The review is written by Kinga Wójcik, a journalist for Gazeta.pl.
"Silo" premiered in May 2023, but I only watched it a year later. And a year too late. I regret discovering it just now, but the consolation is that I’ll have a shorter wait for the new season, which is set to start on November 15. But let’s start from the beginning - what is this show about?
What Is "Silo" About? I Love Dystopias, and Apple TV’s Show Gave Me Everything I Wanted
"Silo" is a sci-fi series based on the trilogy of the same name by Hugh Howey. It’s a dystopian story about a society living in a massive underground silo. Humanity has survived a catastrophe, and the underground structure is the only refuge. The world outside is toxic and deadly. The ultimate punishment for the inhabitants is being expelled, as those sent outside die within minutes. Inside the silo, there’s a strict hierarchy. There’s a mayor, a judge, and the police, but not everyone is willing to follow the rules. This is where Juliette Nichols comes in.
As a fan of science fiction and dystopias, I approached the series with great optimism, and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s claustrophobic, dark, and mysterious, with a thrilling crime puzzle to unravel. The inhabitants of the silo represent a cross-section of society. The wealthiest citizens live on the upper floors, while the lower levels house the mechanics like Juliette Nichols, played by Rebecca Ferguson.
Due to a series of events, she is promoted to a higher level. Interestingly, we don’t meet her at the beginning. The first episode focuses on the sheriff, who voluntarily chooses to leave the silo. Why does he do this, and what drives him? These are the questions that captivate you while watching, and the evolving mystery keeps you pressing play for the next episode. The show also stars Tim Robbins, Harriet Walter, and Will Patton.
Plot Twists Are the Show’s Greatest Strength. Is It Better Than "The Last of Us"? Absolutely
We’re never quite sure whether "Silo" portrays a vision of the future or a story set in some period of the past. We see old computers reminiscent of '90s equipment, but at the same time, the silo’s security systems seem highly advanced. The dark tale of the silo’s inhabitants and the complex relationships between the characters draw you in from the first moments. Although there’s a bit of a slowdown halfway through the season, the overall story is so gripping that I decided to dive into Hugh Howey’s novel as well. Saying the book is a surprise would be an understatement. I’ll leave it at that, because anything more would risk spoilers for the readers. I’m eagerly awaiting the second season, and although I won’t compare it to "Stranger Things," I believe the world presented in "Silo" is far better than the one in the famous "The Last of Us."
