Netflix to launch Thai sci-fi series Tomorrow and I, blending Thai culture and futuristic sci-fi themes

Netflix is set to release Tomorrow and I, a Thai sci-fi anthology series that focuses on the clash between hyper-advanced technology and traditional Thai beliefs and customs. The series transports viewers to a futuristic Thailand, exploring how technology has integrated into daily life. With unique storylines, it offers an intriguing perspective on how the old and new coexist in a hyper-advanced society.

From its Netflix Geek Week 2024 teaser, the Paween Purijitpanya-directed series has created a buzz. Fans were presented with four posters and a trailer, giving a taste of the futuristic world of the show.

Tomorrow and I, scheduled for release later in 2024, has already drawn interest for its combination of Thai culture and sci-fi ideas. Topics including cloning, artificial intelligence (AI), and surviving in an underwater city run across the four 70-minute episodes.

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Tomorrow and I: The series unveiled

Tomorrow and I is Netflix's inaugural Thai sci-fi series, and the streaming platform harbors significant expectations. The show features four unique narratives that juxtapose technology and tradition. The series analyzes situations in which loved ones are resurrected via cloning and explores a future where AI monks transform Buddhist doctrines.

Each episode is 70 minutes long, offering an in-depth look into futuristic issues from a Thai cultural perspective. The series is included in Netflix's expanding Southeast Asian production portfolio.

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A look at the cast and director

Director Paween Purijitpanya, known for his work in films like Body and Ghost Lab, leads the charge in Tomorrow and I. He has a reputation for pushing boundaries in Thai cinema, and this sci-fi series is no exception. With a cast featuring Pakorn Chatborrirak, Violette Wautier, and Waruntorn Paonil, the show brings together some of Thailand’s top acting talents.

The anthology series also includes Treechada Hongsyok and Ray Macdonald, further adding to the star-studded cast. These actors bring life to each episode, portraying characters who face extraordinary circumstances in a technologically advanced future.

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A glimpse of what the series has in store

Initially, Tomorrow and I addresses the emotional and moral dilemmas associated with cloning technology. In a world where people can bring back their deceased loved ones, the distinctions between life and death become indistinct. This scenario challenges conventional Thai notions regarding reincarnation and the afterlife, presenting viewers with a stimulating narrative.

Further, the series looks into the role of AI in religion. It can be quite surprising to imagine a future in which a "Techno-Monk" integrates into the Buddhist order, replacing human monks with machines. This scenario compels the audience to think about the potential impact of AI on ancient religious traditions and the possibility of technology coexisting with faith.

Netflix Thai sci-fi series Tomorrow and I (Image via Netflix)

Subsequently, there exists a correlation between technology and intelligence. The series additionally looks into intimacy and relationships in a futuristic metropolis. The advent of sophisticated s*x robots allows individuals to fulfill their emotional and physical needs through technological solutions.

The series depicts a submerged world where humans must adapt to survive. In this dystopian future, cephalopodic entities may represent humanity's final prospect for survival. It discusses perseverance and the human spirit during crises as the city struggles with survival—both literally and metaphorically.

Tomorrow and I is expected to resonate with both local and global audiences, highlighting the unique fusion of technology and tradition.