New Series Explores Haunting What-Ifs

Read Time:3 Minute, 48 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
Dark Matter
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Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 9 x 56m episodes
Director(s): Jakob Verbruggen, Celine Held, Logan George, Roxann Dawson, Alik Sakharov
Writer(s): Blake Crouch, Jacquelyn Ben-Zekry, Megan McDonnell, Ihuoma Ofordire
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, Oakes Fegley
Where To Watch: available exclusively on Apple TV+ on May 8, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Mark your calendars for May 8th, as Apple TV+ brings another breakout series. Follow along on an audacious journey through alternate realities with DARK MATTER, which stretches the boundaries of traditional sci-fi storytelling. Crafted from Blake Crouch's renowned novel DARK MATTER, this adaptation is as cerebrally engaging as it is intense.

The series DARK MATTER sees Joel Edgerton play Jason Dessen, a physicist from Chicago whose unexpecting evening spirals into chaos when he's hurled into an alternate reality. This shift from his world challenges him to face various potential “what ifs” and a constant of the unknown, battling against time and a menacing alternate version of himself to secure his family's safety and regain his original life.

The series is strengthened by a stellar supporting cast, including Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, and Oakes Fegley. Their performances help to carry this intriguing narrative, weaving together personal conflicts and scientific enigmas that resonate with the audience on multiple levels. Edgerton's portrayal of Dessen offers a poignant glimpse into the psyche of a man wrestling with his identity across divergent universes.

At its core, DARK MATTER delves into exploring identity and the profound impact of our choices. The intriguing concept of navigating multiple universes is revisited with a novel twist that challenges our understanding of self and destiny. The series is cleverly anchored by a mysterious device, dubbed the 'big black box,' which is pivotal to Dessen’s journeys through these alternate dimensions, adding layers of philosophical depth to the sci-fi plot.

Apple TV+ continues to carve its mark on the streaming landscape, with DARK MATTER joining a lineup of critically acclaimed series. The series melds the thrill of sci-fi with existential questions set against a visually compelling and thought-provoking backdrop.

With a plot structured to keep viewers glued to their screens, the series introduces us to increasingly complex scenarios where Dessen grapples with his choices and their consequences. Every Wednesday following the premiere, new developments and twists are revealed that set new standards for the genre.

As the nine episodes of DARK MATTER unfold, viewers are offered more than just entertainment; they are invited to engage in a deep psychological exploration of fate and the exploration of the answers to what it means when you pick a specific choice in life. The adaptation remains true to the spirit of Crouch’s original, gripping narrative but introduces fresh visual and thematic elements that enhance the storytelling. As Dessen navigates through his new realities, the series challenges its audience to reflect on their life decisions and chosen paths.

This unique blend of suspense, science, and existential introspection sets DARK MATTER apart, aiming to captivate a wide range of viewers. Its approach to sci-fi is not merely about depicting futuristic scenarios but rather about examining the intricacies of human choices and their far-reaching implications. As such, DARK MATTER is a formidable addition to the genre, promising to engage, challenge, and entertain its audience in equal measure.

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[photo courtesy of APPLE TV+]

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