Silo: Season 1 (2023) Cre: Graham Yost
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Based on the books by Hugh Howey, this Apple TV original series, created by Graham Yost, has become very popular since it arrived in 2023. I've had my eye on it for some time, and was extremely excited to get started. The first season was comprised of ten, forty-to-fifty minute episodes, which I couldn't wait to get through.
Something I noticed quite early on was the strength of the soundtrack. It helped to create an aura of mystery and intrigue, which suited the dystopian world and slowly unfurling narrative of the show. I was also a fan of the costume design, particularly in regards to the main characters. The aesthetics of the show were generally pretty good, to that end.
The episodes were well-paced and well-written, and featured an array of interesting characters and plot points - woth plenty of little twists and turns that kept me following the crumb trail. I felt that all the key characters were pretty fleshed out. Each character felt like they had a distinct purpose, and there wasn't anyone who felt like an unnecessary part of the plot.
The series implemented flashbacks exquisitely, allowing for effective character and story development, without giving the impression of exposition dumping or lazy storytelling. The various narrative reveals were done smoothly and to great effect, making for some excellent television. The final episode was utterly enthralling - I loved it. It ended on a brilliant cliffhanger that set-up the second season phenomenally well.
Rebecca Ferguson, as I expected, proved herself to be an excellent lead for this riveting sci-fi series. Her acting pedigree has been gradually recognised more and more in recent years, and a lot of that has to do with her performances throughout this series. Quite simply, she was phenomenal from start to finish.
The supporting cast featured some talented named and some very good performances. Of these, the most compelling were provided by Tim Robbins and Chinaza Uche. Robbins absolutely nailed the subtleties of his role, and made himself a fascinating piece of the puzzle who I thoroughly enjoyed. Uche did a marvellous job of showing determination and vulnerability in neat duality, and was a big asset to the series.
I was also quite impressed with the acting of both Common and Harriet Walter, in two vastly different, but equally interesting roles. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about Common's acting initially, but, like his character, he grew exponentially as the show progressed, and ended it very strongly. Walter was no different, the more time she had to express her character's personality, the more enjoyable she was to watch.
There were some terrific performances from people in supporting or guest starring roles, chiefly; Rashida Jones and David Oyelowo, who were both superb in their roles. I also impressed with a fair few of the others in said-supporting roles; Will Patton, Geraldine James, Shane McRae, Billy Postlethwaite, Remmie Milner, and Avi Nash.
Overall, I'm thoroughly glad to have watched this thriller of a debut season, and no doubt will have binged the second season already by the time that this post goes up. It's so enthralling, and undeniably well-made. The story is crafted excellently, the characters have depth, and the dystopian world provides plenty of intrigue and mystery. It's must-watch science fiction, for sure.
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