Dark Matter, the 2024 sci-fi thriller series on Apple TV+, takes viewers on a mind-bending journey through alternate realities, following physicist Jason Dessen as he navigates a labyrinth of parallel worlds.
Based on Blake Crouch's 2016 novel, this series not only brings intense drama and suspense but also delves deep into the emotional and philosophical questions surrounding identity and choice. With Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, and Alice Braga leading the cast, Dark Matter combines stellar performances with a gripping narrative.
Here are 7 fascinating easter eggs and details about Dark Matter from Apple TV+.
Spoiler alert! This is best read by those who’ve only watched the show.
1. The Village Tap is a Real Bar in Cinematic Chicago
Dark Matter immerses viewers in the authentic backdrop of Chicago, using iconic locations to add depth to its exploration of alternate realities. Key scenes were filmed in Logan Square, Millennium Park, and along Lake Michigan, making these locations almost characters themselves.
Daniela's art gallery was shot at Artifact Events in Ravenswood. The University of Chicago's Mansueto Library and an abandoned hospital in Blue Island provided visually stunning and eerie settings. The production also utilized Cinespace Chicago Film Studios for many scenes.
And yes, the Village Tap is a real bar located in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago. While some interior shots were filmed at the Damen Tavern on Huron Street, the Village Tap itself is a well-known establishment in the city
2. Novel Writer Blake Crouch Turned TV Producer
Dark Matter is based on Blake Crouch's 2016 novel. Crouch played a pivotal role in the TV adaptation, serving as both writer and executive producer. His active involvement ensured the series remained faithful to his original vision, maintaining the intricate plot and complex character dynamics that fans of the book loved. This hands-on approach by Crouch helped to seamlessly translate the novel's narrative to the screen.
Notably, Crouch added new material specifically for the show, such as expanding Jason2's character arc to show his growth and internal conflict. In the book, Jason2's actions are more straightforwardly villainous, but the series gives him a more nuanced portrayal, influenced by Joel Edgerton's insights. Additionally, the series introduces new subplots, like the chemistry between Ryan and Daniela and a deeper exploration of Daniela's suspicions about Jason.
3. Hidden Messages in the Ampoules
The ampoules used for interdimensional travel are rich with hidden references to scientific luminaries and concepts, adding an extra layer of intrigue for viewers. These ampoules are labeled with names like "Schrödinger" and "Einstein," nodding to pivotal theories in quantum mechanics and relativity. This not only grounds the show's sci-fi elements in real scientific principles but also serves as a tribute to the figures who revolutionized our understanding of the universe.
The Schrödinger-labeled ampoule references the famous thought experiment involving a cat that is simultaneously alive and dead until observed, mirroring the show's exploration of superposition and alternate realities. Similarly, the Einstein-labeled ampoule alludes to the theory of relativity, highlighting the show's theme of time and space manipulation.
4. Opening Credits Changing Episode by Episode
The opening credits of "Dark Matter" are a visual treat that change subtly with each episode to reflect the shifting realities experienced by the protagonist, Jason Dessen. Each episode's credits incorporate different elements that symbolize the alternate reality explored, such as altered cityscapes, different scientific symbols, and even variations in the color scheme.
This creative approach offers keen-eyed viewers clues about the episode's setting and themes. For instance, some episodes feature distorted or fragmented visuals representing the fractured nature of reality that Jason navigates.
Additionally, the musical score accompanying the credits also changes, with variations in tempo and instrumentation that mirror the tone of the episode.
5. Alice Braga’s Take On the Box if It Was Real
Alice Braga, who plays Amanda in "Dark Matter," expressed her real-life reluctance to explore the multiverse, a concept central to the show. During an interview, she humorously admitted that she would avoid entering The Box, the series' device for jumping between universes.
Braga said, "I would run the hell away from it," highlighting her character's struggle and the show's metaphor of accepting our life choices rather than dwelling on what might have been.
6. Easter Egg Tributes to Classic Sci-Fi Literature
Throughout the series, characters are seen reading works by iconic authors such as Philip K. Dick and Isaac Asimov. These subtle nods serve to support the show's narrative.
For instance, Philip K. Dick’s influence is evident in the show’s exploration of alternate realities and the nature of identity, themes central to many of his works like "The Man in the High Castle" and "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" Isaac Asimov's contributions to the field, particularly his exploration of robotics and ethical dilemmas in "I, Robot," resonate through the series' intricate plot and character decisions.
Moreover, fans might spot books by other classic sci-fi authors in various scenes, such as Arthur C. Clarke’s "2001: A Space Odyssey" and Robert A. Heinlein’s "Stranger in a Strange Land," further anchoring Dark Matter in the rich legacy of science fiction storytelling.
7. Prospects for Dark Matter Season 2
While Apple TV+ has not officially announced a renewal for Dark Matter, the possibility remains open. The first season concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving several plot threads unresolved and sparking speculation about the show's future.
Blake Crouch, the author of the novel and showrunner, has hinted that although the book was a standalone story, there are potential directions for a continuation. If renewed, a second season would likely explore original storylines beyond the book's narrative, following the characters as they navigate new realities and the consequences of their multiversal adventures.
The show's success and fan interest could play a significant role in Apple TV+ deciding to greenlight more episodes, and with Crouch at the helm, there is confidence that any new material would maintain the series' high standards.
The Expanding Multiverse of Dark Matter
Beyond the hidden references and meticulously recreated scenes, Dark Matter leaves viewers pondering the infinite possibilities of the multiverse. What new worlds will Jason Dessen explore? How will his encounters with alternate versions of himself evolve? Each unanswered question from the first season sets the stage for potentially even more thrilling developments.
Moreover, the show's commitment to blending hard science with emotional storytelling opens the door to endless creative avenues. Whether it's through introducing new scientific theories or exploring deeper emotional arcs, Dark Matter promises to keep pushing the boundaries of what sci-fi television can achieve.
As fans wait with bated breath for news on a second season, the potential for Dark Matter to delve even further into the mysteries of the multiverse remains tantalizing. The journey of Jason Dessen and his encounters with the unknown are far from over.