SF8is an underratedK-dramathat can be described as the Korean version ofBlack Mirror. Premiering in 2011,the British anthology series, which was created by Charlie Brooker, has become synonymous with dystopian television.The first two seasons ofBlack Mirrorwere broadcast on Channel 4, but the show’s later installments found a new home on the streaming platform, Netflix. While it could be argued that the Channel 4seasons ofBlack Mirrorare better than the Netflix ones in some respects, the dystopian series has stayed true to its roots.
Every episode ofBlack Mirrorinvites audiences to reflect on the effects of technology on their psychological well-being. While there are a lot of shows with similar premises, the anthology format worked greatly forBlack Mirrorand is not easy to replicate. However, there’s a Korean version ofBlack Mirrorthat, despite only lasting one season, is worth watching.
SF8 Is A K-Drama Anthology About The Dangers Of Technology
Each Episode Of SF8 Tells A Different Story
One ofthe most underrated K-dramasthat didn’t get the acclaim it deserves,SF8is the work of a group of Korean directors. The sci-fi TV show is an anthology series that delves into a futuristic world where humans are heavily impacted by technology. Every episode of the series sends a different message. Whether it focuses on AI or virtual reality, the overall theme in the show is similar to that ofBlack Mirror.
The sci-fi K-drama is intriguing in a lot of ways, but one that stands out is that it has complex characters. While some of the characters were willing to go with the flow and not question their dystopian reality, others were more insightful and were able to see that while certain technologies can be a great tool, they can also cause irreparable damage to society.SF8is a thought-provoking seriesthat sheds light on different aspects of technology and its impact on the world without being preachy.
SF8 Is The Perfect K-Drama For Fans Of Black Mirror
Black Mirror & SF8 Have Similar Subjects
SF8is a perfect K-drama for fans of Brooker’s sci-fi series, more sobecause its format was most likely inspired by the British show. The two series are very similar due to the subject matter they tackle. LikeBlack Mirror,SF8focuses on the dangers of technology and its effects on humanity. AlthoughBlack MirrorandSF8are similar in tone and themes, there is a key difference between them.
SF8was a collaboration between MBC, the Directors Guild of Korea, Wavve, and the production company Soo Film.
BecauseSF8was helmed by different directors, there’s a distinction in the narratives of each episode of the show. Each installment inthe sci-fi K-dramais told through the eyes of the writers and directors. While the premise is the same, it’s easy to see the multiple viewpoints.Black Mirror, however, was created by one person. So, in a way, the British series is told from one perspective, even though each episode tells a different story.
Why SF8 Only Has Eight Episodes (And Are They Connected?)
The Episodes In SF8 Aren’t Narratively Connected
Creating a massive sci-fi series likeSF8comes with several challenges. Since the K-drama is an anthology TV show,which essentially means that one season contains multiple little movies, it’s not cheap to produce. Additionally, most K-dramas traditionally have limited runs and only last one season. Apart from Netflix original K-dramas like Squid Game or Sweet Home, it’s rare for K-dramas to have multiple seasons.
“Joan’s Galaxy”
Episode 8
“Empty Body”
SF8tells a cohesive story, and no episode feels out of place. However, the show doesn’t have a continuous plot. Instead, each installment has a different premise, but with the same overarching theme. That said, I would have loved to see more stories set in this universe, especially because of how wellK-dramascan combine horror with other genres.
Black Mirror
Cast
Black Mirror is a dystopian anthology series that explores the unsettling and profound impact of modern technology on society. Premiering in 2011, it examines various scenarios where technological advancements intersect with human nature, creating thought-provoking narratives about contemporary and future issues.
