Written by: Polina Olhovska (33661919)

Jungle is a UK crime drama by Junior Okoli, Chas Appeti, and Kurban Kassam, developed with support from Amazon Studios. Set in a futuristic London, the series immerses viewers in the crime drama influenced by drill music scene through a surreal, neon-lit urban landscape. Its striking visuals, theatrical lighting, and inventive camera angles give it the feel of an extended music video rather than a traditional drama.

This style aligns with Carol Vernallis’s theory on the relationship of sound and image in music videos. Vernallis explores how rhythm and narrative synchronisation have shaped music videos since MTV’s rise in the 1980s. She emphasises how technological advances and social media have elevated rhythm as a key narrative driver. Jungle embodies this evolution, merging sound and visuals in groundbreaking ways.

In Jungle, sound and rhythm are central, shaping the story beyond traditional cinematic elements like dialogue and plot. While the plot remains significant, the emotional journey is primarily driven by sound. For instance, in Episode 1, as protagonist Gogo walks through London, a background melody sets the tone, rendering his voice almost secondary. Dialogue often takes the form of drill-style rap, with rhythm dominating communication and guiding the scene’s emotional flow. The visuals, in turn, follow the rhythm, allowing sound to structure the plot and evoke emotional responses.

The series’ visuals, though secondary to sound, are pivotal to its impact. They echo drill music videos, featuring tight close-ups and rhythmic camera movements. Lighting plays a theatrical role, using greens, oranges, and reds to underscore emotions and amplify scenes’ intensity. In Episode 1’s closing dialogue between Gogo and Mia, the lighting dims as they continue talking, drawing the audience’s focus to the sound and the emotions conveyed. This approach highlights the characters’ feelings while enhancing the rhythm-driven storytelling, creating a performance-like quality.

Jungle straddles the boundary between traditional cinema and music videos. By placing rhythm at its core, it harmonises sound and image to push the boundaries of television storytelling.

Bibliography;

Jungle . (2022). Amazon Studios .

Vernallis, C. (2014). Unruly media : you tube, music video, and the new digital cinema. New York: Oxford University Press Inc.