Jennifer Connelly's Dark Matter Character Improves On The Book In 1 Huge Way

Summary Dark Matter, based on Blake Crouch's novel, delves into alternate realities and the complex relationships within them, focusing on Jason and Daniela.

Jennifer Connelly's portrayal of Daniela adds depth and personality, making her a more central figure in the story.

The series expands on the book's universe, exploring the weight of bonds between characters and presenting a unique take on sci-fi drama.

Created by Blake Crouch, Dark Matter (2024) is the latest sci-fi series to hit Apple TV+, the streamer behind hits like Severance, Silo, For All Mankind, and The Foundation. Crouch, who penned other hits like the Wayward Pines Trilogy, uses his 2016 novel as the source material for the show. Part drama and part thriller, Dark Matter centers on Joel Edgerton's (The Great Gatsby) Jason Dessen, a Chicago-based physicist who's warped into an alternate version of his life. Dark Matter's primary cast is rounded out by Jennifer Connelly (Requiem for a Dream), who plays Jason's wife, Daniela Dessen.

Forced to fight his way back to his regular life in order to prevent an alternate version of himself from harming his family, Jason is up against a lot as he traverses the multiverse. Akin to Everything Everywhere All at Once, the high-concept sci-fi series uses its premise to zero in on the very human issues that Jason and Daniela are grappling with. Jennifer Connelly called Dark Matter a "portrait of marriage" set against a truly spectacular backdrop — or backdrops, in the show's case. However, despite its loyalty to the novel, Dark Matter makes a vital change.

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Dark Matter Is Already Improving On Blake Crouch's Book In 1 Huge Way

Jennifer Connelly's Daniela Has More Personality In The Show

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One of the biggest changes Dark Matter makes to Crouch's book involves Connelly's Daniela. In the novel, Daniela is a somewhat bland character, with the focus really remaining on Jason. Instead of playing the supporting part, Daniela is much more involved in the series, which also gives the character more personality and presence. Of course, some of this could stem from Connelly's performance, with the Academy Award-winning actor bringing loads of depth and nuance to the many versions of Daniela that crop up throughout Dark Matter's multiverses. Regardless, the meaningful change to Daniela's character is a welcome one.

The alternate version of Daniela tells the show's primary Jason that he inspired her latest art installation...

In the first of Dark Matter's many alternate universes, Jason tracks down Daniela in order to make sense of what's happened. Although she isn't married to her universe's version of Jason, Daniela does help Jason navigate the villainous Jason2 in Dark Matter's initial episodes. Moreover, the alternate version of Daniela tells the show's primary Jason that he inspired her latest art installation, deepening both her character and the show's central themes. With more agency and impact on the story at hand, Daniela feels like less of a plot point or prop and more of a fully formed character, allowing Dark Matter to really dig into the couple's complicated relationship(s).

Related This Dark Matter Theory Perfectly Connects The Apple TV+ Show To The Book Despite Key Changes The Dark Matter TV show is an adaptation of a 2016's sci-fi novel by the same name, but there's a way they could be part of the same continuity.

Why Jennifer Connelly's Daniela Is More Compelling Than Her Book Counterpart

Dark Matter On Apple TV+ Gives More Weight To Daniela's Story

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Part of what makes Dark Matter's versions of Jason Dessen so different from each other is Daniela, and the relationship — or lack thereof — that each Jason has with the artist. The remorseful-yet-villainous Jason2 is inspired to take Jason's place because he regrets leaving Daniela. This makes Connelly's character even more important. With the couple's relationship being a key split between the two realities, viewers need to root for Daniela and Jason, and understand the weight of their bond. By making Daniela a more well-rounded character, Dark Matter betters its overall story and themes.

New episodes of Dark Matter will be released on Apple TV+ on Thursdays through June 19, 2024.