Over the past few years, psychological thrillers have been rapidly growing in numbers. Specifically, dramas that actively chase the boundaries of the seemingly impossible have found a strong footing in today's entertainment landscape. Dark Matter profiles itself as that, a psychological thriller that pushes its storyline towards the supernatural. It's a slope that can quickly become too slippery, with many examples losing themselves in their narrative as a result. Dark Matter is no different in that regard. It shows potency to become too complicated for the audience to share a meaningful connection with the show and its actors. However, as far as pilots can set a stage for an entire season or even show, it's off to a promising start to do it right.
The series is based on, as so many series are these days, a novel. The novel is created by Blake Crouch, who is also very much involved in this spinoff. Crouch previously tried to transform his novel into a cinematic approach, wishing upon itself a feature film. However, a case can be made for the complexity of the content of his novel to be more fitting in a TV show adaptation. Wishing to do these reviews while giving away no major spoilers, the novel, and thus the show, tells the story of Jason Desson (Joel Edgerton) that is abducted and consequently abruptly thrown into an alternate version of his life. The first episode, and more to follow, is directed by Jakob Verbruggen, most commonly known for his strong work on The Alienist and The Fall. His directing style is quite noticeable, and in all honesty, it seems fitting for now. Cast of the series include Joel Edgerton, as the show's (very) main character and Jennifer Connelly, presenting as the supportive wife, Daniela.
"Are You Happy in Your Life?" does nigh everything you wish from an opening episode. It raises questions, introduces the main plot that viewers can interpret on their own, and lets us see most of the show's central characters. If by the end of this episode your wish is the same as mine, to further unravel the questions put forward, a pilot served its main goal. Doubt arises also, as the show will hinge on the ability of a select few to portray strong performances throughout the first season's 9 episodes. My main concern rests on Joel, having to play an intense role that demands multiple faces and attitudes. The same can of course be said for the other actors, but Dark Matter will, by all means, tell Jason's story. Meaning it is up to Edgerton to deliver the bulk of storytelling, a role not often taken by him.
All of that is for later concern, as episode 1 raises questions and shows its first potential, making this a strong pilot that scores anything but a dark 8 out of 10.
The series is based on, as so many series are these days, a novel. The novel is created by Blake Crouch, who is also very much involved in this spinoff. Crouch previously tried to transform his novel into a cinematic approach, wishing upon itself a feature film. However, a case can be made for the complexity of the content of his novel to be more fitting in a TV show adaptation. Wishing to do these reviews while giving away no major spoilers, the novel, and thus the show, tells the story of Jason Desson (Joel Edgerton) that is abducted and consequently abruptly thrown into an alternate version of his life. The first episode, and more to follow, is directed by Jakob Verbruggen, most commonly known for his strong work on The Alienist and The Fall. His directing style is quite noticeable, and in all honesty, it seems fitting for now. Cast of the series include Joel Edgerton, as the show's (very) main character and Jennifer Connelly, presenting as the supportive wife, Daniela.
"Are You Happy in Your Life?" does nigh everything you wish from an opening episode. It raises questions, introduces the main plot that viewers can interpret on their own, and lets us see most of the show's central characters. If by the end of this episode your wish is the same as mine, to further unravel the questions put forward, a pilot served its main goal. Doubt arises also, as the show will hinge on the ability of a select few to portray strong performances throughout the first season's 9 episodes. My main concern rests on Joel, having to play an intense role that demands multiple faces and attitudes. The same can of course be said for the other actors, but Dark Matter will, by all means, tell Jason's story. Meaning it is up to Edgerton to deliver the bulk of storytelling, a role not often taken by him.
All of that is for later concern, as episode 1 raises questions and shows its first potential, making this a strong pilot that scores anything but a dark 8 out of 10.
