Exploring the Lush Landscapes of Thailand in Alien: Earth
The recent television series Alien: Earth has captivated audiences not only with its thrilling narrative but also with its stunning visual backdrop. Set in a dystopian future, the show transports viewers to a vibrant and lush version of Earth, primarily filmed in Thailand. This choice of location highlights the country’s natural beauty while also serving as a critical element in the storytelling.
A Dystopian Future in Thailand
Alien: Earth is set in the year 2120, a time when Earth has been privatized and is under the control of a few powerful corporations. The Prodigy Corporation, one of the central entities in the series, governs a bustling metropolis known as New Siam, or Prodigy City. The show’s production designer, Andy Nicholson, spent nearly a year in Thailand to scout locations that could convincingly represent this futuristic world.
Nicholson noted that the script called for a tropical environment, reflecting the consequences of climate change. “The tropical element was written into the script, as was the future city where climate change is out of control,” he explained in an interview with Condé Nast Traveler. This setting not only enhances the narrative but also serves as a commentary on current environmental issues.
Bangkok: The Heart of Prodigy City
The vibrant city of Bangkok plays a pivotal role in the series, standing in for Prodigy City. Nicholson praised the city’s unique architectural landscape, which lacks colonial influences. “Bangkok-and Thailand-has never been colonized. There’s no colonial architecture, and the architectural history is very new,” he remarked. This distinctive quality allows for a seamless transition from traditional wooden structures to modern concrete designs, creating a visually striking environment.
The city’s canals, a hallmark of Bangkok, were so compelling that they were incorporated into the script after Nicholson’s scouting trips. The juxtaposition of the city’s urban sprawl against its lush, tropical backdrop adds depth to the series, making it visually arresting.
Filming Locations: A Blend of Reality and Fiction
The production team utilized various real-life locations to bring the story to life. The ill-fated spaceship, Maginot, which crashes into Prodigy City, was constructed within an abandoned five-story parking garage. The crash site itself was filmed on the north side of Phetchaburi Road, in a bustling shopping area known as Neon Market. This location, surrounded by towering buildings, provided the perfect setting for the dramatic events that unfold.
Additionally, the basement of the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, also known as Bang Sue Grand Station, served as the battleground for a pivotal confrontation between Wendy, one of the main characters, and an alien entity. These carefully chosen locations not only enhance the visual storytelling but also ground the narrative in a recognizable reality.
Krabi: A Cinematic Gem
Another stunning location featured in Alien: Earth is Krabi, a province known for its dramatic landscapes. The area has gained popularity in recent years as a filming destination, with Jurassic World Rebirth also utilizing its breathtaking scenery. Krabi’s steep cliffs and picturesque islands provide a quintessential Thai backdrop, making it an ideal setting for the series.
In Alien: Earth, Ao Nam Beach in Krabi serves as the playground for Wendy and the Lost Boys-children whose consciousness has been transferred into synthetic bodies. The juxtaposition of this idyllic setting with the series’ darker themes creates a compelling visual narrative.
Thematic Depth and Environmental Commentary
The choice of Thailand as a filming location is not merely aesthetic; it also serves to underscore the series’ themes. The lush landscapes and vibrant ecosystems depicted in Alien: Earth stand in stark contrast to the dystopian future portrayed in the narrative. This duality invites viewers to reflect on the current state of the environment and the potential consequences of unchecked corporate power and climate change.
The series taps into a growing concern about the future of our planet, echoing real-world issues such as deforestation, pollution, and the impact of climate change. By setting the story in a future where these problems have escalated, Alien: Earth serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to consider the implications of their actions today.
Conclusion
Alien: Earth not only captivates audiences with its thrilling plot and engaging characters but also showcases the breathtaking beauty of Thailand. The choice of locations, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Krabi, enriches the narrative and adds layers of meaning to the story. As viewers are drawn into this lush, dystopian world, they are also prompted to reflect on the pressing environmental issues facing our planet. In this way, the series transcends mere entertainment, becoming a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature and technology.
