In the realm of supernatural dramas, Manifest has carved a unique niche for itself. The series, which debuted in 2018, revolves around the mysterious disappearance and sudden reappearance of Montego Air Flight 828. The passengers onboard this seemingly ordinary flight vanish for five and a half years, only to return without any memory of the elapsed time. This intriguing storyline has sparked numerous speculations and theories, with one question being asked more frequently than any other: Is Manifest based on a true story? In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the origins, inspirations, and real-life parallels of this captivating TV series.
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Manifest: An Overview
Manifest is a supernatural drama that quickly captured the attention of viewers worldwide for its unique plot. The series unfolds the enigma of a commercial airplane, Flight 828, that disappears mid-flight and reappears after five and a half years. While the passengers perceive the flight duration as normal, they are astounded to discover that they have been presumed dead for over half a decade. As they grapple with this bewildering reality and the drastic changes in their personal lives, they also begin experiencing strange visions and “callings.”
Manifest‘s intriguing premise has not only gripped audiences but also sparked numerous theories and speculations. The most prevalent conjecture is whether the series draws inspiration from real-life incidents, particularly the infamous disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 in 2014. Let’s delve into this speculation and try to unravel the truth.
The True Story Behind Manifest: Fact or Fiction?
While Manifest is undeniably a work of fiction, the line between reality and fiction becomes blurred when one delves into the show’s creation. The series is not directly based on a true event, but it draws inspiration from a real-life incident: the baffling disappearance of Flight MH370. The Malaysian Airlines flight vanished without a trace in March 2014, leaving the world in shock and giving rise to one of the greatest aviation mysteries of modern times.
The eerie similarities between the real-life incident and the plotline of Manifest have sparked countless speculations. However, the truth, as revealed by show creator Jeff Rake, is more nuanced. Rake conceived the idea for the show in 2009 during a family road trip. He was musing on the themes of family separation and reunion when the premise of Manifest struck him.
Despite having a compelling story, Rake found it challenging to sell his idea to networks. It was only after the MH370 incident that his concept gained traction. The real-life event lent credibility to his “crazy” idea, and Manifest finally found a home.
While the MH370 incident did not directly influence the creation of Manifest, it played a pivotal role in its realization. The story of Manifest was conceived much before the real-life incident, but the latter made the plotline seem more plausible and relevant.
The Enigma of Flight 828: A Fictional Tale Rooted in Reality
In Manifest, the central mystery revolves around Montego Air Flight 828. The flight, en route from Jamaica to New York, experiences severe turbulence mid-air. However, it manages to land safely at the New York Stewart International Airport. The passengers’ relief turns into bewilderment when they are informed that they had been missing for five and a half years and were presumed dead. This inexplicable phenomenon forms the crux of Manifest.
The disappearance and sudden reappearance of Flight 828 echo the real-life mystery of Flight MH370. Although the exact circumstances differ, both incidents involve a commercial airplane vanishing without a trace and leaving the world to grapple with the unexplained mystery. While the passengers of Flight 828 eventually return, the fate of those aboard Flight MH370 remains unknown.
The storyline of Manifest becomes even more intriguing as the passengers start experiencing strange visions and “callings.” These supernatural phenomena, which seem to provide clues about the flight’s disappearance, add a thrilling twist to the plot. Although such elements are purely fictional, they add depth to the narrative and keep the viewers hooked.
Manifest: A Tale of Supernatural Phenomena and Real-Life Parallels
One of the most compelling aspects of Manifest is its blend of supernatural elements with references to real-life figures, artifacts, and historical events. While the series primarily revolves around a fictional event, it draws heavily from real-world mythology, religion, and history to enrich its narrative.
One of the key elements in Manifest is the concept of “callings,” or visions of the future experienced by the passengers of Flight 828. These callings, which guide the characters in their quest to understand their mysterious disappearance and reappearance, are a purely fictional concept. However, they add a layer of intrigue and suspense to the narrative.
While Manifest is not directly based on a true story, it skillfully weaves elements of reality into its plot. This delicate balance between fiction and reality helps make the show more relatable and engaging for viewers.
Manifest vs. MH370: Drawing Parallels Between Fiction and Reality
The uncanny parallels between Manifest and the real-life incident of Flight MH370 have sparked numerous speculations. Although Manifest is not based on the MH370 incident, the real-life event played a significant role in the series’ inception.
In Manifest, Montego Air Flight 828 disappears mid-flight and reappears five and a half years later, with the passengers having no memory of the elapsed time. This mysterious event bears a striking resemblance to the disappearance of Flight MH370. The Malaysian Airlines flight vanished during a journey from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014, leaving no trace of the 239 passengers and crew onboard.
Despite extensive search-and-rescue efforts involving multiple countries and private entities, the fate of Flight MH370 remains unknown. Some debris from the aircraft was discovered in 2015, suggesting that the plane may have crashed in the southern part of the Indian Ocean. However, the exact events leading to the flight’s disappearance remain a mystery.
While Manifest and the MH370 incident share similar themes of vanishing airplanes and missing passengers, the similarities end there. Manifest takes a supernatural turn, exploring themes of time travel, divine intervention, and paranormal phenomena. On the other hand, the MH370 incident, despite its unsolved status, remains rooted in the realm of reality.
The Intriguing Elements of Manifest: A Blend of Mythology, Religion and History
Manifest is not merely a supernatural drama; it is a complex narrative that draws from various sources, including mythology, religion, and history. These elements, seamlessly woven into the plot, add depth to the storyline and make the show even more captivating.
One of the key elements in Manifest is the Omega Sapphire, a stone that is believed to possess the power to create the “callings.” This stone, which is central to the series’ narrative, is a real-life object. However, its supernatural attributes are purely fictional.
The series also makes references to religious and mythological figures. For instance, in Season 4 Part 1, Cal, one of the passengers, returns older and is referred to as Gabriel, possibly alluding to Archangel Gabriel, a guardian angel in religious texts.
Similarly, the series incorporates elements of history into its narrative. In Season 3, a piece of driftwood coated in a sapphire compound is believed to have come from Noah’s Ark, a biblical artifact. These references to real-life figures, objects, and events add a touch of realism to the series, making it more engaging for viewers.
Manifest: A Mixture of Fiction and Inspirations from Real-Life Mysteries
While Manifest is not based on a true story, it is inspired by real-life events and incorporates elements of mythology, religion, and history into its narrative. This unique blend of fiction and reality helps create a captivating plot that keeps viewers hooked.
The series may not provide answers to real-world mysteries like the disappearance of Flight MH370, but it offers an engaging narrative that stimulates the imagination. As viewers eagerly await the final episodes of this riveting series, the question remains: will the mysteries of Flight 828 ever be unraveled?
Despite the unanswered questions and the myriad theories, one thing is clear: Manifest has succeeded in creating a compelling narrative that combines elements of mystery, drama, and the supernatural. Whether or not it is based on a true story, Manifest has etched its place in the realm of popular TV series with its unique storyline and unforgettable characters.
