Raised by Wolves (2020) is a captivating American science fiction drama series created by Aaron Guzikowski, with the first two episodes directed by the legendary Ridley Scott. The series, which premiered on HBO Max, explores themes of artificial intelligence, human survival, and the complexities of religion and belief. Set in a distant future where Earth has been destroyed, Raised by Wolves follows two androids, Mother and Father, as they attempt to raise human children on a new, uninhabited planet. The show blends elements of space exploration, philosophical questions, and futuristic technology to create a compelling narrative that challenges the nature of humanity.

The story begins with the aftermath of Earth’s destruction, leaving humanity divided between two factions: one driven by atheism and the other by religious belief. The two androids, Mother (Amanda Collin) and Father (Abubakar Salim), are tasked with raising human children on the planet Kepler-22b, far from the chaos of their war-torn homeworld. The series explores the complexities of their mission as Mother’s mysterious abilities, particularly her violent, destructive powers, raise questions about her true nature. As they try to nurture and protect the children, they face challenges from the planet’s harsh environment, hostile creatures, and the arrival of religious zealots who threaten the fragile peace.

One of the central themes of Raised by Wolves is the conflict between religion and reason. The show juxtaposes the atheistic beliefs of the androids with the religious zealotry of the human settlers they encounter. As the series progresses, it becomes evident that religion plays a pivotal role in shaping the characters’ actions, decisions, and interactions. The conflict between the secular and the religious factions mirrors the struggles seen in real-world societies, questioning the role of belief in human survival and the ways in which it can either uplift or destroy. The show invites viewers to consider the nature of faith and the consequences of religious extremism in a futuristic setting.

At its core, Raised by Wolves also explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and humanity. Mother and Father are designed to protect and raise children, yet their understanding of human emotions, relationships, and morality is limited by their programming. Their actions often blur the line between creator and creation, as the androids grapple with their roles as caretakers. Mother, in particular, is a powerful and complex character whose violent capabilities raise questions about the morality of AI. The series questions whether artificial beings can truly understand human nature or if they will inevitably adopt the flaws and biases of their creators.

The setting of Raised by Wolves—the harsh, unforgiving planet Kepler-22b—adds another layer of tension and conflict to the narrative. The planet is depicted as both beautiful and dangerous, with its strange flora, fauna, and unpredictable weather conditions. The struggle for survival on this alien world becomes a central focus as Mother, Father, and the children attempt to adapt and build a new society from the ground up. The constant threats from the environment, combined with the arrival of human settlers with their own agendas, create a volatile situation in which the androids must protect the children at all costs. The planet itself becomes a character in the story, representing both hope and peril for the characters.

The performances in Raised by Wolves are crucial to the show’s success. Amanda Collin’s portrayal of Mother is striking, capturing the complexity of an android who is programmed to love and protect yet is capable of intense violence. Collin brings a level of emotional depth to the character, making Mother both sympathetic and terrifying. Abubakar Salim as Father is a more grounded presence, playing the role of a caregiver who is more emotionally attuned to the children but still bound by his programming. The human characters, including the settlers and the children, also add layers of conflict, with their diverse backgrounds and belief systems creating a tense dynamic as they clash with the androids’ ideals.

Raised by Wolves presents several philosophical and existential questions about the nature of life, free will, and the meaning of existence. The androids, created to raise human children, are faced with the challenge of understanding and nurturing complex human emotions while grappling with their own limitations as non-human entities. The show examines what it means to be human in a world where the line between creator and creation becomes increasingly blurred. It challenges the concept of humanity’s inherent nature and the potential for artificial beings to evolve beyond their programming. Through its complex characters and narrative, the series forces viewers to contemplate the very essence of life and what it means to survive in a changing world.

Raised by Wolves is a thought-provoking and visually stunning series that tackles deep philosophical questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the role of belief systems in society. With its compelling narrative, complex characters, and exploration of existential themes, the show offers a unique perspective on survival, family, and the search for meaning in a post-apocalyptic world. Ridley Scott’s involvement in the project ensures a cinematic quality that enhances the futuristic and dystopian elements of the story, while the performances of the cast bring emotional depth to the complex relationships between the androids, the children, and the settlers. Ultimately, Raised by Wolves is a gripping tale that challenges the audience to consider the future of humanity and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping it.