Streaming
services have taken off like a house on fire with several clambering onto the
bandwagon and scrambling to stand out from the others. AppleTV+ is well
and truly in on this game with original content like The Morning Show and
more recently Silo.
Silo is a science fiction thriller that
effortlessly combines a dystopian nightmare and conspiracy theory in a way that
immediately hooks the viewer. The series has been adapted from the 2011 novel Wool
written by Hugh Howey. It situates humanity in a dystopian future clinging
to survival while confined, deep underground, in a vast silo.
You may
think that fictional narratives set in a dystopian future have been played out.
TO a point you’d be right. But everything about Silo is fresh and
nuanced and intriguing in the best way possible. It is unquestionably a
beautifully crafted production with characters worth getting to know and it
embraces the much-missed cliffhanger in the most welcome manner.
It is
simultaneously thought-provoking and intriguing all while the palpable feeling
of claustrophobia permeates through the screen and embeds itself into the
viewer’s experience. It is gripping and immersive in the best way possible. The
rich visuals and well-crafted storyline hold the viewer’s attention throughout
each of ten episodes of the first season with ease.
The series
boasts an impressive cast with Tim Robbins (The Shawshank Redemption),
Iain Glen (Game of Thrones), and David Oyelowo (Selma) in the
lineup. But the undisputed star of this show is Rebecca Ferguson. Known for her
appearances in the Mission Impossible franchise and Dune in this
guise she portrays the main character. Juliette Nichols is best
described as an engineering savant who takes personal responsibility for
keeping the silo running.
Ferguson
delivers an intensely penetrating and watchable performance, perhaps one that
is even award worthy. Her dauntless bearing and unbreakable resolve plays
perfectly against the bleak backdrop of the silo which makes this series an
absolute must watch. It’ll be time more than well spent.
*Key art
obtained via apple.com
