Dark Matter

Why does every series with a premise based on alternate reality, look a whole lot like every other series with the same premise?

The fact is tales of alternate reality have been done to death, so much so, that the whole premise now looks a lot like a cliche. Dark Matter has an instant issue, with this reviewer, for this very reason.

There have been series that have pulled it off beautifully, like German series Dark. It worked because there was enough complexity and depth in the alternate reality story, not to mention it played wonderfully with paradoxes.

By contrast, Dark Matter feels simplistic and predictable. It was obvious within a few frames who the masked attacker is and what comes after doesn't really improve greatly on this observation. Indeed, its largely unsubtle in its handling, which does little to draw you in or have you asking questions as Dark did.

Acting is reasonable, its a solid cast and whilst production values are high, this one just doesn't resonate with me after two, rather pedestrian, episodes.

In summary, the simplistic and predictable, lets call it "safe" handling doesn't put this series in the same class, as imaginative risk takers, like Dark. If you have't seen this kind of series before you may still enjoy Dark Matter, I have no doubt. That said, for the more seasoned and jaded science fiction viewers amongst us, its not an alternative reality, its just more of the same.

Dark Matter (2024) is a dismal misfire that fails on nearly every front. From the outset, it becomes painfully clear that “nothing matters” in this convoluted mess of amateur sci-fi soap opera and tedious family drama. The series boasts poor editing, with jarring cuts and pacing issues that make its already thin narrative feel even more disjointed. The characters are lifeless, reduced to cardboard archetypes who make inexplicably stupid decisions at every turn.
The supposed high-concept premise quickly devolves into unintentional comedy, weighed down by endless, repetitive family details that sap any potential for intrigue or suspense. Rather than offering compelling stakes, the show drags viewers through a nonsensical plot that fails to make its point—if it even had one. Any attempts at drama come off as ridiculous, leaving viewers more frustrated than entertained.
With no sense of direction or payoff, Dark Matter collapses into a black hole of mediocrity. It’s a waste of time, energy, and life—an experience devoid of entertainment or enlightenment. What could have been an engaging exploration of cosmic and existential themes instead becomes a tragic reminder of how not to make television. Avoid this series at all costs.

(CASTELLANO)

Me ha parecido una serie muy buena y, sobre todo, muy original en la forma en que plantea su historia. No es de esas que puedas poner de fondo mientras haces otra cosa, porque si te despistas un poco es fácil perderte. Precisamente por eso funciona: te obliga a estar dentro.

Lo mejor que tiene es la idea central y cómo va creciendo. Empieza con una premisa potente y enseguida se convierte en algo mucho más grande, pero sin dejar de tener un componente muy humano. No va solo de ciencia ficción o de conceptos raros; va también de decisiones, de vidas posibles y de lo que uno cree que habría pasado si hubiera elegido otro camino.

Joel Edgerton sostiene muy bien la serie. Tiene bastante peso encima y consigue que todo resulte creíble incluso cuando la historia se pone más compleja. A su alrededor, el tono mezcla suspense, drama y ciencia ficción de una manera que casi siempre engancha.

Eso sí, también creo que a veces se complica más de la cuenta. No porque esté mal explicada, sino porque exige bastante atención y va añadiendo capas con rapidez. Si entras en su juego, muy bien. Si no, te puede acabar mareando un poco.

Visualmente también está muy conseguida. Tiene momentos muy potentes y sabe crear esa sensación de inquietud constante, como si siempre hubiera algo ligeramente descolocado aunque no sepas todavía exactamente qué es.

En conjunto, me parece una serie muy disfrutable, bastante original y con una idea muy buena detrás. Quizá no sea la más sencilla de seguir, pero cuando consigue atraparte, lo hace de verdad.


(ENGLISH)

I found it a very good series and, above all, very original in the way it sets out its story. It is not one of those you can put on in the background while doing something else, because if you get distracted for a moment it is easy to get lost. That is precisely why it works: it forces you to be inside it.

The best thing about it is the central idea and how it grows. It begins with a powerful premise and quickly becomes something much bigger, but without ever losing a very human component. It is not only about science fiction or strange concepts; it is also about decisions, about possible lives and about what one believes would have happened had one chosen another path.

Joel Edgerton carries the series very well. He has quite a lot of weight on his shoulders and he makes everything believable even when the story gets more complex. Around him, the tone mixes suspense, drama and science fiction in a way that almost always hooks you.

That said, I also think it sometimes gets more complicated than necessary. Not because it is badly explained, but because it demands a lot of attention and keeps adding layers quickly. If you get into its game, great. If not, it may end up making you a little dizzy.

Visually it is also very accomplished. It has very powerful moments and knows how to create that feeling of constant unease, as if something were always slightly out of place even though you do not yet know exactly what it is.

Overall, I think it is a very enjoyable series, quite original and with a very good idea behind it. Perhaps it is not the easiest to follow, but when it manages to grab you, it really does.