“Few know what it means to be reborn a Sensate.”
That’s the enigmatic first line that draws you into Netflix’s dark new thriller from the Wachowski brothers, Sense8. We’ve known for a while now that The Matrix directing duo has been working on a science-fiction thriller series for Netflix, but what form the series would take has remained something of a mystery — until now, that is.
The first trailer for the show debuted today (May 7), offering a peek at The Wachowskis’ contribution to the growing library of original productions made possible (and made available) via the popular streaming video platform.
Co-produced by The Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczynski (Changeling, World War Z), Sense8 follows eight people from around the world who suddenly find their lives (and thoughts) linked in an explicable way. Before long, these “Sensates” end up on the run and fighting for their survival.
Back in June, Straczynski had the following to say about the premise of the series:
The series follows eight characters around the world who, in the aftermath of a tragic death, find themselves linked to each other mentally and emotionally. They can not only see and talk to each other as though they were in the same place, they have access to each other’s deepest secrets. Not only must they figure out what happened and why and what it means for the future of humanity, they must do so while being hunted by an organization out to capture, kill or vivisect them.
The series features an international cast that includes Brian J. Smith, Tuppence Middleton, Jamie Clayton, Miguel Angel Silvestre, Tina Desai, Doona Bae, Aml Ameen, and Max Riemelt in featured roles. Daryl Hannah, Naveen Andrews, Terrence Mann, Freema Agyeman, Alfonso Herrera , Erendira Ibarra, Adam Shapiro, Ness Bautista, and Joe Pantoliano also play supporting roles in the series.
Sense8 debuts Friday, June 5, on Netflix with 12 episodes that will also be available to stream in 4K.
