Becoming The Muse

Dark Matter TV Series Review

Dark Matter is an American science fiction television series created by Blake Crouch, a TV adaption of his 2016 novel of the same name. The 9 part series premiere don Apple TV+ on the 8^th of May 2024.

The premise follows a physicist who unwillingly finds himself in an alternate version of his life. He now has to navigate mind-bending landscapes of what-could-have-beens to find his way home and to his family.

The Good

I enjoyed the book the series is based on and I was curious to see how it would translate to the screen and it did not disappoint. Credit likely goes to the show’s creator also being the book’s author, so the plot closely follows the book and some of the changes in the TV series actually smoothen out some of the book’s plot.

The plot follows an intriguing premise on the path not taken, how different would we be had we taken a different path, would we be happy? How far would one go to get that perfect world.

The series set in Chicago has some stunning visuals, reimagining alternate versions of Chicago from post-apocalyptic versions subjected to various forms of mayhem to idyllic and Utopian perfection.

Joel Edgerton as Jason Dessen displays tremendous skill and range in showing alternate versions of his character, you can almost pick out the different versions, be it the cocky egotistical genius or the more empathetic family man…..

Jennifer Connelly as Daniela Dessen the on-screen wife to Jason, delivers a solid performance providing a solid anchor for the mind-boggling multi-universe madness.  Alice Braga playing Amanda Lucas, gives you another favourite character.

Special mention to Amanda Brugel as Blaire, while she plays a minor character she has a strong presence with a show stopping scene which will have you wondering why they didn’t give her more screen time, cause she goes hard… Amanda was also in the series Parish which I recently watched and looks like she walked from one set to another… 🔥

The Bad

Because of its intricate plot, it can get a bit complicated and somewhat confusing to keep track of whats going on.. Having read the book I was familiar with the premise but others struggled with the first couple of episodes. The show follows a sci-fi premise with some quantum physics and superposition elements that are never fully explained beyond the basic.

The pacing of the show can get a bit erratic especially when its being more of a dark family drama than a thriller scifi… The middle episodes get into a bit of repetitive whats-behind-the-door type of adventure as the show explores different worlds with the side quests not really pushing the plot along.

The Ugly

The series concludes on an ambiguous note,although it wraps up the main plot it also leaves a lot of unfinished business…. Second season maybe?

Final Thoughts

Dark Matter is a thought provoking sci-fi series on the path not taken and the things that really matter. A riveting watch for fans of the genre.

Are you a fan of sci-fi shows? Is this something you would watch (or have watched )

~B