Dark Matter may be a sci-fi series, the latest in Apple TV+’s ever-growing roster of the genre, but it’s tonally closer to the sexy, psychological thrillers that used to be so rampant in the early aughts. In the first few episodes, at least, it’s more invested in Jason’s relationship with his wife Daniela (Jennifer Connelly) and doubles as an interrogation of their marriage. Are they really happier together or do they secretly wish they could go back in time to reset their fates? Eventually, the series hews closer to its sci-fi foundations as Jason embarks on a nerve-racking journey to find Daniela and their son, Charlie (Oakes Fegley) amid infinite realities. It’s at this point where the show becomes truly exciting to watch: we see different (sometimes apocalyptic and other times utopic) versions of their life in Chicago and begin to wonder if a happy ending is still in the realm of possibilities or not.
"Though Dark Matter is fine, it could have been genuinely thrilling if Crouch had trusted his audience without an extensive roadmap, letting his material and the stellar performances from the actors speak for themselves."
— Aramide Tinubu
Jason Dessen is abducted into an alternate version of his life. To get back to his true family, he embarks on a harrowing journey to save them from the most terrifying foe imaginable: himself.
When former quantum physicist turned college professor Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) finds himself in an alternate universe, he travels to different timelines to find his family, who unknowingly live with an alternate version of himself.
It’s not easy playing multiple versions of yourself—you have to be careful with the details to remain believable. Thankfully, Edgerton, Connelly, and Jimmi Simpson, who plays their friend Ryan, step up to the plate seamlessly and ever-so skillfully. No surprises here!
Marvel wishes its infinite universes had this much intrigue and sexual appeal.
Sundance
1 win
