As a passionate cinephile who has navigated through countless cinematic realms, I must say that these captivating series are a testament to the power of storytelling and creativity.
Netflix subscribers have consistently had access to excellent TV series, but sci-fi enthusiasts find an exceptional selection. Shows like “Black Mirror” and “The OA” are among the critically praised offerings on the menu. Regardless of whether they focus on a small community or explore events with far-reaching consequences, these shows stimulate viewers to ponder deeply about science and its various potentialities.
Sadly, just like large libraries, Netflix often faces an issue: many hidden treasures become lost among the pile. Due to the vastness of their selection, viewers might not have enough time to explore everything, which could lead them to overlook some titles perfectly suited to their tastes.
In summary, here’s a collection of science fiction series that you might find captivating if you’re an enthusiast of the genre. These shows not only offer intriguing storylines, but they also delve into compelling side-stories and feature exceptionally skilled actors.
10 Futmalls.com (2020)
Have you ever wondered what Amazon or eBay might transform into in the coming years? That’s exactly what Futmalls.com creator Lai Chun-yu considered. In this intriguing Taiwanese sci-fi series, shoppers can buy anything, from the ordinary to the extraordinary – items as intangible as fame, love, and beauty. The catch? They come at a price. As one might anticipate, there are consequences to these transactions.
No ”Return to Sender”
The website Futmalls.com offers profound reflections on human desires and consumerism, striking a nerve with its mix of humor, inspiration, fear, flirtation, and heartbreak; in essence, embodying all that an exceptional TV show might encompass. Engaging with police officer Zhao Xu-zhen during the investigations is nothing short of delightful, as she stands out among the most authentic on-screen characters ever created.
9 Better Than Us (2018)
The captivating and strikingly unorthodox series titled Better Than Us showcases the talented Russian actress Paulina Andreeva in a courageous, possibly masochistic role that some Hollywood stars might have hesitated to embrace. She portrays Arisa, an android from 2029 who disregards Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics and begins causing harm to humans.
Another Warning About the Rise of AI
As a dedicated film enthusiast, I can confidently say that Better Than Us ranks among the most impactful series exploring artificial intelligence. The narrative serves as a compelling cautionary tale, with its central character, Arisa, embodying the complexities and dangers of unchecked AI development. Although she may be ruthless, her actions drive home several crucial ethical lessons, such as the paramount importance of consent. In one particularly gripping scene, Arisa brutally avenges herself against a person who sought to exploit her as a sex slave. The series also boasts some expertly orchestrated action sequences, making it an engrossing sci-fi experience that will captivate you for hours on end.
8 Nightflyers (2018)
Game of Thrones” is undoubtedly George R.R. Martin’s most famous adaptation, but another noteworthy one exists. Derived from the author’s novellas and series of short stories bearing the same title, “Nightflyers” chronicles a group of scientists who journey aboard the most advanced spaceship ever constructed in 2093, as they endeavor to establish communication with extraterrestrial beings.
Watch Out for Alien Intruders
In this production, reminiscent of Ridley Scott’s iconic film Alien, the visuals are so breathtaking that they have earned a nomination from the Visual Effects Society Awards. The strong cast, including David Ajala and Jodie Turner-Smith, delivers consistently without a single flaw. This sci-fi thriller directed by Daniel Cerone, renowned as one of Dexter’s showrunners, should not be missed.
7 Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)
In the tale titled “Sisyphus: The Myth“, the brilliant engineer, CEO, and founder of Quantum and Time, Han Tae-sul (Jung Hyeon-jun), encounters the enigmatic Kang Seo-hae. She captivates him with her radiant charm, appearing as a breathtaking ethereal beauty in Chanel and pearls. However, she conceals hidden truths. She hails from the future, on a mission to halt Tae-sul’s creation of a potentially dangerous device.
Time Travel Served in a Refreshing Manner
If you’re searching for a suspenseful sci-fi mystery with plenty of clever visual jokes, Sisyphus: The Myth definitely fits the bill. This series delves deeply into the idea of time travel, and at times it gets quite complex. This complexity might be challenging for viewers who just want pure entertainment, but its creative cinematography and divine emotional release make it worth exploring.
6 Omniscient (2020)
The story is set in a society where every citizen is under constant watch by surveillance drones around the clock. When an unusual murder takes place, a tech worker finds a method to outwit her monitoring drone, allowing her to investigate further. Not surprisingly, her inquisitive nature sets off a chain of events that impact different parties.
Feels Like a Large Black Mirror Episode
The concept of the show might fit well within an episode of “Black Mirror,” but as a standalone series like “Omniscient,” it offers the opportunity to delve deeply into themes such as government surveillance and crime. Witness this poetic and heartfelt story, and you may find yourself re-evaluating your perspectives on some of society’s crucial yet frequently overlooked practices.
5 The Imperfects (2022)
In “The Imperfects,” we find three individuals transforming into monstrous forms due to a gene therapy experiment conducted by Dr. Alex Sarkov. Stripped of their lives and freedoms, and forced into bodies they detest, these characters embark on a long journey seeking revenge against the man responsible for their predicament. Simultaneously, they harbor hope that he might reverse their transformations back to their original selves.
Simple yet Rich
Blending the gritty social realism found in Fringe and the dry wit of The Boys, The Imperfects stands out as a notable achievement, largely characterized by its unconventional simplicity. This series is set amidst the lively communities of Seattle, and it boasts exceptional cinematography and visual effects that truly bring the environment to life. Surprisingly, the camera seldom moves, but this works in its favor as it highlights intimate, yet impactful performances from a talented ensemble of actors.
4 Are You Human? (2018)
In the series titled “Are You Human“, character Laura Oh (Kim Sung-ryung) is well-versed in brain science and artificial intelligence. She even creates AI replicas of her son. When tragedy strikes, with her son getting into an accident and falling into a coma, she takes the extreme step of creating an android that mirrors him to carry out his responsibilities within their family business empire. This is done to preserve his status as the heir.
Abusing A.I.
As a dedicated cinephile, I’d describe “Are You Human” as a gripping exploration of my own fascination with artificial intelligence and its far-reaching consequences. It masterfully portrays the complexities of parental obsession and the human tendency to fix problems at any cost. The narrative unfolds over 36 captivating episodes, presenting us with the morally ambiguous actions of the character Laura. Despite her questionable tactics, she is so charming that it leaves viewers pondering whether her actions are ever truly justified.
3 The Mist (2017)
2007’s “The Mist” is often hailed as one of the greatest horror-sci-fi films ever created, primarily due to its haunting conclusion. Remarkably, the television series based on Stephen King’s original novel didn’t create much media excitement. Nevertheless, like the movie, it tells a compelling tale about an eerie fog releasing dangerous creatures onto the streets of a small town.
Same Level of Thrill
In a gripping reinterpretation, we’re drawn straight into the harrowing journeys of this motley group of townsfolk. The storyline, while maintaining faithfulness to the original, also incorporates some imaginative deviations, heightening the poignant heroism of their struggle for survival. For those yearning for more screen time, there’s ample depth as the characters are more fully realized, their personal stories expanded, and an additional layer of chilling sequences added to the mix.
2 Tribes of Europa (2021)
In the year 2074, four decades have passed since a massive technological collapse plunged nations into chaos and fragmentation, leading them to disintegrate into small, warring tribes who rule as microstates. The series, Tribes of Europa, primarily explores the struggles and victories of three distinct European tribes: the Origines, a tranquil, nature-loving community living in the jungle; the Crows, a martial society; and the Crimsons, an ambitious tribe aiming to restore unity across Europe through diplomacy.
Using Fiction to Drive a Bigger Point
In the captivating backdrop of Tribes of Europa, the visuals are truly breathtaking, yet it offers more than just a visual delight. This engaging German series employs science fiction as a means to convey profound geopolitical and philosophical messages. The narrative subtly posits that cycles of violence can be disrupted and ultimately cease, offering hope for an end to persistent territorial disputes in our own world.
1 Osmosis (2019)
In the realm of Osmosis, locating the ideal companion becomes significantly simpler. This innovative environment houses a novel dating application designed by experts, capable of delving into users’ minds and sifting through data to facilitate finding someone who shares similar perspectives on life. However, it’s essential to note that while this app addresses some dating challenges, new issues may surface, potentially even more complex than those previously encountered.
Dating Is Never Easy
Osmosis is an absolute delight, excelling in its accurate portrayal of real-life dating situations and stellar performances by its principal actors, notably French actor Hugo Becker who leaves a lasting impression with his dynamic portrayal of the driven, quirky, and unyielding CEO of a dating app company. The narrative also carries a distinct Black Mirror vibe, a concept that I believe the show’s creators may have missed, but fortunately for us viewers, we get to enjoy it here instead.
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2024-10-26 20:02