TOMORROW AND I on Netflix is a new sci-fi anthology series along the lines of the iconic Black Mirror series. This production is from Thailand and doesn’t feature as much horror overall. Season 1 has just four episodes. Read our full Tomorrow and I series review here!
TOMORROW AND I is a new Netflix series about tech disruption, so we’re dealing with a sci-fi anthology not unlike Black Mirror. As someone who adores that particular sci-fi horror anthology about the marvels and dangers of tech, I probably had my hopes up a little too high.
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This Thai series has just four episodes in its first season. However, each episode is over one hour long, so we’re approaching feature film length. And yes, I did find each episode to be too long.
Continue reading our Tomorrow and I season 1 review below. Find all four episodes on Netflix from December 4, 2024.
A sci-fi adventure with dark points
The new Thai Netflix sci-fi anthology series Tomorrow and I is easy to describe as simply a Thai version of Black Mirror. This isn’t wrong, but it doesn’t make for a fair comparison. Mostly because the vibe and style of this new series from Thailand tends to be brighter.
We’re still getting stories that feel like sci-fi adventures with some dark points about how tech can be exploited. However, for the most part, actual horror doesn’t come into play. Not much anyway.
What the anthology series Tomorrow and I does well is to ask questions about what would happen if tech disrupted morality and traditional Thai customs. In each episode – which features wildly different and gorgeously produced styles – we’re presented with a new and reimagined Thailand.
As mentioned initially, the near-feature-length runtimes aren’t good for the episodes in this series. The stories simply aren’t able to support it, which results in many long scenes that create unnecessary lulls.
Still, some episodes are definitely stronger than others. Only one of these episodes really fell through for me, and I was actually excited about that particular episode, so it was a real letdown.
Below, I’ll do a quick rundown of each episode to help you manage expectations.
The four episodes in the “Thai Black Mirror” anthology
With Tomorrow and I, we do begin with an episode that feels like it could’ve been an actual Black Mirror episode. Well, the plot itself could have been. The execution and storytelling wouldn’t have made the cut, I’m afraid.
“Black Sheep” is episode 1
The “Black Sheep” episode is about a Thai astronaut who spends three years in space working on organic 3D printing of human organs. A wonderful breakthrough that enables us to print a new heart tailormade for the person who needs it.
Unfortunately, returning from space doesn’t go as planned and she dies in a terrible accident. Her husband cannot live without her and remembering how they cloned their dog, Harvey, when his wife couldn’t live without it, he decides to clone her.
Obviously, this isn’t legal and once he finds someone who will help, he also discovers things he never knew about her. This episode is a love story about unconditional love for both someone else and yourself.
OUR RATING OF THE “BLACK SHEEP” EPISODE: 3 OUT OF 5
This episode is partially in black and white and feels like a very classic sci-fi story. I liked much of this story, but it was too long.
“Paradistopia” is episode 2
This episode deals with and challenges many of society’s taboos as it aims to create a paradise on Earth. Well, you know, the kind of paradise that Thailand (especially Bangkok) is also famous for. Not beaches and delicious food, but rather being a tourist destination of the more carnal variety.
We’re talking about desires that are fulfilled by humans, but one brilliant woman (as in she’s a genius) wants to change this. She’s spent a decade creating intelligent robots trained by human beings who have worked in this field for many years.
Of course, the “moral values”-guardians in Thailand cannot accept this, so she lands in hot water. Apparently, helping to make life safe for the adults (and children) trapped in this industry isn’t a concern for these guardians of right and wrong.
OUR RATING OF THE “PARADISTOPIA” EPISODE: 3 OUT OF 5
The second episode of Tomorrow and I is made to look like an alternative 1960s world. The style and vibe are like an alternative take on this time period but mixed with the present.
“Buddha Data” is episode 3
Having watched many horror movies featuring religion and many true-crime documentaries about the horrors of cults, I felt ready for this one. In the “Buddha Data” episode, the key element of many societies is tackled: Religion.
Instead of being a monk, people can now use a futuristic AI that has been made an expert on everything related to Buddhism. Also, it’s an app that will reward you for good deeds, so why go to any temple and give away offerings, when you can do good deeds in society and be rewarded with merits in an app?
It all sounds well and good, but of course, it isn’t that simple.
OUR RATING OF THE “BUDDHA DATA” EPISODE: 3 OUT OF 5
The third episode is made in a way that makes it feel like the present but with a few futuristic elements. I really liked the backstory of the app creator. That really spoke to me!
“Octopus Girl” is episode 4 (season 1 finale)
I was really looking forward to watching “Octopus Girl” which is set in a world where it rains non-stop. It has been raining worldwide for nearly 800 days when this episode begins. Cities have been raised up to higher ground, but of course, some people still struggle with the huge amounts of water.
The rain is widely acknowledged as being a consequence of the global warming crisis, and the entire world unites to help find a solution. In this episode, we follow two young best friends who live in a rather neglected slum. Clearly, those in power are not busy dealing with public welfare.
Once a waterborne pandemic hits, a vaccine is discovered. It’s based partially on the wonders of the octopus, so once you get the vaccination, you may (as in, you will) develop tentacles on your chin. But hey, once everyone has this, it doesn’t make anyone feel weird.
OUR RATING OF THE “OCTOPUS GIRL” EPISODE: 2 OUT OF 5
Episode 4 features many silly scenes and the classic Asian comedy style of having added sound effects of a lighter variety. While I loved the story (and was fascinated by the ending), the style of this episode ruined the overall experience for me.
Watch season 1 of Tomorrow and I on Netflix now!
Director Paween Purijitpanya (Ghost Lab) is recognized for his futuristic sci-fi works in Thailand. With Tomorrow and I, the rest of the world gets to see why. He (along with his production team) has managed to create a fascinating four-episode anthology.
The four episodes all focus on tech disruption within these four topics: Cloning, prostitution, Buddhism, and the global warming crisis. Each one affects people all over the globe and makes for very universal stories.
And yes, I loved the concept and the core plots. I just did not care too much for the execution. I was entertained but always wanted the pace to be tighter and the characters (for the most part) to be more fleshed out. The actors are all good, but the style of that final episode especially jarred me.
What I did love about the actual production was how the anthology uses diverse and challenging filming techniques. Creating a distinct look and feel for each episode, while adhering to the “futuristic vision” as a cornerstone.
Tomorrow and I Season 1 is streaming on Netflix from December 4, 2024.
Plot
This anthology series explores the intersection of futuristic technologies and Thai culture, and the unimaginable tensions and moral dilemmas that arise out of their inevitable conflict.
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