The first trailer for Netflix's Mute is nothing but neo-noir eye candy

Netflix hasn’t been shy about investing billions of dollars into original content, and 2018 seems to be the year of its big push into blockbuster territory. The latest marquee movie from the streaming service is Mute, a futuristic neo-noir thriller that takes place in a Blade Runner-like world.

Mute is directed by Duncan Jones, most famous for the movie adaptation of Warcraft. The plot revolves around a mute bartender (Alexander Skarsgård), whose life is turned upside down when he defends his girlfriend from some rough customers. One day, she vanishes after letting him know he doesn’t truly know her. As he sets off to find her, he has run-ins with a charismatic surgeon named Cactus Bill, portrayed by Paul Rudd, while he slowly comes undone by the mystery of his girlfriend.

The movie takes place in the same world as Duncan Jones’ directorial debut, Moon. That is set entirely on the moon while Mute explores the seedy underworld of a futuristic Berlin. The movie’s brief description best encapsulates the setting: Welcome to Berlin 2052 – Where dreams come true and man comes undone.

Netflix has gone full-in with fantasy and sci-fi thrillers en route to building up franchises. The Will Smith-led Bright was the first piece of the puzzle as plans for a sequel are already underway. With a world as expansive as the one Mute offers, it seems like a no-brainer to continue exploring worlds with potential for future expansion.

Mute will be available to stream beginning February 23.