With an abundance of stellar TV content this year, it’s no easy feat to crown the best series of 2024. The newcomer The Day of the Jackal has captivated audiences with its gripping espionage drama, while enduring favourite Yellowstone continues to reign supreme with its intricate storytelling. Apple TV+ has also delivered another hit with the WWII epic Masters of the Air, further cementing its reputation for prestige programming.
But amid this competitive line-up, it’s the surprise factor and mind-bending multiverse concept of Dark Matter that earns it the top spot. This sci-fi thriller is redefining what we expect from television, blending emotional storytelling with high-concept science fiction. Here’s why Dark Matter is a must-watch and, in our view, the best series of the year.
The Premise: A Thrilling Dive into the Multiverse
Imagine waking up one day to discover your life is unrecognisable. That’s the reality physicist Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) faces after he’s abducted and thrust into a parallel universe. In this alternate reality, Jason is a celebrated genius, but his family—his wife Daniela and their son—is nowhere to be found. What unfolds is a gripping journey through the multiverse, as Jason fights to return to his true home and wrestles with the consequences of choices he never made.
The show isn’t just about mind-bending science fiction; it’s an emotional exploration of love, identity, and the roads not taken. Think Inception meets The Leftovers, with a unique flair that sets it apart.
The Cast: Stellar Performances Across the Board
Joel Edgerton delivers a powerhouse performance as Jason, capturing the character’s desperation and resilience in every scene. His portrayal grounds the high-concept narrative, making Jason’s journey feel deeply personal.
Jennifer Connelly brings a quiet intensity to the role of Daniela, Jason’s wife. Her chemistry with Edgerton is palpable, adding emotional weight to Jason’s quest. The supporting cast, including Benedict Wong and Alice Braga, provides compelling performances that enrich the series’ complex world.
Stunning Production: A Multiverse Like Never Before
Apple TV+ is no stranger to high production values, but Dark Matter takes things to a new level. The series boasts cinematic visuals, with each universe Jason visits feeling distinct and richly detailed. From neon-lit dystopias to serene yet eerie landscapes, the production design is nothing short of breathtaking.
The special effects are equally impressive, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with practical elements to create a believable multiverse. It’s a feast for the eyes, ensuring viewers stay glued to the screen.
The Creative Vision: Blake Crouch at the Helm
With Blake Crouch adapting his own novel, Dark Matter retains the essence of the original story while expanding its scope for television. The series is a masterclass in balancing complex scientific ideas with emotional storytelling, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Collaborating with visionary directors like Matt Reeves (The Batman), Crouch ensures that the series delivers both edge-of-your-seat thrills and poignant moments of reflection. The writing is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the stakes deeply personal.
Critical Reception: What Are the Critics Saying?
Dark Matter has made waves among critics and viewers alike, solidifying its position as one of the standout series of 2024.
Rotten Tomatoes
The series holds an impressive 82% approval rating, with critics calling it a “twisty, often devastating thriller about regret and paths not taken.” Comparisons to The Matrix and The Cube are common, with many praising its blend of high-concept sci-fi and emotional depth.
IMDb
On IMDb, Dark Matter boasts an 8.1/10 rating, reflecting its strong resonance with audiences. Viewers have lauded the series for its gripping narrative and stellar performances, with one fan noting, “The acting was outstanding, with twists and turns that kept me guessing till the very end.”
Who Will Love Dark Matter?
Fans of Westworld, Stranger Things, and Black Mirror will find a new obsession in Dark Matter. Its perfect blend of emotional depth and sci-fi spectacle ensures it’s not just a show, but an experience. The series is already generating buzz on social media, with fans praising its ambitious storytelling and jaw-dropping twists.
Dark Matter is now available to stream on Apple TV+.
