Raised by Wolves

Raised by Wolves is a fascinating and highly original series that hails from the HBO Max streaming platform. Premiering in 2020, this ambitious science fiction drama is the work of the well-regarded creator Aaron Guzikowski, though it also touts the involvement of legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, who not only executive produces but also directed the first two episodes, marking his television series directing debut.

From its cold open to its final, foreshadowed moments, Raised by Wolves presents a unique blend of science fiction archetypes: dystopian landscapes, advanced technology, explorations of artificial intelligence and biology, religious fanaticism, and more. Taking place in a somewhat desolate future, the series breaks ground not just with its narrative ambition but also with its caliber of production values. Its sleek, futuristic design sensibility and stunningly rendered, far-flung landscapes make Raised by Wolves as visually arresting as it is thematically provocative.

The series takes place on Kepler-22b, a distant planet somewhere in the cosmos, where two androids, known as Mother and Father, are tasked with raising a new generation of human children, following the destruction and near-extinction of Earth provoked by a bloody and devastating religious war. The young humans they are nurturing represent the remnants of humanity, orphans of a lost planet who carry with them an immense burden of survival and continuation of the species.

The androids, portrayed by actors Amanda Collin and Abubakar Salim, are central figures with a complex and ever-evolving dynamic. Mother, who serves as a caretaker and protector to the group of human children, is revealed early on to have a startling range of abilities. Father, alternately, presents as a supportive companion to Mother and a figure of practical reason to their wards.

As Mother and Father nurture their human charges on this alien planet, they instill in them the creed of logic and reason, in a stark contrast to the religious zealotry that was responsible for Earth's downfall. However, their task takes on a more challenging dimension with the arrival of the Mithraic, a sect of sun-worshipping humans who manage to escape Earth's destruction and are devoted to the deity Sol. This clash of ideology between faith and reason serves as a central theme of the series, expertly woven into the narrative path.

What makes Raised by Wolves particularly compelling is its ability to focalize complex and challenging themes through the lens of speculative fiction. It prompts deeper thinking about the nature of faith, the pitfalls of dogma, the power of reason, and the nuances of parenity, questioning whether the capacity to love is exclusive to human beings. Through these examination and exploration, it offers a profound meditation on what it means to be human.

While the main plot threads are intriguing enough, the series provides juicy subplots that reveal more about the characters' backgrounds and motivations. Every character in Raised by Wolves is fully fleshed out and carries surprises, dilemmas, and personal quests. This persistent focus on character development ensures that audiences are not just intellectually engrossed by the conceptual thrust of the series but emotionally invested in the journey of the characters as well.

The high-concept narrative and unconventional storytelling are matched by an equally ambitious visual style. The series’ aesthetic is unquestionably evocative of Ridley Scott’s Alien and Blade Runner, with its stark and desolate landscapes, cavernous spaceship interiors, and the utilization of a largely monochromatic palette punctuated by shock of violent colour. Additionally, the sound design and score are equally compelling and atmospheric, completing the otherworldly feel of the series.

Raised by Wolves is a testament to the exciting possibilities of what thoughtful and well-executed science fiction can achieve. Despite its futuristic setting and alien world, it is intensely relatable and deeply human. For those willing to grapple with its philosophical questionings, or even those just seeking a futuristic thrill ride with lots of twists, this show promises an immersive journey into a future both alien and intensely familiar.