What Is ‘1899’s Original Language? Breaking Down the Coolest Element of Netflix’s International Thriller

When you think of the most ambitious shows of the year, 1899 should be at the top of that list. Not only is this sea-faring series a triumph of visual effects and wild twists, but it’s also impressive on a multi-cultural level. That’s because few other shows embrace as many languages and cultures as this one, mixing them all into a concoction that only amplifies this series’ central mystery.

As interesting as this blending is, it does make for a unique problem. When you’re talking about a show that heavily features multiple languages, which language should you select on Netflix? Which one is “right” and will ensure you don’t get a middling dub? Here’s how English speakers should approach this particular problem.

What Is 1899′s Original Language?

This thriller from German creators bounces between at least seven different languages. So which language is the “right” one? By that we mean which language should you select on Netflix to ensure that you watch the highest quality version of this show?

The audio settings on Netflix currently have 19 different options for 1899. If your primary language is English, you’ll want to select “English [Original].” Even if you select this option without turning on subtitles, the show will provide captions for the Danish, German, Spanish, French, Polish, and Cantonese characters.

Why Does 1899 Have So Many Languages?

The various languages in this show speak to what makes this horror thriller so engaging. According to series co-creator Jantje Friese, 1899 was inspired by the European migrant crisis as well as Brexit. To capture the spirit of these events a well as Europe as a whole, it was important to her and her team that 1899 truly featured characters from around the world.

“We wanted to explore this heart of Europe, where everyone comes from somewhere else and speaks a different language, and language defines so much of your culture and your behavior,” Friese told Deadline.

It’s this touch that makes 1899 both uniquely beautiful and horrifying. As the situation aboard the Kerberos becomes more dire and passengers start dying, people from different parts of the world are forced to interact with each other. There are multiple times when it’s clear that two characters don’t understand what the other is saying. But that disconnect often doesn’t matter. Through tones, expressions, and actions, the emotional weight of what they are trying to communicate comes across even when the specifics don’t translate.

For example, toward the middle of the season, the Polish Olek (Maciej Musiał) tries to explain to the Cantonese Ying Li (Isabella Wei) that his brother lives in New York City but that their relationship is complicated. By using some select English words, Ying Li realizes who he’s talking about. But it’s his averted eyes and slumped shoulders that let her know that this relationship is painful to him in some way. She may never know exactly what’s going on with Olek and his brother, but she knows it hurts him. Isn’t that base level of understanding enough?

On the other side of the coin, these language barriers are responsible for some of the most stressful moments in this thriller. During 1899‘s scariest scenes, you know that everyone who is still alive needs to get on the same page, whether that page requires them to find the doctor Maura (Emily Beecham) or run away. But you also know that communication is limited. During scenes when time is the most value asset to these characters, they have to waste precious seconds navigating these hurdles. It’s just another detail that makes 1899 feel like a wholly original experience.