Season 1 |
|
|
Episode Guide
Episode 1 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 2 -| Review Score – 3/5
Episode 3 -| Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 4 -| Review Score – 3/5
Netflix Thailand has been upping its game this year and the sudden influx of Thai content is pleasantly surprising. Breaking from rom-com BLs and Lakorns that Thailand is known for, we are getting diverse, quality projects with Netflix Thailand’s acquisition and production such as Dont Come Home, Master of the House, How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies and Man Suang.
And in the last month of 2024, it has graced us with Tomorrow and I, a sci-fi anthology series which is not quite unlike Netflix’s Black Mirror. But where Black Mirror doesn’t focus on a certain country or community, Tomorrow and I is wholly set in a futuristic Thailand. With a different cast and crew for every episode, several popular names make up the ensemble such as Boy Pakorn, Ink Waruntorn, Violette Wautier, MacDonald Ray and Iang Sawanee.
What connects all 4 episodes is the mesh of advanced technology destroying the fabric of society with the rich backdrop of Thai culture, old and new. But it is this portrayal of extremes that catches the eye from Buddhist quandaries to Thailand’s unspoken but influential sex industry.
The topics are vast, including the likes of gender identity, eradicating sex work, corruption of religion, and a global pandemic in a dystopian world. Along with the constant warning of unchecked technological advancement and ethical dilemmas, Season 1 also has themes of loneliness, coping with grief, female empowerment, human fallibility, greed and more.
When it comes to the style of Tomorrow and I Season 1, we cannot find a single fault with it, it is so magnificently jaw-dropping with a clever mix of VFX and art direction. Each chapter has a different aesthetic that creates an immersive experience of the controversial tale being told.
Where Episode 1 is sleek, futuristic and modern, Episode 2 has a retro charm, complete with synth-wave rock tracks, 80s outfits and vintage landscapes. Episode 3 showcases the near future with holograms impeding temples with their red lanterns and gold structures while Episode 4 gives us a dilapidated version of a future with minor advancements and large-scale natural destruction.
Keeping with the tone of each chapter, the Tomorrow and I Season 1 enlists directors suited to tell each story. Episode 1 has realistic acting, subtle background music and camera work that mimics the real world to emulate the seriousness of the story. Episode 2 is camp with dramatic side-characters, colourful movements and dynamic shots while the protagonist is the only one who remains realistic so as not to undermine her hardships.
Episode 3 reverts to a sombre execution to regale a tale of religious corruption while Episode 4 is not only camp, it is a full-fledged comedy. We get hammy performances from all, zoom-ins, artificial spotlights, breaking the fourth wall and musical numbers.
Sure, there are some teething problems, especially in Episode 2 and Episode 4 in terms of plot resolution. While Episode 2 is a valiant effort to the pros and cons of getting rid of sex work, we are not told if the protagonist is aware of the consequences of her actions. As for Episode 4, the reasoning behind the final conflict is not explained, preferring to focus on the campy and satirical nature of the chapter.
The finale is also a little too on the nose as it holds up a mirror to our harsh reality, warning us of what our future may look like. But this seems unnecessary as we know that it is the whole premise of Tomorrow and I Season 1. However, there is much potential for the Thai Netflix show to finesse plot devices and strengthen the arguments in these stories to give us a multi-season anthology series in its own right.
Feel Free To Check Out More Of Our TV Show Reviews Here!
-
Verdict - 7.5/10
7.5/10