FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE YET TO SEE SILO, THIS IS A NON-SPOILER REVIEW FOR THE ENTIRE FIRST SEASON.

Lost in the Reel’s video review for Silo

Apple TV+ has come out with some incredible original series since its inception.  Though I can’t help, but feel like recently… the quality of these shows has gone down a bit.  Last year they provided hits like The After-party, Bad Sisters, and one of my favorites of 2022, Severance. But, it’s been a while since a new Original from the streamer has gotten me as excited as Silo.  Based upon the books by Hugh Howey, this season mostly covers the first novel, Wool… Silo is the type of ambitious high-concept science fiction that can either be a complete train wreck or fully immersive.  And luckily, this show is 100% the latter.

WHAT IS SILO ALL ABOUT?

Silo is the story of the last ten thousand people on earth. Their mile-deep home protects them from the toxic and deadly world outside. However, no one knows when or why the silo was built, and any who try to find out face fatal consequences. The series follows Juliette, an engineer, who seeks answers about a loved one’s murder. She then tumbles upon a mystery that goes far deeper than she could have ever imagined, leading her to discover that if the lies don’t kill you… The truth will.

HOW IS THE WORLD-BUILDING?

I was in awe that in the first fifteen minutes of episode one, I was already transported into this alternate reality.  The production design of the cavernous silo and all of its many unique levels is a stupendous feat of ingenuity.  The way the show is able to explain the rules of this society and build a captivating mystery around its inception, without feeling like we are being bombarded with exposition is a testament to the incredibly impressive writing.  I never felt like I was just a fly on the wall trying to understand all of the mechanics of this world; I immediately felt like I was dropped right into this silo with these characters.  And that is world-building at its finest.

It wasn’t until episode three though, that I knew I was watching a show that was operating on a whole different level.  In that one-hour installment… I don’t think I breathed for the entire duration.  It was an exercise of building tension, that is rarely seen on television nowadays.  The way the writers are able to explain in layman’s terms how certain things operate in this world, and then throw the audience into this edge-of-your-seat display of action… really took my breath away.  

POLITICAL INTRIGUE? CONSPIRACY? AND MURDER!?

There are so many layers to Silo though, that makes it must-watch appointment viewing.  And the biggest thing that kept me binging through the entire season, is the fascinating abundance of mysteries at play here.  Not only do we have the central enigma of what this silo’s purpose is and what is actually on the outside… but, then there’s the collection of these secret relics, political intrigue and conspiracy, and a string of murders; just to name a few.  In these ten episodes, I never felt like there was any filler; every subplot and minor character has a purpose to the overall narrative.  And just when I felt like the show was starting to lose its focus on what I was really interested in, it would reign itself back on and throw you another curveball.

Speaking of curveballs; it’s been a while since I’ve seen a show have so many twists and turns that I did not see coming.  I gasped and had my mouth dropped open in shock, on so many occasions throughout this season… and don’t even get me started on that mind-blowing finale.  Silo does have a few surprises that you might see coming, but it has so many more, that will leave you completely dumbfounded.

HOW IS THE ENSEMBLE CAST?

I also have to commend the ensemble cast of the series… which includes David Oyelowo, Rashida Jones, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, Common, and Game of Thrones’ Jorah Mormont himself, Iain Glen.  There are a vast array of characters within the silo… But, the writers do a fantastic job of keeping the focus on the people that are most important at the right time.  I always felt like I was getting to know a certain person, right when I really wanted to know more about them.  And the way that all of these characters, even the villains, are given a proper backstory and perspective into their purpose; truly made me care about everything that was happening on the screen.

ARE THERE ANY NEGATIVES?

As with all things, there are some negatives that I have to bring up.  First, I loved Rebecca Ferguson in this show. And you can feel the passion she has for this project, as star and executive producer… but, her accent was a little all over the place here.  I almost wish she was allowed to speak in her normal dialect because it was distracting at times.  The other thing I have to point out is that if you are one of those people that can’t get past plot holes and contrivances… Silo might not be for you.  There were many things that furthered the story along, that didn’t make much sense or felt a little too convenient… but, in this type of genre, I always feel a little more generous in allowing myself to let those things go.

ONE OF THE BEST NEW SERIES OF 2023 SO FAR…

2023 has only had a few shows that have really captivated me so far…Those being HBO’s The Last of Us and Netflix’s Beef.  And I am really happy to be adding Apple TV+’s Silo to that list.  This is a series that had me hooked from the beginning until the very end of episode ten.  It sports a cast of intriguing characters, is rich in world-building and storytelling, is filled with mysteries that will keep you guessing, and provides allegorical and philosophical themes that will keep your mind racing.  Now, we just need to make sure that Apple renews Silo for a second season… because this is a story that deserves to see its proper end.  

Silo premieres on Apple TV+ May 5th, 2023.

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