Oh if you didn't read the graphic novels that would feel confusing but the train as a mystical entity was crushed by the like 2nd book when they make it so there are literally like a dozen of them and the 4th book was called Terminus and is about what a group surviving in a static base would be like. It's supposed to become more about the drive of humanity to survive without turning into monsters themselves.

But agreed that snowpiercer is awesome as a mechanic to immediately get you onboard with the world being difficult and dangerous to shake. And that more people will likely make stabs at the concept. I am even down for just an original take on something similar.

And Annihilation is amazing and absolutely that alien feeling I was also gonna say Made in Abyss.