I watched the new series “Dark Matter” (2024). Why it’s rapidly gaining popularity on Apple TV+

This week, the new exciting fantasy series “Dark Matter” starring Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly was released on the Apple TV+ streaming service. In just a couple of days, it took the second place among the most popular on the platform.

The project touches on the theme of the multiverse, anticipating an exciting and mysterious journey in a parallel reality.

We have already watched the first higher episodes and are ready to share our impressions. Spoiler: it’s not clear yet, but very interesting.

There’s a new multiverse here, but it’s not comics

What is the movie about: Influenced by the novel by Blake Crouch, it tells the story of Jason Dessen, a Chicago physicist whose life changes dramatically when he finds himself in a different reality, with little to no family, and someone else takes his place.

“Are you happy with your life? Or have you ever wondered who else you could be?” – in fact, the basis of the plot of the entire game.

The series touches on important questions about the meaning of life and the choice of fate. It makes you wonder: can we change our lives and what consequences might this have? These themes permeate the game and set the stage for its sci-fi storyline. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?

Dark Matter revisits the multiverse previously presented in Marvel films and shows, but delves into the fundamental underpinnings of the concept, the principles of quantum physics.

The series focuses on the main character Jason and versions of his life.

Joel Edgerton plays Jason as a physicist who was once on the verge of a brilliant scientific career. However, after deciding to take advantage of his family, wife Daniela (Jennifer Son Connelly) and Charlie (Oakes Fegley), he became a college professor.

In his daily life, he is jealous of the success of a friend who wins a prestigious scientific prize. But an unexpected announcement changes his life: he finds himself in an alternate reality where his career is thriving, but he has no family.

Great job from the actors here

Joel Edgerton impresses with his interpretation of Jason’s opinion. Although their differences may seem subtle, they are pronounced, making it easy to distinguish one from the other. It expresses the desperation of one, trying to move on to a normal life, and the tenacity of another, ready to do anything to achieve his goals, without caring about the consequences.

Jennifer Connelly shone not only with her appearance (by the way, she is 53 years old!), but also demonstrated excellent acting skills. Her charming and emotional performance brings subtlety and complexity to her character, Daniela, the protagonist’s wife.

Connelly skillfully handles the emotional twists and turns of life, confronting his character’s face as his life changes dramatically due to the sudden appearance of an alternate reality.

Philosophical reflections are the basis of the game

Obviously, the historical and timelines will become increasingly convoluted as the show progresses. Unlike other sci-fi/thrillers, the series doesn’t load up on traditional theories.
Dark Matter simply doesn’t get hung up on explaining exactly how the multiverse works.

Instead, the show focuses on the emotional and psychological consequences that occur when people are faced with unpredictable events and forced to adapt to new conditions.

The serial study explores how changes in reality affect the characters and the main conflicts that arise in them, drawing a deep look into their inner world and the state of surrounding events.

At its core, the movie asks questions about the importance of life’s choices—and tells viewers to appreciate what they have.
If you like science fiction with mystical elements and an intriguing plot, then Dark Matter may be an interesting choice for you.

While the series fails to live up to its full potential, it remains captivating and entertaining, appealing to fans of the brooding sci-fi genre.