What if we could access our memories and brain waves like data in a hard drive? This question has motivated the acclaimed Korean webtoonDr. Brainin a series of striking animated tableaus. And now, as part of Apple TV+’s new spate of international content (a globalization play most of the big streaming services are now making), this webtoon will become a live-action sci-fi thriller TV series, courtesy of some of South Korea’s most celebrated filmmakers and performers.
The live-actionDr. Brain, currently in production in South Korea, is written and directed byKim Jee-woon, who gave us such ultraviolent genre masterpieces asA Tale of Two SistersandI Saw the Devil. It starsLee Sun-kyunofParasitefame as a brain scientist determined to figure out how to access our brain’s most inner secrets and memories, with the ulterior motive of finding out the truth behind a terrible tragedy that happened to his family. Producers include Kim,Samuel Yeunju Ha(Okja),Ham Jung YeubandDaniel Hanfor Studioplex, andJoy Jinsoo LeeandMin Young Hongfor Kakao Entertainment.
While I’m not familiar with the webtoon, I love the sound of this premise, I love the pedigree of the talent involved, and I love that American audiences will have access to more interesting, international content. I’ve been a fan of the contemporary South Korean cinema scene for awhile now, and to get such an intriguing, mind-bending, and spooky TV series from the hearts and minds of this pool of great storytellers is a win for Apple TV+.
Check out the official synopsis ofDr. Brainbelow.
“Dr. Brain” is an emotional journey that follows a brain scientist who is obsessive about figuring out new technologies to access the consciousness and memories of the brain. His life goes sideways when his family falls victim to a mysterious accident, and he uses his skills to access memories from his wife’s brain to piece together the mystery of what actually happened to his family and why.
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