Dark Matter Review: Joel Edgerton's Sci-Fi Thriller About Alternate Universes Is Slow To Start

Apple TV+, which is quickly becoming the hub of new and interesting sci-fi fare, launches its latest thriller in the genre titled Dark Matter. Starring Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly, the series is created by author Blake Crouch. The sci-fi drama looks back at what ifs in an intriguing manner as the lead character Jason Dessen is put in a dilemma that makes him question his mental state. Eventually, it remains to be seen whether Crouch can translate the events of the book cohesively for the small screen.

Dark Matter: Plot

Edgerton is Jason, a physics professor who is content with his domestic life with wife Daniela (Connelly) and teenage son Charlie (Oakes Fegley). A routine night out to celebrate the success of his friend Ryan (Jimmi Simpson) goes horribly wrong, after he's kidnapped and wakes up in a world that's not his own. Suddenly, he exists in a world that much like his but different where the choices he made 15 years ago have led to a different path.

Dark Matter: Writing and Direction

While the series is advertised as a sci-fi thriller, Dark Matter is more of an emotional drama in its first two episodes. There is a sinister underlying sense of dread of what's to happen to Jason, but the show lays the groundwork to establish itself as a family drama as well. Crouch, who is adapting his novel of the same name, does well to set up the two different universes and how they differ from one another. However, the overall tone of the show is quite sluggish, much like Jason's state. Director Jakob Verbruggen doesn't inject the series with a palpable sense of urgency like the character should be feeling.

Dark Matter: Performances

Edgerton and Connelly are terrific as they seal their relationship as Jason and Daniela. The Australian actor carries the show, essentially in a double role, playing two different version of Jason. The 'original' Jason is the one we immediately empathise with. Connelly also brings warmth to her role as Daniela, the greatest love of Jason's life. It's a role that the actress has often portrayed in her career, and she is notable here as well. Amongst the ensemble cast, Simpson too is memorable as Ryan.

Dark Matter: Critique

The pace of Dark Matter, which focuses mostly on Jason, is a bit uneven. Certain scenes have the tenseness the show requires, while others ramble on for no reason. Even as it flips back and forth between universes, Dark Matter feels a bit familiar to previous alternate universe stories. However, the end of the second episode had a shocking end, which is enough to keep audiences interested on what's next. A new episode of Dark Matter will stream every Wednesday on Apple TV+. The eight-part series will end on June 19.