The phrase “we’re our personal worst enemies” takes on a literal which means in Apple TV+‘s “Darkish Matter,” primarily based on Blake Crouch’s 2016 novel of the identical identify, and tailored by the creator for tv. An enormous and complicated puzzle, the collection is surprising and unsettling, however doesn’t fairly fulfill in the long run.
“Darkish Matter” opens in present-day Chicago. Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), a scruffy physics professor, resides an unremarkable however glad middle-class existence along with his spouse, Daniela (Jennifer Connelly), and their teenage son, Charlie (Oakes Fegley). After an evening out celebrating his good friend Ryan’s (Jimmi Simpson) prestigious science award, Jason is overwhelmed and kidnapped, awakening in a parallel universe the place he thrives professionally and monetarily as a rockstar physicist. Nevertheless, as a substitute of the heat of his household, he comes dwelling to his live-in girlfriend, Amanda (a stellar Alice Braga), who’s overwhelmed by his sudden reappearance. By the top of Episode 1, “Are You Pleased in Your Life?” it’s clear to the viewers that OG Jason has been kidnapped and changed by the Jason Dessen residing on this various actuality.
Because the collection unfolds, the polished however less-tempered Jason2 makes an attempt to stroll in OG Jason’s footwear. But, small particulars like a nut allergy and a flossing behavior start to alert Daniela that one thing could be very off along with her husband. In Jason2’s world, the OG Jason bonds with Amanda and begins piecing Jason2’s scheme collectively. Sadly, getting again to the life he’s at all times identified proves to be extra mentally and bodily taxing than he initially thought, particularly as a result of Leighton (Dayo Okeniyi), the billionaire techie Jason2 works for, isn’t too eager to let his prized scientist out of his grasp.
Plenty of the ideas in “Darkish Matter” work nicely. Edgerton is spectacular in his depictions of each variations of Jason. Although their variations are delicate, they’re distinct sufficient to distinguish the pair simply. Furthermore, as OG Jason and Amanda journey to different components of the multiverse in quest of his true dwelling, various variations of Chicago, from shiny and spectacular to apocalyptic and devastating, are showcased. With set manufacturing spearheaded by Patricio M. Farrell, these universes are all superbly rendered. Additionally, on OG Jason’s quest, he encounters varied variations of Daniela, every as intriguing and spectacular because the final, a testomony to Connelly’s expertise.
Sadly, as fascinating because the character research inside “Darkish Matter” are, the scientific elements – particularly relating to Jason2’s magical multiverse touring machine, The Field, take away from the story’s core. Since sci-fi and physics jargon aren’t precisely digestible for the common viewer, the viewers is repeatedly proven the inside workings of The Field, which entails an injectable drug known as ampoules, a terrifying and twisted hall and the would-be multiverse-traveler making an attempt to have complete management over his unconscious. In consequence, some chapters really feel sluggish, overlooking huge themes and leaving different characters within the present, together with Blair (Amanda Brugel), Daniela’s greatest good friend, to languish beneath half-baked arcs. As a first-time showrunner and the present’s creator, it seems Crouch was reluctant to go away any stone unturned.
Throughout 9 episodes, each Jasons confront their selections and regrets. Nevertheless, Episode 6, “Superposition” is a standout. As Jason2 begins to see the imperfections in OG Jason’s “idyllic” life, the unique Jason and Amanda discover a universe that gives them some semblance of peace and a brand new starting. Even with The Field and the science of all of it hanging within the background, the episode lastly offers the actors their due. As a result of “Darkish Matter” is violent, bleak and a bit repetitious, “Superposition” provides viewers a much-needed reprieve.
As intriguing as “Darkish Matter” is, the tales and timelines grow to be extra convoluted because the present presses on. Whereas the viewers and Jason2 are a number of paces forward of OG Jason for a lot of the collection, issues slide off the rails by Episode 8, “Jupiter,” as viewers understand issues aren’t precisely as they seem. Consequently, what may have been a welcomed twist appears like a letdown.
When Crouch revealed his novel practically a decade in the past, fewer motion pictures and TV initiatives centering multiverses existed. Since then, movies like “All the things All over the place All at As soon as,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reveals like Starz’s “Counterpart” have made these ideas extra commonplace. Although “Darkish Matter” is okay, it may have been genuinely thrilling if Crouch had trusted his viewers with out an in depth roadmap, letting his materials and the stellar performances from the actors communicate for themselves.
The primary two episodes of “Darkish Matter” premiere Could 8 on Apple TV+ with new episodes dropping weekly on Wednesdays.