Director: Blake Crouch
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Episodes: 9
Runtime: 46-59 min
8.5/10
Are you truly happy with your life? How far would you go to reunite with the people you cherish most? What if your greatest adversary is actually yourself?
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Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter, adapted into a gripping nine-episode series on Apple TV, delves into profound questions about existence and identity. Set in modern-day Chicago, Jason (played by Joel Edgerton) teaches quantum physics at Lakemont College, though his students seem indifferent to his lecture on Schrödinger’s Cat—a paradox suggesting that objects can exist in multiple states simultaneously. Little does Jason know, this concept will soon shape his fate. He is abducted by an alternate version of himself and thrust into a parallel world, where he learns he's been missing for 14 months. Though he's recognized and celebrated, he’s disoriented and desperate to return to his family. The key to his return is a mysterious black box, created by this world’s version of Jason, which can transport him between universes. But with infinite versions of reality, how does one discern their true world? Thus begins a tense quest to solve this multiversal puzzle, with Amanda, a psychologist and the love interest of this world’s Jason, joining him. The terror of being lost in an endless expanse of universes is the show’s central draw. Every minute detail from Jason's original world, from the neon lights of a bar he frequents to the color of the door of his house, becomes crucial in piecing together his path home.
Dark Matter can be described as a sci-fi thriller intricately woven with themes of relationships and emotional depth. Jason’s journey to return to his original family is laden with regret, reflecting on the life he has lost and the person he might have become had he made different choices. The series explores the complexity of sacrifice, as characters are frequently faced with dilemmas where they must choose between their own desires and the greater good. As Jason encounters various versions of himself and his loved ones across different realities, Dark Matter delves into the profound question of how far one should go for the sake of family versus the necessity of self-care and personal fulfillment. This tension between altruism and self-interest is central to the narrative, highlighting the intricate balance between personal ambitions and relational responsibilities. While Netflix’s Dark (2017-2020) is often the first comparison that comes to mind due to its complex sci-fi elements, Dark Matter distinctly carves out its own unique space with a fresh and compelling approach. It strikes a balance between complexity and accessibility, engaging viewers without overwhelming them. The show presents its scientific concepts in a digestible way, prioritizing strong performances rather than flashy special effects.
Joel Edgerton excels in portraying the various facets of his character, offering nuanced performances that reveal different yet intertwined versions of himself. Coupled with Jennifer Connelly and Alice Braga’s deeply emotional portrayals, the casting is superb. From post-apocalyptic wastelands to idyllic eco-utopias, the show meticulously explores a range of diverse worlds. It skillfully utilizes the multiverse concept to craft a distinctive and compelling narrative about the roads not taken. On a technical level, the show excels in both screenplay and cinematography, featuring tight, well-crafted writing and striking visuals. Despite moments of narrative chaos and a perplexing, underwhelming ending, it remains largely engaging throughout. The actors' dedicated performances ensure that Dark Matter remains consistently captivating.
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In recent times, superhero movies have often trivialized the concept of the multiverse, turning it into running jokes. However, I am drawn to a more chilling, existential horror approach when exploring such profound ideas. Dark Matter, though not without its flaws—such as introducing some characters only to forget them later and a narrative that might have been more impactful with a tighter, more concise structure—still manages to leave a strong impression. It delivers an engaging and thought-provoking adaptation, offering a gripping blend of science and suspense. Its exploration of alternate realities provides a captivating journey through a multiverse filled with tension and intrigue, making it a compelling experience worth diving into.
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