Have you ever found yourself watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” and pondering how much richer the experience might be if we were given a deeper insight into Clarence the Angel’s explanation of how he crafted George Bailey’s journey through a world where he never existed?
Chances are, such thoughts haven’t crossed your mind. After all, the charm of whimsy often lies in its ability to transport us without the need for detailed explanations.
However, if you have indeed longed for a version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” stripped of its magic and replaced with a literal black box, and if you’ve yearned for a shift from “joy and sadness and general wonderment” to “dejection and self-seriousness and general washed-out solemnity,” then Apple TV+’s adaptation of Blake Crouch’s “Dark Matter” might just be up your alley.
Starring Joel Edgerton as Jason Dessen and Jennifer Connelly as his wife Daniela, “Dark Matter” follows the story of a physicist whose life takes a drastic turn when he is abducted by an alternate version of himself. As he navigates through parallel realities and attempts to reclaim his own life, the series delves into themes of identity, choice, and the consequences of our decisions.
While “Dark Matter” boasts of ingenuity and intriguing concepts, its relentless bleakness ultimately proves to be its downfall. The lack of tonal variation and the absence of whimsy make for a dreary viewing experience that could have benefited from moments of levity and a willingness to embrace the fantastical without over-explanation.
Despite its shortcomings, “Dark Matter” does offer glimpses of inspired ideas, particularly in its later episodes. However, the overall somber tone and monotonous atmosphere overshadow these moments of brilliance, leaving viewers longing for more depth and complexity.
Joel Edgerton delivers a solid performance as Jason Dessen, but the character’s lack of distinction between his alternate selves often makes it difficult to fully engage with his journey. Jennifer Connelly’s portrayal of Daniela, while commendable, feels underutilized, with limited opportunities to showcase her talent.
Overall, “Dark Matter” falls short of its potential, settling into a predictable narrative trajectory that fails to fully explore the fascinating concepts it introduces. While it may find an audience among those drawn to its brooding aesthetic, it ultimately misses the mark as a compelling and thought-provoking series.
In the end, “Dark Matter” finds itself relegated to the ranks of prestige dramas that prioritize style over substance, offering little more than a superficial exploration of its intriguing premise.
