I’m a huge fan of Rebecca Ferguson since BBC’s series The White Queen so when I found out she’s starring in another TV show, I had to watch it. Based on the Wool book series by Hugh Howey, it’s set in post-apocalyptic earth where around 10,000 residents live in a self-sustaining subterranean city with 144 floors. Everyone is taught that the outside world is toxic and deadly and must follow strict regulations written in Silo’s Pact.

Sci-fi is often associated with space or things that are out of this world, but SILO pretty much focuses on the remnants of humanity living underground. It’s a fascinating, well-written series that deftly fuses conspiracy thriller, whodunnit mystery, and human drama. The first episode starts out with the community’s sheriff Holston (David Oyelowo) and his wife Allison (Rashida Jones) who are trying to have a baby. What happen to them set the central plot into motion and places Juliette at the center of the conspiracy. She starts out as an engineer working on the lower levels but ends up becoming the silo’s new sheriff. It’s a job she didn’t want initially, but she knows that’s the only way she could investigate the death of her lover George (Ferdinand Kingsley, yep he’s Ben Kingsley’s son in case you’re wondering).

I get absorbed in the world of the SILO pretty much immediately, thanks to the engaging script, meticulous production design, and well-crafted characters. There’s something immersive in the somber mood and gritty atmosphere, the show remains captivating even when there’s not much action going on. Ferguson cuts a mesmerizing figure in perhaps her least glamorous role, as Juliette is often disheveled with not much makeup. She’s not exactly a likable character, a tough hard worker who’s not a people person, but she commands your attention and makes you fully invested in her journey. It’s such a physically-demanding role, especially in this one nail-biting action-packed episode involving a huge generator.

Ferguson is surrounded by a terrifically diverse ensemble cast, I especially love Harriet Walter as Juliette’s main ally Martha and Iain Glen as Juliette’s obstetrician father. Chinaza Uche is memorable as Silo’s appointed deputy who’s often at odds with Juliette. Tim Robbins is notable as Bernard, the head of IT with an ambiguous allegiance. Robbins emanates a sinister vibe even when he’s being sympathetic, while Common seems miscast in the role of the head of security who reports to Bernard. I think someone like Brian Tyree Henry, Chiwetel Ejiofor, or Sterling K. Brown would’ve been a better fit for Robert Sims. 

There was apparently a planned feature adaptation back in 2012 with Ridley Scott producing but got shelved when Disney acquired 20th Century Fox. But I’m glad it ends up being done as a series, created by Graham Yost (Justified), as it allows for better character development and deeper explorations of its themes. Now, the show is more of a slow-burner so the pace is deliberately measured at times, but it’s never boring as there’s so much mystery and puzzle to be solved. The first few episodes were directed by Morten Tyldum who did the excellent Danish thriller Headhunters and garnered an Oscar nom for directing The Imitation Game.

Good world-building is the foundation of any fictional universe and the team at SILO did an astounding job creating a riveting futuristic macrocosm that seems plausible and livable. The visual experience serves to immerse us in the world of the Silo, instead of just relying on cinematography spectacle that can be distracting in its beauty (I’m looking at you FOUNDATION) I’m also glad they refrain from injecting sensational violence just for shock value, but keep the focus on the main riddle that Juliette is trying to solve.

So many questions arise as we’re watching this–who built the silo? Why can’t the residents learn about the times prior to the silo? Is the outside world as toxic and dangerous as the leaders make it out to be? Those questions remain to be at the center of every episode, up until the explosive finale. It ends up presenting us with more questions than answers, but I’m so hooked on this show that I’m glad SILO has been renewed for season 2. I do hope the creators would adapt the story as a limited series (2-3 seasons max) with a satisfying payoff, instead of stringing us along endlessly like Lost or The Walking Dead. 

In any case, this is definitely a fantastic addition to the sci-fi genre and the best sci-fi noir I’ve seen in a long time. If you’re looking for a binge-worthy series to watch, can’t go wrong with this one.

SILO is an Apple TV+ Original

Have you seen SILO? Let me know what you think!

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