In the world of streaming entertainment, few series have captured the intrigue of audiences quite like The Resort, a Peacock original that masterfully weaves mystery, comedy, and deep emotional undertones. Released in the summer of 2022, this dark comedy-mystery follows a couple on an anniversary trip who stumble into a 15-year-old unsolved disappearance at a Yucatan resort. Created by Andy Siara, known for his work on the time-bending rom-com Palm Springs, the show stars Cristin Milioti and William Jackson Harper as the lead couple, Emma and Noah, whose relationship is tested amid bizarre twists and revelations.

The series stands out for its multi-generational narrative, flashing between the present and the past to unravel a story about love, loss, and the passage of time. Siara’s vision draws from personal experiences and a desire to blend genres in unexpected ways, creating a viewing experience that keeps audiences guessing. With an ensemble cast including Skyler Gisondo, Nina Bloomgarden, Luis Gerardo Méndez, and Gabriela Cartol, the production brought together talents from diverse backgrounds to bring this enigmatic tale to life.

Behind the scenes, the creative process involved years of development, evolving from an initial feature film idea into a full-fledged television series. Siara has shared how the concept originated eight years prior as a simple story about a young man befriending an older couple at a resort, without any mystery elements. Over time, it transformed into a complex exploration of human connections, incorporating elements of grief and nostalgia that resonate deeply with viewers.

Production took place primarily in Puerto Rico, standing in for the Yucatan setting, where the cast and crew faced real-world challenges like tropical weather and tight schedules. Despite these hurdles, the location fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the team, which translated into authentic on-screen chemistry. The show’s unique tone, described by Siara as having one foot on a banana peel and the other in the grave, required careful balancing to ensure humor complemented the heavier themes without overshadowing them.

The Genesis and Evolution of the Series

Andy Siara’s journey with The Resort began long before its Peacock debut. Initially conceived as a feature film script about a intergenerational friendship at a vacation spot, the project languished until Siara revisited it with fresh eyes. Drawing inspiration from his own life, including themes of nostalgia and the impossibility of recapturing the past, he reimagined the narrative to include a central mystery that propels the plot forward.

The addition of dual timelines—2007 and 2022—allowed for a richer exploration of characters across different life stages. In the past, young vacationers Sam and Violet embark on an adventure that ends in their disappearance, while in the present, Emma and Noah’s investigation uncovers layers of secrets. This structure not only heightens suspense but also mirrors the show’s thematic focus on time’s relentless march and its impact on relationships.

Siara collaborated closely with executive producer Sam Esmail, known for Mr. Robot, to refine the series’ ambitious scope. Their partnership ensured that the story remained grounded in emotional truth, even as it ventured into surreal territory. The decision to expand it into an eight-episode format provided space for character development that a movie couldn’t accommodate, allowing subplots like the Frías family’s involvement to unfold organically.

Throughout development, Siara emphasized avoiding clichés associated with resort-set stories, particularly those involving crime in exotic locales. Instead, he aimed to subvert expectations by humanizing supporting characters, such as the resort staff, and infusing the narrative with genuine cultural elements from the filming locations.

Influences and Inspirations

Siara’s influences range from classic films like Casablanca and Doctor Zhivago to modern series such as High Maintenance. He credits the latter for inspiring the episodic feel of certain character arcs, particularly those involving director Ben Sinclair, who also appears in the show. These references helped shape The Resort’s blend of intimate character moments with broader mystery elements.

Personal nostalgia played a key role, with Siara reflecting on family vacations and the bittersweet nature of memories. This introspection led to the inclusion of motifs like forgotten cell phones and hidden tunnels, symbolizing buried emotions and unresolved pasts. The creator’s love for tonal shifts, seen in Palm Springs, is evident here, where laughter often precedes profound sadness.

The series also draws from literary sources, subtly nodding to concepts of time and memory in works by authors like Luis Iberra. However, Siara adapts these ideas to fit a contemporary television landscape, ensuring accessibility while challenging viewers to engage with deeper philosophical questions.

Collaborations with the cast further refined the script. For instance, William Jackson Harper’s input added layers to Noah’s character, making him a relatable everyman amidst chaos. Such contributions highlight how The Resort evolved through collective creativity.

Meet the Stellar Ensemble Cast

Cristin Milioti brings a nuanced intensity to Emma, a woman grappling with personal loss and marital strain. Her performance captures the character’s restlessness and determination, driving the plot as Emma dives headfirst into the mystery. Milioti’s prior roles in Palm Springs and Made for Love prepared her for the role’s emotional demands, allowing her to portray vulnerability beneath a tough exterior.

William Jackson Harper, as Noah, provides a grounding counterpoint to Emma’s impulsiveness. His portrayal emphasizes quiet support and subtle humor, reflecting the character’s growth from passive partner to active participant. Harper, celebrated for his work in The Good Place and Love Life, infuses Noah with relatable authenticity, making the couple’s dynamic believable and engaging.

Skyler Gisondo shines as Sam, the awkward young man whose vacation turns fateful. Gisondo’s comedic timing, honed in projects like Booksmart and The Righteous Gemstones, adds levity to tense moments, while his dramatic chops convey Sam’s inner turmoil. Nina Bloomgarden, as Violet, complements him perfectly, bringing depth to a character dealing with grief over her mother’s death.

Luis Gerardo Méndez portrays Baltasar Frías, the enigmatic resort detective whose backstory unfolds intriguingly. Méndez’s charisma and timing make Baltasar a standout, blending mystery with unexpected warmth. Gabriela Cartol, as Luna, navigates dual timelines with ease, showcasing her character’s evolution from carefree youth to mature adult.

Supporting Roles That Steal the Scene

Nick Offerman appears as Murray, Violet’s father, delivering a poignant performance marked by quiet sorrow and subtle humor. His scenes, particularly those involving improvised moments like teaching chopsticks etiquette, add heart to the narrative. Offerman’s real-life gravitas enhances Murray’s role as a grieving parent seeking solace.

Ben Sinclair plays the eccentric resort owner Alexander Vasilakis, whose memory issues contribute to the show’s surreal elements. Sinclair’s directing experience on several episodes also influenced his on-screen portrayal, creating a seamless blend of behind-the-camera vision and performance.

Debby Ryan, as Sam’s girlfriend Hannah, captures the frustration of a sidelined partner, adding tension to the 2007 timeline. Dylan Baker and Becky Ann Baker, as Sam’s parents, bring familial dynamics to life, their real-life marriage lending authenticity to their interactions.

Other recurring players like Parvesh Cheena and Michael Hitchcock round out the ensemble, providing comic relief and plot advancement through their quirky roles. Each actor’s contribution ensures the series feels populated by fully realized individuals rather than mere archetypes.

Filming Challenges and On-Set Bonds

Shooting in Puerto Rico presented logistical hurdles, from unpredictable weather to coordinating large ensemble scenes. Heavy rains often delayed outdoor shoots, but the tropical backdrop authentically captured the resort’s lush, mysterious atmosphere. The cast adapted by embracing the environment, which fostered genuine bonds that enhanced their performances.

Isolation during filming, due to the remote locations, mirrored the characters’ seclusion, helping actors immerse themselves in the story. Weekend outings and shared downtime built a family-like atmosphere, as noted by Cartol, who described the group as becoming inseparable off-set.

Directors like Ben Sinclair and Ariel Kleiman navigated the dual timelines with innovative techniques, using distinct visual styles to differentiate eras. This approach required precise coordination, but resulted in a visually striking series that rewards attentive viewers.

Safety protocols, especially amid global health concerns in 2022, added another layer of complexity. However, the production team’s diligence ensured a secure environment, allowing creativity to flourish without compromise.

Building Chemistry Through Shared Experiences

The cast’s chemistry emerged organically from extended time together in Puerto Rico. Bloomgarden and Gisondo, playing Violet and Sam, bonded over their characters’ awkward first meeting, which set the tone for their natural rapport. This connection made their on-screen romance feel authentic and endearing.

Milioti and Harper, as the central couple, spent time discussing their characters’ backstories to deepen their portrayal of a long-term marriage. Their off-screen friendship translated into believable tension and tenderness, crucial for the show’s emotional core.

Méndez and Cartol, portraying resort staff, drew from their prior acquaintance in acting school to enhance their partnership. Their dance scene, which took hours to film, became a highlight, showcasing their synchronized energy and adding joy to the narrative.

Improvisation played a key role, with actors like Offerman contributing unscripted moments that enriched scenes. These spontaneous additions, encouraged by Siara, added layers of realism and humor to the series.

Balancing Humor, Mystery, and Emotional Depth

The Resort excels in its tonal balance, shifting seamlessly from laugh-out-loud comedy to heartfelt drama. Siara’s script ensures that humor arises from character quirks and situations, never undermining the story’s serious undertones. This approach allows the series to explore heavy topics like grief and marital discord without becoming overly somber.

Key to this balance is the cast’s versatility. Harper’s dry wit contrasts Milioti’s intense drive, creating comedic friction amid tension. Similarly, Gisondo’s bumbling charm lightens the 2007 timeline’s escalating dangers.

The mystery element keeps viewers engaged, with clues like the discovered cell phone leading to unexpected revelations. Siara designed the plot to subvert expectations, avoiding predictable resolutions and instead focusing on emotional payoffs.

Themes of time and memory weave through the narrative, prompting reflection on personal growth. The show’s refusal to rely on guns or overt violence emphasizes character-driven conflict, setting it apart from typical thrillers.

Key Themes Explored

Grief and Healing: Violet’s journey mirrors Bloomgarden’s personal experiences with loss, allowing for an authentic portrayal of mourning. The series shows how unresolved grief can manifest in unexpected ways, influencing decisions and relationships. Through her arc, viewers see the transformative power of confronting pain head-on.
Marital Dynamics: Emma and Noah’s relationship highlights the challenges of long-term partnerships, including unspoken resentments and quiet acts of support. Their investigation becomes a metaphor for rediscovering connection, illustrating how shared adventures can reignite intimacy. The subtle, action-based communication between them underscores the show’s emphasis on deeds over words.
Nostalgia’s Double Edge: The narrative warns against idealizing the past, as characters attempt to recapture lost moments only to face disappointment. Siara uses flashbacks to contrast youthful exuberance with mature reflection, showing how time alters perceptions. This theme resonates universally, encouraging audiences to embrace the present.
Cultural and Familial Bonds: The Frías family’s storyline explores heritage and legacy, with Baltasar’s detective aspirations adding intrigue. Their interactions reveal the strength of familial ties in overcoming adversity. The series respectfully incorporates Latin American elements, enriching the cultural tapestry without stereotypes.
The Search for Meaning: Characters like Emma seek purpose through the mystery, reflecting broader human quests for understanding. The show’s surreal elements, such as hidden passages, symbolize internal explorations. Ultimately, it suggests that true fulfillment comes from interpersonal connections rather than external resolutions.
Humor in Adversity: Laughter serves as a coping mechanism, with comedic moments punctuating tense scenes. This approach humanizes characters, making their struggles relatable. Siara’s philosophy that comedy and tragedy coexist enhances the series’ emotional authenticity.
Time’s Inevitability: Dual timelines emphasize how past events shape the present, urging characters to confront history. The hurricane as a pivotal event symbolizes life’s disruptions. Viewers are left pondering their own timelines and the legacies they build.

The Unique Appeal and Reception

The Resort’s originality lies in its genre-blending, defying easy categorization as a mystery, comedy, or drama. This hybrid nature attracted a dedicated audience, earning praise for its innovative storytelling and strong performances. Critics highlighted the series’ ability to pay off its mysteries while delivering emotional depth, resulting in high ratings on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes.

Peacock’s platform allowed for bold creative choices, free from network constraints, enabling Siara to explore unconventional narratives. The weekly release built anticipation, fostering discussions around plot twists and character motivations.

The show’s visual style, with vibrant resort scenes contrasting shadowy jungles, enhances its immersive quality. Sound design and music further amplify the atmosphere, drawing viewers into the mystery.

Despite its 2022 release, The Resort continues to find new fans through streaming, proving its timeless themes. Comparisons to shows like The White Lotus underscore its place in the pantheon of resort-set tales, though its unique focus on time sets it apart.

Conclusion

The Resort stands as a testament to innovative storytelling, blending mystery with profound insights into human relationships and the passage of time. Through Andy Siara’s visionary creation and the cast’s compelling performances, the series offers a captivating exploration of love, loss, and redemption. Its ability to balance humor with heartache, while subverting genre expectations, ensures lasting appeal. As viewers reflect on its themes, the show reminds us that true mysteries often lie within ourselves, and facing them can lead to unexpected growth. Ultimately, The Resort invites us to embrace life’s uncertainties, finding beauty in the journey rather than the destination.