Cinephiles, prepare yourselves for a mind-bending journey into the unknown with Subterranea, the latest sci-fi show from Kenyan director Likarion Wainaina. This eight-part series, which is set to premiere on Showmax on September 26, takes viewers on a deep exploration of human behavior and the impact of science in unexpected ways.
Wainaina, the award-winning director behind the superhero film Supa Modo, has assembled a stellar cast of Kenyan talent to bring this psychological experiment-turned-apocalyptic tale to life. The ensemble includes Kalasha Award winners Foi Wambui, Peter Kawa, and Nice Githinji, as well as rising stars Melvin Alusa and Melissa Kiplagat.
Subterranea is far from your typical sci-fi drama, according to the trailer’s first impressions. As Wainaina explains, “In Kenya, and maybe other places, there’s this misconception that sci-fi always means futuristic or lots of laser guns, but sci-fi can also be about exploring the impact of actual or imagined science on human psychology or behavior. That is what Subterranea is all about.”
The series follows eight participants trapped in an underground bunker after a global catastrophe, forced to confront their own personal demons and find a way to work together to survive. It’s an intriguing premise that delves into the nuances of human nature, addressing themes of family, unity, broken institutions, and mental health.
As co-creator Brian Munene notes, “Subterranea tackles very human themes that our Kenyan audience will identify with. We have eight individuals with very different personalities stuck in a bunker, and they have to find a way to work together to survive, so themes of family and unity come out very strongly.”
However, the show doesn’t stop there. Munene reveals that Subterranea also explores issues often overlooked on Kenyan television, such as “male postpartum depression, PTSD among our armed forces, and cults in Kenya and their impact on followers.”
With its talented cast, thought-provoking premise, and exploration of societal issues, Subterranea will hopefully be a thrilling and insightful addition to the Kenyan entertainment scene that has been lacking in originality for a while now.
