Warning! This post contains minor spoilers for Apple TV+’s Dark Matter.
Dark Matter‘s compelling sci-fi drama is further elevated by its well-written characters, perfectly portrayed by its talented cast members. Based on Blake Crouch’s book of the same name, Dark Matter is another intriguing addition to Apple TV+’s impressive sci-fi repertoire. When it comes to its multiverse narrative device, Dark Matter seems quite similar to another recent sci-fi series, Constellation, which recently landed on Apple TV+. However, a close look at its themes, plot progressions, and character beats reveals that it is a distinct addition to the overly saturated sci-fi sub-genre.
What makes Dark Matter stand out is that it focuses more on using quantum physics principles as metaphors for existential questions surrounding one’s choices and their long-term consequences. Owing to this, its character beats play a crucial role in raising the stakes of its drama. Given how character-driven the sci-fi series is, its cast members deserve credit for convincingly embodying their characters and creating an immersive experience for viewers.
Actor: Born in Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia, Joel Edgerton started acting soon after he graduated from the Nepean Drama School at the University of Western Sydney. After working with several stage productions for a while, he started appearing in movies like King Arthur and Ned Kelly. He garnered more attention after he portrayed a young Owen Lars in two installments of the Star Wars franchise: Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Edgerton has now been acting for over 3 decades and starred in several acclaimed films, like Warrior, Zero Dark Thirty, and Thirteen Lives, among others.
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Character: In Apple TV+’s Dark Matter, Joel Edgerton plays two different versions of a character, Jason. The show primarily highlights how Jason ends up in an alternate reality after a parallel universe version of him intentionally swaps places with him. Edgerton perfectly captures the nuances of both characters, instantly establishing the duality of his characterization. Even though Dark Matter‘s story development can be a little confusing, Joel Edgerton puts his acting chops on full display and makes the series a lot more comprehensible.
Actor: Jennifer Connelly was born in Cairo, New York, and went on to study English Literature at Yale University before dipping her feet into acting. Tw0 years into her course at Yale, she transferred to Stanford to study drama. She landed her first acting gig in Once Upon a Time in America when she was only 11 years old. Her first leading role came in 1985 when she was cast in Dario Argento’s Phenomena. Connelly now has a long list of films and shows under her belt and has even won an Academy Award for her brilliant portrayal of Alicia Nash in A Beautiful Mind.
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Character: Jennifer Connelly portrays Jason’s wife, Daniela, in Apple TV+’s Dark Matter. Like Joel Edgerton, she, too, captures multiple alternate versions of her character, perfectly embodying their distinct mannerisms and emotional depths. Although the diverse roles in Connelly’s action portfolio are enough to portray her incredible range as an actor, Dark Matter further showcases how she effortlessly transitions from one character to another.
Actor: Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Alice Braga can fluently speak three languages: Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Although she made her acting debut in 1988 with a Portuguese short film, Trampolim, her breakthrough role was in the highly acclaimed Academy Award-nominated Brazilian film City of Gold. Her Hollywood debut came in 2006 when she starred in Journey to the End of the Night. Since then, she has played diverse roles in several well-known movies and shows, like I Am Legend, A Murder at the End of the World, and Elysium.
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Character: Alice Braga plays the role of Amanda, the alternate Jason’s girlfriend. After Jason 1 switches places with Jason 2, Amanda instantly notices the behavioral changes in her partner and grows increasingly concerned about his well-being. She later joins Jason 1 on his quest as he explores one alternate world after another.
Jimmi Simpson as Ryan: Jimmi Simpson plays Jason’s friend, Ryan, who is an immensely successful scientist in one universe but struggling to find his place in the world in another. Before Dark Matter, Jimmi Simpson starred in acclaimed shows like Westworld, Black Mirror, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Oakes Fegley as Charlie Dessen: Oakes Fegley, of The Goldfinch and Peter’s Dragon fame, plays Jason and Daniela’s son, Charlie, in Dark Matter.
Dayo Okeniyi as Leighton: Jason’s associate, Leighton, is played by Dayo Okeniyi, who is best known for playing roles in Rise, Terminator Genisys, and The Spectacular Now.
Marquita Brooks as Dawn: In Apple TV+’s Dark Matter, Marquita Brooks (known for If I Was Your Girl and Power Book IV: Force) plays a tough-as-nails functionary named Dawn.