Warning: This review contains full spoilers for Silo Season 1.
Watching Silo is like exploring the mysterious 144-floor structure that holds the last remnants of human life on Earth. Each step reveals new discoveries, just like each episode of this Apple TV+ drama series. Adapted from the best-selling science-fiction novels by Hugh Howey, Silo Season 1 carefully builds its world over the span of 10 episodes. The pilot episode sets the stage, introducing Sheriff Holston Becker and his wife Allison, instantly captivating viewers and establishing the complex power dynamics at play.
The true protagonist of the series, Juliette Nichols, doesn’t make her appearance until the end of the first episode. However, the time spent introducing Silo’s unique environment, language, rules, and class system before Juliette experiences a devastating loss lays a solid foundation for the story. Many unanswered questions come to the forefront early on, such as when Silo takes place, why 10,000 people were forced underground, and who built the structure. Fortunately, Silo creator Graham Yost doesn’t leave viewers hanging, slowly revealing crucial information throughout the season.
The series expertly balances both predictable and surprising twists. The finale, for example, doesn’t reveal a thriving world outside the silo but instead uncovers the existence of other silos filled with survivors. After spending an entire season in one location, the possibilities for the second season are endless. The broader conspiracy involving the new mayor and head of Judicial Security adds to the growing tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Nerve-Shredding Masterclass
One standout episode of Silo is the third, in which Juliette must fix a generator within a tight timeframe while facing multiple dangers. The sequence is a nail-biting experience, brilliantly directed by Morten Tyldum. As Juliette confronts increasingly perilous situations, the suspense builds, leading to her being forced outside to face certain death. While she manages to survive, the body count quickly rises, adding to the already high level of anxiety within the silo.
The strength of Silo lies in its ensemble cast, with each actor delivering impressive performances. Rebecca Ferguson commands the screen as Juliette, portraying both physicality and emotional complexity. The dynamics between characters, such as Sheriff Becker and his wife, are compelling and well-developed, showcasing the talent of the cast.
Throughout the season, Silo effectively uses flashbacks and clever devices like a Pez dispenser and an “Amazing Adventures of Georgia” guidebook to fill in narrative gaps and provide context. These tools help the audience understand the failed uprising that occurred 140 years earlier and the characters’ yearning for knowledge beyond the boundaries of the silo.
A Surprising Partnership
Juliette’s partnership with Deputy Paul Billings is among the most rewarding dynamics in the series. While they never become friends, their contrasting personalities and unpredictable storylines keep viewers engaged. Paul’s extensive knowledge of the rules governing the silo proves instrumental in navigating the challenges faced by Juliette. Despite his by-the-book persona, he harbors secrets of his own, adding depth to his character.
Other notable performances come from Harriet Walter as a withdrawn Silo engineer and Iain Glen as Juliette’s father. The attention to detail in the production design adds texture to the industrial environment, immersing viewers in the world of Silo. The score by Atli Örvarsson enhances the overall atmosphere, further elevating the series.
Silo transcends the typical dystopian drama, seamlessly combining elements of post-apocalyptic thrills, murder mystery, conspiracy, and horror. Its debut season is a riveting journey from start to finish, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead on the many floors of this captivating world.