User Reviews

The current site rating (for the episodes available) feels about right. For me around a 7 as well.

It starts slow, which represents typical Apple TV filler or padding in a story that might be better served as a movie. This is frequently the case when a series is based on a single book.

But... Production values are good. The two leads, Edgerton and Connelly, are both strong actors. There have been other series (possibly ripping off the book on which this is based) that have used this premise and not done well. But without having seen all the series' episodes we can't tell at this point where Dark Matter will go.

Alice Braga, as Amanda, is a capable actress although not on the same level as the two leads. Her role looks to increase beginning in episode three. Jimi Simmons, still looking like a Christian Slater cousin or clone, is fine as well as Ryan, Jason's (Edgerton) best friend.

In episode one, as is the case in most series like this, it rips along pretty well. It's the later episodes where repetitive exposition bogs things down. This kind of "story bloat" can be a problem. The scripting, acting and intriguing plot may reveal a very good series though, so I'll reserve judgment.

Other reviewers want to take issue with the quantum theory (apparently all the rage in sci-fi, Marvel and Disney nowadays) angle and the Schrodinger's Cat reference in the beginning. Don't bother with any of that. It's mainly foreshadowing and merely puts forth the key premise: two things can be true at the same time; and if you could, would you change a key event in your past. The tech-speak dialogue about super position in quantum theory only serves to make us look too closely at the premise's central concept.

It's a flipped plot line of the old time travel trope of an older version of a person traveling back in time to change events in his or her past. Except here, in Dark Matter, it's much more complicated, and morally conflicted than that.

Time, and those extra episodes we haven't seen yet, will tell.

I'll keep watching.

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.

If you don't like Dark Matter, that is of course, your opinion. But to call it a copy cat of Constellation is wrong.

The book "Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch came out in 2016 (it was great!) and as far as I can tell by searching online, Constellation was written specifically as a tv show.

As flr the storyline being slow, it gets better and has to set everything up (per many good series). At least watch some more episodes before completely giving up.

Finally, the complaints about the science/physical being wrong get so tiresome. This is supposed to be fun, entertaining, etc.

Someone always has to show off their knowledge by pointing out everything wrong in a sci-fi movie/series. It's even more than just sci-fi.

Well my review turned into a rant, but I've enjoyed this so far, and if they stay even vaguely close to the book, it gets better and better. Or not, depending how much you want to tell everyone how this or that is not possible.

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."

While I haven't read the book, I will say that the first two episodes were very well done. It's also nice to know that the author of the book adapted the script, So it is authentic to his vision.

Joel Egerton and Jennifer Connelly's chemistry is great so far. At this point, there are a few different directions it can go (considering haven't read the book) I am very intrigued and want to know how the story unfolds.

As for the other reviewer saying this series is HEAVILY inspired by a different series, clearly he doesn't know that this is based on a book. It would be really nice if people knew what they were talking about before writing reviews. LOL!

I think that for what it is, is pretty good. While I'd like to see more science in shows like this, to give the audience a grounding into what the multi-verse is, sans nancy-boy superheroes. In this case, the concept is dealt with in a superficial way (to ep. 3) but hopefully it clarifies as we go on. As for the people... It rarely ceases to amaze. Why is it things play out in these type of TV shows as they never would in real-life? I'm not talking about the scifi concept, that's usually very basically dealt with, sometimes it's interesting, but the actions of humans in these things rarely if ever ring true. Ask yourself, would YOU behave the way people did here? A true scientist would more than anything be fascinated by what had transpired, they would be elated that something had happened. Instead, the reactions are fear, overwrought emotion, it just does not ring true. Do you fly off the handle at the least confusing conflict? Even in a traumatic situation you would probably have the presence of MIND to ask people to explain before you went haywire. But supposed IQ's of the protagonists aside, they act like lab-rats with just as little intelligence. Dialog makes little sense, doesn't lead anywhere as quickly as it could, just facilitates dragging out and laying the groundwork for the implausible situations we always see. At the very beginning, rather than ask the guy questions about his experience, they start peppering a clearly disoriented person with questions! They should have let HIM ask the questions and patiently answered them and explained what was done. If they are going to tackle some of the concepts in quantum mechanics, they need to stop catering solely to the mouth-breathers in the audience.

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.

This is a slow burn but lots to think about and great cast and some big ideas. It can be a challenge to take the essence of a good book and bring it to the big or small screen. A lot of stories explore the idea behind a multiverse or a parallel universe. If this idea tickles your imagination then watch Dark Matter. I think we all wonder what it would be like to see ourselves in a different life. Maybe you don't but I do. This is a thriller so expect some twist and turns. Joel Edgerton is the right guy for this role. I enjoyed the book and will look forward to seeing how the televised version will unfold. No spoilers here just make up your own mind.

I'm going to use the same inane illogic of some of these ignorant reviewers. The book Dark Matter came out before so Counterpart ( an immensely boring series where nothing happened ) must definitely be a ripoff of the book. BOOM!!! Anyway I actually read some of the book and unlike some of Crouch's other books I didn't like this one but of course shows and movies can sometimes be better than the source material. So far thats the case here. While slow paced the first two eps were not boring and somewhat engaging; mostly because of the two leads. As others have pointed out Apple shows tend to start meandering about with their stories. Essentially they're good movies turned into long winded shows. Although the book came first it is reminiscent of Constellation, Counterpart and the one with Josh Brolin on Amazon. None of those amounted to much. We shall see here if it goes the same route.

It's not that the show is terrible - well, I have no clue, as only two episodes were released. But my problem with these Apple TV shows is that they are extremely slow-paced and only have one episode per week. It feels similar to Constellation and the invasion show they made. It just ends up losing my interest and is one of the reasons I don't pay for Apple TV.

These types of shows, which follow the typical streaming model ending with a cliffhanger at the end of each and every episode and never reveal too much per episode, are just annoying to get invested in.

Make something that has an actual story moving along in each episode instead of just character building and then in the very last five minutes "something happens" or is "revealed" or just release all episodes on your streaming platform - and buy some content to make Apple TV worth the subscription. You get 10 stars for sci-fi effort and I will subtract 7 for running the show with the typical slow-drip season to keep subscriptions.

I mean... based off the advertising I knew this show was going to be decent but wow. I haven't had a first episode knock my socks off like that in a long time.

Beautifully constructed. It's the type of confusing that builds curiosity rather than making you feel completely lost.

This episode starts with a slow burn and ends with a wildfire. I'm absolutely hooked just off one episode. I'm positive this will be wildly popular.

What an exciting plot twist as well. The audience is given hints before the characters which makes things a little more fun. There is still so much to learn and things to figure out but based off the first episode it's clear all the information will be laid out very well.

EPIC first episode of television.

Apple's shows can be hit or miss but this has hit the sci fi sweet spot with a really great plot. Would recommend this to all sci fi lovers and although the first episode is a bit slow the show appears to slowly crank up the heat and is getting better and better. This may be a show worth waiting for all episodes to come out and binging on to appreciate the crecendo a bit better. Great acting from cast and little to be missed from a directing point of view as transitions are smooth and the plot can easily be followed. Although I have not read the book the show can be appreciated as an adaptation really well.

I have not read the book. The show is great. Yes it may not be for some people but for the three episodes out now, the story is progressing very well. I am captivated and after the show is over I will read the book. Books are always better so I watch the show first.

First episode was a tad slow but enough to get me hooked. It is sci-fi drama and for those who say it's not , do not understand what science fiction is...... Give it a whirl. Apple has been stepping it up lately.

Remember everyone has an opinion and just because one or two don't like it doesn't mean it's a bad show.

Can't wait for the next episode already!

This is one of, if not the best adaption of a book I have ever seen. Not sure if that's because the author is listed as the creator of the TV series or not, but wow! When I heard they were making one of my favorite science fiction books into a series on Apple tv plus I was excited, and also worried it would be a disappointment. I am more than pleasantly surprised by this series. When I read the book years ago I instantly loved it. It's a page turner until the very end. I can't wait to read it again. Most of the time series or movies don't line up with the books they are based on, but this is the exception to that rule. Every episode (only 3 so far) are brilliantly produced, written, and executed with great acting. The episodes are true to the book. The pacing is perfect. Some have said it starts slow, but I don't feel like that's a problem. The book begins that way too, and it's for a reason, because once things kick off it isn't going to let up. I can't wait to see the rest of the season, and see this brilliant book come to life on the screen. So much more to come from this story, that people who haven't read the book won't see coming. I really hope this series gets the audience it needs to be as successful as some of the other series on this platform. I'm thinking of 'For All Mankind' right now, which is getting a 5th season along with a spinoff series. Apple TV plus does it right again, by picking interesting stories, and providing the funding needed to make them shine. Even if you haven't read this book, you will love the series. 10 out of 10 for me.

Donald Davidson proposed the theory of the Swamp Man in 1987. A man walking through a swamp is struck by lightning and disintegrated into oblivion. At the very same time another bolt of lightning strikes the same place the man was walking, causing a bunch of molecules to rearrange themselves into an exact same shape as the disintegrated man. This new man is the exact same person, a copy of the disintegrated man's body including his behavior patterns and memories. This old thought experiment seems to be very relevant to the story of this series. And is also a consideration of the complications of replicant technologies such as the Star Trek transporter device.

Although I haven't started watching it yet, I am now inspired to watch it. Also, Jennifer Connelly has been my most favorite actor since I first saw her in Career Opportunities in 1991.

I am gonna make a point of saying like some other reviewers that I too tend to get a bit miffed with Apple as they do opt to drip feed episodes on a weekly basis rather than release the whole set at once to enjoy binging out to - reminds me of those bad ole days way back when JR Ewing brought Dallas to terrestrial tv- geez it's almost 2025 that mentality Apple still forces its subscribers to abide by leaves me a tad yep u guessed bewildered and yep .. I digress... Rant over ...so I admit I didn't see the preview and caught the remote by accident heading to watch Fallout on prime - and this show [thought it was a going to be a film - wasn't paying attention- dark matter was showing on the main home page with a clip of Joel Egerton so thought I'd have a gander at what it was before heading to watch the other show and being someone who liked these sci-fi genre type films - yep I now realise it's weekly episodes - my gripe resurrected - I hit play and for first time since Apple TV streaming took off I found myself perched on sofa hooked but left reeling I could only watch the first two episodes...grrr would it really affect subscriptions if Apple began serving up the full series of shows to its subscribers - dark ages manner or what.

I guess if you have read the book or seen the likes of constellation you are probably already familiar with the storyline and depending on how much you enjoy this play on alternate reality concepts will sort of feed into whether you will find it a captivating experience. For me it has ticked the boxes I liked the cast they're pretty convincing in their roles and though it doesn't speed along - such as the likes of the inception film, this is a show that seems to offer up do far a pretty decent storyline and both episodes did chug along at a reasonable pace.

Unfortunately for me, I'm not going to watch anymore until all the episodes have been aired as I ain't a subscriber who has time the desire to add a weekly fix of that soap opera style format to my calendar but I admit as an Apple one subscriber i imagine I will upon completion of studies probably return to viewing the remainder of the episodes later in the year unless I get even more peeved and switch to another secondary streaming service to complement my prime subscription as I tend to prefer to set aside time and opt - when we get a choice... - oh I am a griping again ...what's that bug up my backside something beginning with A? - to have a binge out to unwind but I will say, gripe about Apple as a service aside, if you enjoy alternate reality storylines I'd say go ahead and make a point of watching the show I am more than likely gonna join ya and binge out to the rest of them later in the year [when I'm given the some, albeit, belated choice to do that Apple - as I think it has the offerings of a captivating show and is a little more intriguing to constellation and yes I admit I also found that storyline intriguing too - though admittedly it did run slow at times so here's hoping this show further along doesn't follow suit and keeps going at a steady pace.

The series is solid so far. Initial 2 episodes are somewhat slowly paced, so you have to be patient & let the narrative build + play out.

My challenge is that the casting of the main lead character is woefully weak!

Joel Egerton is punching way above his actual weight with the material and it shows. Counterpart had JK Simmons and he is a titan of his craft. In multiple ways.

Am not interested in the cross-over or book squabbles between the shows. Its irrelevant. Enjoy each series for its own unique angle.

This is a solid watch, for Sci-Fi fans that has depth, the critique of Joel does not extent to Jennifer C and the rest of the cast who deliver solid performances.

Another life drama show wrapped in sci-fi clothing. Don't get me wrong, I love these multi-dimensional concepts. And I think it's interesting enough to keep watching until the end. But instead of making the plot more "grand" with the technology, we have to watch this family drama unfold.

With technology like that, one would hope the story would explore something more profound than just "I want to have my dream life with my dream wife." You could have made this about an apocalyptic event, an ambitious dictator, etc., but here we are stuck with this personal adventure. The acting is great, of course. The pace is slow in the first episode, but it gets better in the second.

Damn it! I watched the first two episodes,found out it was a book based series, very faithful to the book. So read the book,a very easy read.

I won't put any spoilers in here,but if you are hooked on the series,then as the review title infers,life is a series of choices,that you make affects each stage. That may sound simplistic but human netherless.

The two main actors are very convincing to the original story,production values are exemplary,and like a good expensive wine to be savoured for each episode,reminds me of Vivaldi's masterpiece "Four Seasons" Complicated but resolves at the end,really a love story in disguise.