Altered Carbon, a Netflix adaptation of Richard K. Morgan's 2002 novel, depicts a dystopian future where consciousness can be transferred into new bodies called sleeves. The series centres on Takeshi Kovacs, a soldier whose mind is awakened in an unfamiliar body centuries after his death. He is tasked with solving the murder of a powerful benefactor in exchange for access to consciousness backup technology—a luxury reserved only for the wealthy. Throughout the story, Kovacs uncovers mysteries about his past whilst navigating a deeply stratified society.

The show draws thematic parallels to Blade Runner by examining how bodies become commodities in unequal futures. Whereas the film explored this concept through synthetic androids, Altered Carbon applies it to human bodies, particularly focusing on the persistent exploitation of women. The series includes graphic depictions of violence to underscore that fundamental human rights issues remain unresolved despite technological progress, framing these scenes as social commentary rather than spectacle.