New Apple TV+ Multiverse Show Is A Reminder To Watch An 88% Rotten Tomatoes Sci-Fi Thriller

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Apple TV+'s Dark Matter.

Summary Dark Matter on Apple TV+ is a fresh take on multiverse travel, reminiscent of the indie film Coherence.

Both Dark Matter and Coherence explore complex quantum concepts in tangible ways for viewers.

Unlike Dark Matter, Coherence's psychological depth and unique plot contribute to its higher ratings.

A new multiverse drama on Apple TV+ is not only an incredible sci-fi series in its own right but also reminds one to watch another highly acclaimed indie movie of the same genre. Even though some recent additions to Apple TV+'s sci-fi catalog, like Constellation, did not perform as well as anticipated, the streamer continues to churn out one sci-fi series after another. Its latest addition is a book adaptation that riffs on familiar ideas seen in several other multiverse-centric films and shows while bringing some of its unique twists to well-known tropes in sci-fi.

Since stories unfolding across multiverses have the opportunity to explore endless narrative possibilities, many recent movies and television have adopted interdimensional travel as a plot tool to explore philosophical ideas surrounding human mortality and the consequences of one's choices. Unfortunately, not all movies and shows that focus on alternate realities and timelines execute their ideas in a way that is captivating for audiences. Fortunately, the new Apple TV+ series avoids most pitfalls of the sci-fi subgenre and even seems reminiscent of a similar acclaimed flick.

Related Jennifer Connelly's Dark Matter Character Improves On The Book In 1 Huge Way Based on Blake Crouch's novel of the same name, Dark Matter (2024) is Apple TV+'s latest sci-fi series starring Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly.

Apple TV+'s Dark Matter Is Reminiscent Of 2013's Coherence

Coherence & Dark Matter Adopt Similar Mulitversal Travel Rules

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Although Apple TV+'s Dark Matter is based on an original Blake Crouch book of the same name, it seems to share many intriguing similarities with the 2013 sci-fi thriller Coherence. For starters, both the movie and the show cleverly use quantum mechanics concepts like quantum decoherence and the Observer effect as primary narrative devices for their storylines. However, despite adopting these complex concepts, the show and the movie present them in a way that makes them tangible to viewers. Even the multiverse travel rules in both are quite similar.

Dark Matter and Coherence also explore the eerie possibility of two versions of the same character landing in the same universe.

Coherence does not feature interdimensional travel devices, like "The Box" from Dark Matter. While the characters in Dark Matter have to follow an intricate process that begins with injecting a brain-numbing drug, the ones in Coherence merely walk down a street during a comet's flyby to access a new alternate reality. However, the characters in both do not get to decide which universe they will end up in. They have to try their luck and step onto the other side, hoping the universe they will end up in will favor them. Dark Matter and Coherence also explore the eerie possibility of two versions of the same character landing in the same universe.

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Why Coherence's Reviews Are Better Than Dark Matter's

Coherence Is More Unique And Plot-Heavy Than Dark Matter

Almost two weeks after the release of its first two episodes, Dark Matter boasts an above-average Rotten Tomatoes critics' score of 78%, with a "Certified Fresh" rating. However, despite dabbling with similar themes and sci-fi ideas, Coherence boasts an even more impressive Rotten Tomatoes critics' score of 88%. Even when it comes to the show and the movie's audience scores, Dark Matter sits at 72%, while Coherence outshines it with a score of 81%. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons Coherence has better reviews is that it adds a layer of psychological depth to its multiversal narrative.

Movie/Show Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score Dark Matter 78% 72% Coherence 88% 81%

Dark Matter, for the most part, sticks to the conventions of the sci-fi sub-genre and walks through the adventures — and misadventures — of a man traveling across universes to find his family. Coherence, on the other hand, confines its setting to a suburban home and focuses more on the growing paranoia between its characters. Owing to its limited budget, Coherence barely uses VFX, running purely on the strength of its ideas and performances, which immerses audiences in its puzzle box of mysteries and cosmic confusion. However, despite having relatively lower critical ratings, the Apple TV+ show is worth watching.

While Coherence can presently be streamed on Amazon Prime Video in the US, Dark Matter is airing on Apple TV+.