User reviews

I always like to wait until a season is over before I start watching it because I hate waiting week to week and like to binge watch my shows. I'm so glad I did that with Dark Matter because it would've drove me nuts waiting a week between episodes. Once I started I couldn't stop watching, I'm not saying it's the best show ever but it's a solid sci-fi series that's definitely worth watching. It has an all-star cast led by Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connolly, Alice Braga and Jimmi Simpson. Usually when big names like that are attached the show is pretty good. This show actually makes you think about all the possibilities that your own life could've taken if you just made some different decisions. It makes you really think about your regrets and even the simplest of decisions that changed your life.

Blake Crouch's book Dark Matter comes to life in this Apple TV series. I bought the book last summer but only read it after seeing the show's preview. Thanks to Blake Crouch's multiple roles as producer, writer, and creator, the series is well done and stays faithful to the novel's tone, storyline, places, themes, and even some dialogue was lifted straight from the pages of the book. Having read the book, I worried the TV series might be predictable, but Crouch made enough changes to keep it fresh and riveting. For example, the book barely touches on Jason 2's life after taking over Jason 1's, so the show's exploration of this was a welcome addition. Although there's some questionable casting choices made that differ from the characters in the book, the cast performed beautifully.

For those who got bored after a couple of episodes, I disagree with the advice to stick with it because it gets better. I thought the series was exceptional from the start and the overarching tonality of the show stayed pretty consistent throughout. So, if you didn't like the first two episodes, you probably won't like the rest. I loved it. But maybe, just maybe, somewhere in the multiverse, another version of me is writing a very different review. And I'm OK with that.

Dark Matter is an original and suspenseful sci-fi that will keep you interested throughout the season. The story is about a man named Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) who gets abducted into an alternate version of his life. To get back to his family he'll have to go through countless versions of his what his life could've been. It's like his very own multiverse. And while there are more and more shows/movies on the multiverse, this one actually feels original. The show has so many twists and turns and takes you into so many different directions that you can't wait to see what happens next. I'll tell you what, Apple TV+ is absolutely killing it. Almost all of their shows have been great. Only a couple of their originals are what I consider bad. I'd put Dark Matter somewhere in the middle. Thats not a bad thing considering how many great shows they have.

The show's theme is reminiscent of the TV series Sliders, but with superior production values and a a more mature tone. After watching the first five episodes, I'm genuinely intrigued by the direction it's taking. I eagerly await episode 6, as there have been only a handful of series in recent years that truly piqued my interest.

Every aspect of the show is commendable. The talented actors portray captivating characters, the script is well-crafted, and the production quality, set design, and cinematography are top-notch. In my opinion, this is Apple TV's finest work yet-they've ticked all the right boxes. I highly recommend giving it a watch, and I sincerely hope it continues to impress.

Let me start by saying that I read a book years ago and the plot has always stuck with me. Over the years I forgot what the book was called or the subplots but I never forgot how it made me feel. It was such an incredible idea that I felt like everyone could identify with. That maybe you had regret over one decision in your life and what would your life be like had you made a different decision? I've described the plot to so many people but have never been able to recall the title. It's driven me nuts for such a long time because I've talked about it so much. Yah, Google I get it but I just never tried.

I started watching this and as it unraveled I thought, no, did someone copy that book's plot and then write a show? It was so similar I thought, that can't be a coincidence. And of course it isn't. It is the book!! Well, slight differences but overall the idea is the same.

I love this adaptation and of course some of my favorite actors added to an amazing experience. Mostly I am just over the moon that Blake Crouch did the adaptation so the feel is very similar. This time I feel there is much more psychology involved in how our past can affect our futures and it's all so fascinating. Love, love, love!!!

I just watched the first two episodes and I am already hooked. Imagine waking up one day and the world as you know it has changed.

Beautifully constructed. There is a mixture of suspense, drama, and thrill. It's the type of confusing that builds curiosity rather than making you feel completely lost.

I like the question the show asks... could one choice really make your life so very different? If you ever had a thought like that, you'll enjoy this. I think that's why I connected to the story so much.

This show is one of the best sci-fi shows out there right now. I can't wait to see where it goes.

This show is incredible! I ordered the book after just seeing 3 episodes. I'm a huge fan of the movie " Coherence " and this show just took it up a notch and more. Everything was just done perfectly. The actors and actresses expressions were on point. Joel Edgerton is an incredible actor, he played every version of the character to perfection. The sound effects used were excellent. The story is great and the way that they explained the concepts of SuperPosition and being in Luminal was phenomenal. The show explores parallel realities in a way no other movie or show has down before.

The concept of using ampules to enter luminal is sick because from a manifesting point of view the ampule is just removing your doubt and then you can shift between realities. So essentially if you remove your doubt you can enter luminal and then you're in SuperPosition. Many manifestation teachers have talked about the same thing (Parallel Realities) for years. It was awesome to see it visually in a show like this.

I can't wait to see what happens in the final episode. I hope they make another 5 seasons of this show.

Ryan, Amanda, And Leighton can each have an entire season just based on what they experienced after entering the box.

Before diving in, I meticulously reviewed various critiques but chose to disregard them-a decision that proved to be one of the finest I've made in relation to television series. The show exhibits masterful development, with character arcs that, while occasionally deliberate in their pacing, are meticulously crafted to serve a greater purpose as the narrative unfolds. Joel Edgerton's performance is nothing short of remarkable; his ability to embody multiple characters with distinct personalities is a testament to his versatility. Alice Braga delivers a flawless performance, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

The plot is rich with intricate twists and turns, keeping viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats. I just finished episode 7, and the plot twist left me astounded. The meticulous attention to detail and the seamless integration of each character's storyline make this series superior to Dark in many aspects. The show's complexity and the rewarding payoff of its slow-burn approach make it a standout in the genre.

Overall, this series is a testament to the power of thoughtful storytelling and exceptional acting. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking a compelling and intelligently crafted narrative.

Dark Matter starts well. As these mini-series tend to go, the first episode is like a pilot. Often the show creator -- in this case Blake Crouch, adapting from his own novel -- writes and directs, as Crouch does here. After this great opening, though, the pace slows way down. To the point of agonizing boredom.

The book, which I read years ago, is a stripped-down edgy sci-fi thriller. The sentences are punchy, the paragraphs and chapters short. The sci-fi is given just enough mumbo jumbo to make it intriguing and credible in the book; here it's dumbed down quite a bit.

Crouch seems to be expanding things to make more of a drama. Near the end, this is done to great effect. But in episodes 2, 3, 4, the set-up is just too slow, and it's still confusing. I had to explain to my wife what was going on. Crouch is withholding the purpose of the box, but this only befuddles the story. Better to explain what it is from the outset, then let the drama of Jason's attempt to return home unfold, and Jason 2's run of the perfect life coming apart.

But things start clicking again around episode 5, then 6, and halfway through episode 8 -- Jupiter -- you know the show is at its best.

And Joel Edgerton is always good in everything he does.

7.5/10.

Obviously, there are some holes in the plot as there are numerous other series. I have not read the books, so I'm not familiar with what to expect but generally, it was a very well produced acted and filmed miniseries. The acting was good quality. There were lots of twist and turns, and it was very difficult to predict what was going to happen. I may be interested in taking a look at the book or books if there are books as I'm not familiar with the author I would recommend considering this for a watch as I had to binge watch it I was that interested in it , Jennifer Connolly was very good as was Joel Edgerton.

So far the majority of the reviews call this a "slow start", but it's couldn't be further from the truth. The show has great character development and the pace feels right. The "mystery" portion of the show doesn't leave you feeling frustrated, as subtle hints are dropped at just the right interval.

My only criticism is the dialogue for Jason #1 could have been given a little more thought to. There are a few points where he completely forgets to mention something or someone in his recent experience, leading to a slightly confusing interaction with another character. Given the circumstances he's in, this is easily forgivable as he's experiencing something so profound.

Edit: Changed from 7 to 3 Stars. After watching through the end, this show is completely childish. The first two episodes are fantastic, then it becomes a joke. Too bad. So much potential.

If you have watched dark you would loved this series the cast is great the pace is perfect i am loving this series cant wait for the new episodes to come out. Don't listen to the bad reviews just watch it and then make up your own opinion a must watch series in my opinion also don't watch the trailer you are gonna get spoiled i have not read the book but yet but i will personally i think if you watch sci-fi movies or web-series i think you should give it a try first episode was boring but enough to get me hooked its get really interesting also the twist and background music cuts all are good that's all i want to say a solid 9.

A show that branches off into different versions of our present. Shows such as this one I think will prove to age well as we continue into the future and discover how much intrinsic truth is contained.

Navigating probability using distinct emotive vibration is a concept which will seem far-fetched to many. I applaud Crouch for weaving this into a piece of art which, though physically unrealised (as far as I know), carries all the DNA of how humanity needs to continue to evolve, to question where the ego begins and ends, because I think we are beginning to awaken to the reality that we can't even take ownership of that, unless it is in a purely subjective point of view. Highly Recommend.

I've just finished episode 8 and next week is the final episode. I will update my review depending on how things conclude.

It has been such an enjoyable show to watch and whilst the alternative reality idea has been explored many times before, this is probably the most original and thoughtful exploration.

I'm aware that there were an initial set of reviews complaining that it was too slow, many giving up after episode 3. I think it actually creates space for you to get to know the characters and the history between them. Yes the first 3 episodes are significantly slower in pace compared with what happens after this point but it should not be written off for this reason.

It has such unexpected twists and turns that you are always wondering what next. It is so well written, making the characters and the plot believable despite the sci-fi context and genre.

I think the whole cast of actors in this show are absolutely first class and bring the characters alive. Joel Edgerton and Alice Braga are both flawless and bring such a heartfelt authenticity to their performances that give the story a heart and humanity.

I can't recommend this enough and even if sci-fi is not normally your thing, I still think it's worth a try.

This show has so many potential, but the holes in the story or the "why did you write it like that" so bad. Really slow to start but sets off eventually.

Every episode has extremely weird decisions. Unrealistic, simply incorrect or missing pieces are all over and it's such a shame. The VFX is great, acting ok to good with main star "Amanda". This could have been THE sci-fi show of Apple TV plus, but in the end the writing feels rushed, incomplete and unfinished.

I just wonder if the books have the same holes in the story, so this show is a good start for reading the original material.

Good enough, but didn't use full potential. 6.5/10.

Considering how close the first two episodes have stuck to the book, those of us who've read the book know what's coming and that should be enough to silence the haters. I'm personally excited to see the final act played out on screen.

And yes, the Dark Matter book came out over a year before the show, Counterpart.

For those looking for solid science, I would a) wager that they themselves don't know what the science actually should be and b) consider this is fun fiction. Blake Crouch is certainly closer to Dean Koontz than Stephen Hawkings. Just enjoy the fun and let's hope they stay true to the book in the final act because it's gonna be crazy.

I haven't read the book, so I watched this series with a fresh slate. Slow start, but it quickly became very enticing. Some very intriguing ideas and very well portrayed. Some of the latter episodes dragged a little especially the finale.

The whole season just follows the perspective of protagonist Jason & antagonist Jason. I would have liked to have seen more of the different worlds, especially from the perspective of the other characters that are dragged through the box.

I guess that is too far from the source material and perhaps something for new writers to pick up! The story wraps up nicely enough whilst leaving the door open for anyone creative enough to convince Apple to fund a follow up! I for one would give it a watch!

I've just finished watching the first two episodes, so my review is based on that alone. Without having read the books or any similar material, I approached the TV show with a fresh perspective (although it could have been even fresher if the trailer hadn't spoiled some aspects for me). I only watch 30 sec of the trailer, and I really regret it; nowadays, trailers tend to summarize the entire story rather than just giving hints and teasing, which diminishes the excitement of watching the actual show or movie.

That being said, the first episode had a rather slow pace, and as someone who knew what was going to happen, it started to feel a bit boring. Despite the attempt to create a sense of mystery, the trailer spoiled the experience of discovering things along with the characters.

The second episode improved upon the pace, although it still remained slow. However, it reached a satisfying point that gives hope for improvement in future episodes. I appreciate the main characters and the actors portraying them, particularly Jennifer Connelly; there's a lot of potential there. I just hope the show picks up the pace a bit.

I've been craving a good sci-fi show for a while, and this one might just be it. It certainly has great potential.

Update: .. Just finished episode 9 and the show turned out to be great.. mainly the last 3 episodes, can't wait for the next season..!

The concept of multiverse and infinite timelines is not unknown to us as it has been explored in many other films and tv-series but Dark Matter does it in a way that's really intriguing by using it to create an emotional dramatical narrative.

This show is beautifully made with jaw-dropping visuals and top-notch acting. The story really goes wild with all the possibilities that keeps you engaged and connected with its world and characters.

Although I would say the dialogues could be better and story could be better-paced, the show still provides enough thrill and entertainment for me to give it an 8 out of 10.

A MUST WATCH for Sci-fi lovers who are just too lazy or don't have time to read Blake Crouch's novel by the same name.

Going into the show I didn't really know what to expect, I really liked the main star Joel Edgerton and watched many great movies with him. The show was so amazing from the different worldly aspects to the pure originality of the show and something I will always remember and enjoyed. It really did touch my heart if it's from the awesome love story to the amazing performances of Joel Edgerton and all his different characters. This show is one of my top favorites and I hope others enjoy and see how amazing it is. Congrats to Joel Edgerton for yet another amazing performance and I thank you everyone involved for an awesome experience!