direct attack on Christianity.
The character Ramiro is introduced as a 'faux Portuguese priest' traveling with Ángel, suggesting a deceptive religious persona rather than genuine faith. Iben is a 'religious Dane' who believes she hears the voice of God, leading her to certain actions, but her interpretation of divine will drives her actions within the narrative rather than critiquing Christianity itself.
