Watch Dr. Brain

Dr. Brain, a new thriller show from Apple TV+ that premiered in November 2021, is based on the graphic novel by renowned South Korean filmmaker and comic book creator, Kim Jee-woon. The series stars Lee Sun-kyun, Hee-soon Park, and June Yoon. Dr. Brain follows the story of a scientist named Lee Seon-woo, played by Lee Sun-kyun. Seon-woo is a neuroscientist who is obsessed with the idea of digitizing the human brain to achieve immortality. He discovers a way to upload his consciousness onto a computer chip using nanotechnology, but his experiments go awry when his wife dies, and he can't seem to access her memories.

As Seon-woo struggles to cope with his loss, he is approached by a mysterious group known as The Company, who wants to acquire his technology to make a profit. The Company is led by a wealthy businessman named Kang Min-seung, played by Hee-soon Park, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Seon-woo must fight to keep his invention out of the wrong hands while also grappling with his own ethical concerns about the technology he has created.

The show takes place in an alternate version of Seoul, South Korea, where advanced technology has become commonplace. Many of the characters have implanted technology that allows them to communicate with each other telepathically, and there are flying cars and other futuristic gadgets. The visuals are stunning, and the cityscape is a mix of traditional Korean architecture and modern high-rise buildings.

One of the standout aspects of the show is the way it explores the ethical implications of technology. Seon-woo's invention raises questions about what it means to be human and whether our memories and consciousness are what make us who we are. The characters debate the consequences of living forever and ponder the morality of creating a world where some people can afford to upload their consciousness while others cannot.

Dr. Brain is a thriller, and there are many tense moments throughout the series. The Company is not the only group interested in Seon-woo's invention, and there are several other characters who have their own agendas. There are also flashbacks to Seon-woo's past that slowly reveal the events that led up to his wife's death.

Despite the heavy themes, the show also has moments of humor and heart. Seon-woo's relationship with his daughter, played by June Yoon, is a highlight of the show. Yoon's performance as the tech-savvy and witty Sua is excellent, and her interactions with her father provide a welcome respite from the darker moments.

The acting throughout the show is uniformly excellent. Lee Sun-kyun anchors the show with a complex and nuanced performance as Seon-woo. Hee-soon Park is delightfully villainous as Kang Min-seung, and the supporting cast is fantastic.

Dr. Brain is a smart, thought-provoking show with excellent performances, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling. It is a must-watch for fans of science fiction, thrillers, and Korean dramas.