The era of science fiction is now. Netflix’s recent adaptation of 3 Body Problem, originally written by Liu Cixin, is a science fiction epic with an identity of its own. It intentionally warps your perception of right and wrong, all wrapped up in the cast of complex characters and the brutality of existence. Brought by the Game of Thrones showrunners, their talents only elevated the story’s horror and political thrill.
Visual Grandeur – How 3 Body Problem Immerses the Audience
The cinematography is one of the best assets of 3 Body Problem. With its brilliant visuals, the other world, Trisolaran, was showcased in a stunning but spine-chilling manner. The sense of peace and organisation bleeds into a state of chaos and dread. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the scientific horrors faced by the San-Ti on their home planet. We see a world ravaged by chaotic weather patterns and gravitational fluctuations, brilliantly visualized through CGI storms and landscapes that seem to defy physics.
Dialogue and Dynamic
In this chaos, there’s also a certain beauty in it. It makes you wonder how different the San-Ti are from us. They look like us but don’t understand us. They strive for a naive, ideal world but are disappointed by our reality. That is where the dialogue comes in. The natural flow and chemistry between the characters is another superpower. However, this dynamic gets switched when communicating with the San-Ti. It’s stunted and the massive miscommunication is the catalyst for the catastrophic events. It quickly becomes a dance of intellect between the players. More than that, 3 Body Problem isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty with complex scientific concepts. The dialogue is a constant dance between the characters, filled with discussions about physics, mathematics, and the nature of reality. While it might start out confusing you with jargon, the events become clear and connected as time goes on.
Jin Cheng and Jack Rooney (John Bradley)
Casting Choices – Did They Do Justice?
The ensemble cast of 3 Body Problem delivers strong performances, breathing life into characters who are forced to grapple with existential anxieties and the weight of potential annihilation. Benedict Wong, as the enigmatic Clarence Shi, brings a captivating intensity to the role, while Eiza Gonzalez delivers a nuanced performance as Augustina Salazar, the brilliant and fierce astrophysicist. Rosalind Chao as the genius Ye Weinjie is the perfect choice to play the terrifyingly determined senior astrophysicist, the mastermind of the past and present. The sole criticism would lie in the division of the personalities of various characters from the novels into the characters made for the TV version made them lose their individuality. For example, the personality and story of Wang Miao, a main character from the novel, was divided between Jin Cheng (Jess Hong)and Salazar’s characters. Many fans of the original trilogy did not favour this decision.
Benedict Wong as Clarence Shi and Liam Cunningham as Thomas Wade
So Is It Worth It?
Despite its minor flaws and the intensity of the gore, 3 Body Problem is a revolutionary concept for science fiction. Liu Cixin’s expansive story deserves more attention and this adaptation served justice. There is a reason why it’s trending on social media currently. From a stunning cast to the depiction of morality, 3 Body Problem is an epic to remember for the ages. The positive reviews speak for themselves and we hope for a Season 2 and more.
Writer’s note: In my years of watching anime and learning about filmmaking, I become more and more impressed with the creativity and process of animation. Animation provides endless possibilities from colours to storytelling. The impressive visuals leave us in awe and Japan is leading the animation industry. Anime is one of the best entertainment media in the world and now is the best time to get into it.
One Piece (1999 – ongoing)
One Piece might be daunting as it’s currently at 1100 episodes and still ongoing. But this series is guaranteed to be one of the best experiences of your life. Following the 17-year-old Luffy, his one dream is to be the Pirate King and find the mysterious titular treasure of the previous Pirate King, the “One Piece”. He finds crewmates along the way and the adventures are hilarious but while this series looks lighthearted on the outside, it’s a direct mirror of our morally corrupt world and the journey is not easy. It deals with serious topics such as racism, abuse of power, slavery, morally corrupt governments, and so on.
Haikyu!! (2014 – 2020)
Haikyu!! is a sports anime that not only creatively represents volleyball but also teaches the viewer about friendship and compromise. The series follows the team, Karasuno, and the two protagonists, Hinata and Kageyama, as they learn to work together after a bitter encounter but realise their playstyles are compatible. You meet other characters and their dynamics and learn so much about friendship, and how beautiful it can be but how ugly it can get. The anime series has ended but two upcoming movies will wrap up the finale of the manga.
Death Note (2006 – 2007)
A much shorter but impact watch of 37 episodes, Death Note is a classic you cannot miss. It’s arguably one of the best suspense thriller TV series in media and amongst the best in anime history. It is an unforgettable story with unique characters and grave rules that they must follow. The stakes are high for rivals, Light Yagami and L, who constantly try to outsmart one another.
Your Lie in April (2014 – 2015)
Maybe the most devastating anime out there, Your Lie in April is a beautiful romantic series about two teenage musicians who learn freedom and love through their performances together. It’s a short 22-episode anime that will leave you in tears but the story and music will awe you.
Spy x Family (2022 – ongoing)
Spy x Family is a much more recent anime series that took the internet by storm. With a unique plot and clever writing, Spy x Family is a lighthearted watch with memorable characters–Anya, Loid and Yor. The three have strange jobs and abilities–Anya has telepathic powers, Loid is a spy and Yor is an assassin and they are all pretending to be a family due to Loid’s current mission. It’s a recipe for chaos and a wholesome anime.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020 – ongoing)
There is no doubt that Jujutsu Kaisen has entered the anime world as one of the biggest in the industry. Their iconic characters like Gojo Satoru, Nanami Kento, Geto Suguru, and many more have stolen the hearts of anime fans. The plot and rules of Jujutsu Kaisen might be confusing and dark but the animation style and quirky personalities make it a great watch.
Gintama (2005 – 2021)
Gintama is an extensive watch with 367 episodes but the absurdity and randomness of the plot is worthwhile. The premise is interesting enough but the chaos takes the cake. The characters, especially the main character, Gintoki Sakata, are constantly doing random acts that will catch you off guard but in a funny way. It’s an easy watch that makes you want to binge it.
Bungo Stray Dogs (2016 – ongoing)
Bungo Stray Dogs has a very unique concept and premise. The characters are all based on literary figures in history, be it Japanese, American, British, you name it. More than that, these characters have superpowers based on their real-life counterparts’ works of literature. For example, the famous character, Osamu Dazai, has a power called No Longer Human, based on the book of the same name by the same author. However, what draws you in is the depiction of morality and the value of human life that the anime explores.
Monster (2004 – 2005)
Pretty much on par with Death Note, Monster is a suspense thriller but with one of the most iconic, well-written villains in anime. While the villain’s backstory is pitiful, it is meant to make you even more terrified of his potential for evil. The protagonist, Dr Kenzo Tenma, takes responsibility for putting a stop to the villain, Johan Liebert and we meet several characters affected by his Tenma’s kindness and Liebert’s evil.
Attack on Titan (2013 – 2023)
This is an anime that will mess with your mind. A story about war, loyalty, politics, and morality, Attack on Titan has cemented itself as one of the best anime in history. The plot’s twists and turns will leave you indecisive about which side is right and wrong (the answer is probably neither). The nuances behind every decision are well-written and while the plot is complicated, it also has the best anime characters in history.
My New Boss is Goofy (2023)
My New Boss is Goofy is a short and sweet anime of 12 episodes that will hopefully be renewed for a second season. The anime explores mental health, friendship, office dynamics and power harassment in the Japanese workplace. It’s another easy watch but more importantly, the characters are incredibly kindhearted people, especially the boss in the title, Yuusei Shirosaki. His kindness and clumsiness are the main attraction of the anime but it’s seriously underrated how healing this anime is.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016 – 2018)
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. has an absurd format. Some of the episodes are compilation episodes, cut into 5-minute episodes so while the total is over 100, the anime is actually around 26 episodes. Saiki K. has telepathic abilities and his inner thoughts about the events around him are straightforward and humorous. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is yet another lighthearted anime with a funny plot and even funnier characters but the overall story is incredibly wholesome.
Death Parade (2015)
A twisted anime about your fate after death, Death Parade is a thought-provoking anime. People who die are sent to a mysterious bar named Quindecim, run by the lone bartender Decim and his assistant. They are forced to play Death Games to figure out why they ended up there and the result will determine if their souls reincarnate or are lost forever. The anime points out that nobody is truly angelic or truly evil.
Hunter x Hunter (2011 – 2014)
Acclaimed as one of the greatest anime ever, Hunter x Hunter follows the protagonist, Gon Freecss, who learns his “deceased” father is alive and a world-renowned Hunter (who can trace beasts, treasures and rare creatures). Gon aspires to become a Hunter like his father. The main highlight that makes this anime one of the greatest is the character-driven storyline rather than the plot just fitting the characters in.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019 – ongoing)
Demon Slayer is an anime with a massive growth in popularity since 2019. The characters are interesting, the story is thrilling and the animation is top-notch. It’s colourful, fluid and a spectacle to watch. It’s especially known for its amazing fight sequences and some funny moments that balance out the anime’s intensity. The series is complicated but easy to get into.
Nana (2006 – 2007)
Nana has a devastating take on the intricacies of human relationships. It’s an important binge-watch for people who want a realistic anime. Named after the two protagonists, Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, it follows the lives of the roommates who grow close, despite being polar opposites. Their relationship gets more complicated when adult life and decisions get in the way.
Terror in Resonance (2014)
Terror in Resonance or Zankyou no Teroru is a complex anime. While the main criticism lies in the structure of the show, the character designs, music, and the thrill of the chase are amongst the best. It handles moral ambiguity and anti-heroism with a grace never seen before. The duo of Twelve and Nine are iconic for their strong personalities and well-written backstories.
Cowboy Bebop (1998 – 1999)
A classic amongst legends of anime, Cowboy Bebop is a neo-noir space Western anime. It’s a cool, intelligent series with witty dialogue and thrilling action sequences. The jazz and other cultural references make it even richer. It’s also one of those rare anime series where the English dubbing is impressive and can be watched without losing immersion.
Writer’s note: This list of releases will include movies and TV series alike that you definitely should not miss. I have observed most of these are sequels, remakes or spin-offs of huge franchises but regardless, they are all promising. Let’s look at what’s hot in 2024.
Joker: Folie à Deux (4 October 2024)
Undoubtedly, Joker: Folie à Deux is the most anticipated movie release in 2024. With the massive success of 2019’s Joker, people are excited to see Lady Gaga’s performance as the new Harley Quinn. We have no doubt Joaquin Phoenix, reprising his role as The Joker, will give a fantastic performance for the ages. Notably, the style of Folie à Deux in trailers so far mimics the aesthetic of La La Land (2016).
Deadpool & Wolverine (26 July 2024)
What’s better than one iconic superhero? Two iconic superheroes. Deadpool and Wolverine join forces in Deadpool & Wolverine. The premise we know so far is that the Time Variance Authority (TVA) from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will capture Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, to change the history of the MCU. Hugh Jackman reprises his role as Wolverine.
Fly Me to the Moon (12 July 2024)
Fly Me to the Moon stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in a rom-com based during the Cold War and the 1960s Space Race. A relationship between the two develops during their collaboration to fix NASA’s public image.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (1 May 2024)
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, or Heeramandi, is a Hindi-language period drama TV series. The series follows the Indian Independence Movement and the lives of tawaifs (successful female courtesans) in the red-light district of Heera Mandi, Lahore. It was created by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his other period movies like Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018).
The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2 May 2024)
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a historical drama based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Heather Morris. It tells the real-life experience of the Holocaust survivor, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. He was tasked with tattooing his fellow prisoners’ arms with identification numbers. The Tattooist of Auschwitz highlights how he found love along the way but also the immense trauma of genocide and the survivor’s guilt he felt.
Speak No Evil (13 September 2024)
Blumhouse Productions will release yet another horror film in 2024. Starring James McAvoy, Speak No Evilshows how a dream vacation in a gorgeous country house can turn into a nightmare. This is a remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name. You are in for a treat if it’s anything like the original or improves on it.
Dune: The Prophecy (Late 2024)
Dune: The ProphecyorDune: Prophecy is an upcoming TV series that prequels the 2021 film Dune by 10,000 years. The TV series will focus solely on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a sisterhood of powerful women who mentally and physically train themselves to gain superhuman abilities. There is no release date announced yet.
Mother of the Bride (9 May 2024)
Mother of the Bride is an upcoming rom-com with Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove as the mother-daughter duo. Cosgrove’s character, Emma, returns home to announce she will be getting married in a month. Upon meeting the groom’s family, the mother finds out the groom’s dad is the person who broke her heart years ago. Where will this rom-com go?
The Acolyte (4 June 2024)
Another expansion of the Star Wars franchise, The Acolyte, also known as Star Wars: The Acolyte, will follow a Jedi investigation of multiple crimes at the end of the High Republic era and before the Star Wars films. The TV series stars notable actors like Amandla Stenberg (Bodies Bodies Bodies, Rue from the Hunger Games series), Lee Jung-Jae (Squid Game), and Manny Jacinto (The Good Place).
Moana 2 (27 November 2024)
The sequel to the 2016 Moana, Moana 2 will follow the titular character receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors. Similar to the first, Moana will again embark on a dangerous journey through the seas of Oceania. Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles.
All We Imagine as Light (Cannes, May 2024)
Directed by Payal Kapadia, we don’t know much about the plot and journey of All We Imagine as Light. The summary revealed before its debut at the Cannes Film Festival implies that the main characters will go through an intense and passionate journey to a beach town after their subsequent plot points get complicated. Kapadia’s film will be the first Indian film in 30 years to enter the main competition at Cannes.
When Life Gives You Tangerines (2024)
With an unknown release date, When Life Gives You Tangerines (also known as Thank You for Your Hard Work and You Have Done Well) is a Netflix distribution South Korean TV series. Featuring the famous IU (Lee Ji-Eun) and Park Bo-Geum, it’s a slice-of-life series that follows two very bright and spirited individuals through an adventure.
Lee Ji-Eun (IU) and Park Bo-Geum
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (6 September 2024)
A long-anticipated sequel to the 1988 Beetlejuice, the horror comedy movie, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, will feature familiar faces and new characters. Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara are back again for another Beetlejuice instalment with Jenna Ortega and Willem Dafoe in the lineup. Let’s hope Tim Burton can live up to the first.
A Quiet Place: Day One (28 June, 2024)
A Quiet Place: Day One is the origin and spin-off story of the A Quiet Place series. It will hopefully answer the mystery behind how everything in A Quiet Place happened. The new film features Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (13 December 2024)
This is a call for allThe Lord of the Ringsfans. The wait is over with The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, set 261 years before The Lord of the Rings movies and 200 years before The Hobbit. The movie will tell the story of the legendary King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand, played by Brian Cox, and how he defended his kingdom against the Dunlendings.
Inside Out 2 (14 June 2024)
This year is filled with sequels. Bringing you yet another, Inside Out 2 is the sequel to the 2015 Inside Out by Disney. Now that the protagonist, Riley, is 16 years old and feeling new emotions, Maya Hawke enters the picture as the voice actress for the personified emotion of Anxiety. The film involved lots of care towards representing teenagers’ mental health as they consulted with teenage girls on areas they could improve the film before the final version.
The Crow (23 August 2024)
The Crow is the fifth instalment of The Crow series as well as the remake of the original film (1994). It combines the weird and the wonderful within the horror genre as Bill Skarsgård, playing Eric Draven / The Crow, will take the reigns as the titular protagonist.
Megalopolis (17 May 2024)
With an enticing plot, Megalopolis features a cast of talented actors–Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Giancarlo Esposito most notably. The epic sci-fi film depicts a New York-esque metropolis decaying due to an accident and Driver’s character, Caeser, is seeking to rebuild it against the mayor’s desires.
