Podcast

Review: “Bunker 8” The Midnight Mystery

by Tea in the Sahara

Tea in the Sahara

Kev: Critic & Podcaster

As we tiptoe into festive frenzy season I thought the timing was perfect to offer you a sanity lifeline with this week’s review “Bunker 8” created by Dean Smyth. The reason I am promoting this indie podcast is simple: if you are seeking a direct podcast, “Bunker 8” follows a simple well trodden narrative with very clever bits thrown in for good measures. The camouflaged pun will make sense shortly.

We follow Jack (Dean Smyth), a former soldier, as he searches for solace, and a mucho dinero six-month paycheck by taking an off-grid job in a remote bunker. Oh, and this bunker happens to be in the Antarctic, ramping up the isolation factor nicely. I guess a tropics based bunker in Waikiki wouldn’t have held the same thrill factor?

Despite his isolation, Jack isn’t completely alone. He regularly checks in with a dubious AI named Violet (Laura Hamilton), while going about his daily tasks — cleaning like Mrs. Hinch, locking cells, and asking zero questions about secret rooms and scattered body parts. Yes, you heard that right!

For an indie podcast, the audio is spot-on, especially ep.1’s arrival helicopter scene, which sounds incredibly cool. The sound design vividly captures the bunker’s imposing landscape, making you feel like you’re biding time right alongside Jack. I will say that the small editing team behind Bunker 8 has tackled many audio challenges, but one that often evades most is the realistic portrayal of footsteps — which can easily sound slightly unconvincing.

Taking down the casting scaffolding the slim character roster works, leaning into the isolation themed setting. Aussie Jack, prides himself on his ability to keep his cool, even when things are heating up — just remember that everyone has their breaking point. Violet is the only other voice you’ll hear during the six episodes of season one, presenting an AI-driven good cop/bad cop dynamic that challenges both Jack and the listeners sense of trust.

Fiction fans will know that the whole snowy horror theme has been done to death. However, where Bunker 8 differs is in its masterful blend of atmospheric apprehension, creating a claustrophobic narrative that feels fresh yet unpredictable. Lots of big words I know, but trust old Kev.

Where can the writers take this podcast show? Honestly, the possibilities are endless with the current script leaving plenty of wriggle room for creative storytelling if there is a 2nd series. Stating the obvious elephant in the room, the bunker is called Number 8…

Still not convinced yet? If you’re looking for a catchy tagline to sum up this week’s review try this one on for size: part thriller, part horror, Bunker 8 is a podcast not afraid to colour outside the lines — with the vibe and hallmarks of a social experiment gone Pete-Tong.

Scores for Bunker 8 this week 7/10
Podcast submissions and press kits to – tinthesahara@gmail.com
Cheers, Kev.

Previous critiques

Credits

Jack – Dean Smyth

Narrator – Dean Smyth

Violet – Laura Hamilton

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