MOVIE GUIDE: THE KNICK (2014)
There’s always something magical about rediscovering “old shows”—maybe it’s noticing things you missed the first time, or being awed by something that feels entirely new. The Knick might now qualify as an “old” miniseries: it premiered in 2014, ran for two seasons, and was then left to languish in obscurity—as if infected with a deadly disease. Thanks to the modern streaming ecosystem, it’s back and ripe for rediscovery. Perhaps this Steven Soderbergh-produced/directed/DP’d project simply arrived at the wrong time. During the height of Game of Thrones mania, HBO had the bright idea to launch original programming on its “little brother” network, Cinemax, in a bid to shake off the “Skinemax” soft-core reputation—and for a brief moment, it worked. Soderbergh, stepping into the prestige TV arena, brought his usual brilliance to this unconventional series. Set in 1900s New York at the Knickerbocker Hospital, The Knick stands out for its gripping, socially resonant storytelling and bold visual approach. Shot in 6K on RED cameras and downconverted to 2K, Soderbergh (also acting as cinematographer) embraced natural lighting to heighten realism. There’s no glossy color grading or elaborate framing—just a constantly roving camera that captures the intensity of a time when science and modernity fought to take hold.
“…We are a Hospital. We need Cocaine to exist…”
available on hbo/max
