‘Silo’ Series Review – A Gripping Post-Apocalyptic Tale With A Captivating Mix of Mystery and World-Building

It’s no doubt that Apple TV+ has been consistently delivering some top-notch adaptations of literary works in recent years, and their latest offering based on Hugh Howey’s best-selling book series, Silo, is no exception. With its 10-episode first season, the show creates a gripping and intense world that is both bleak and exciting at the same time. It brings to life the titular structure that is buried deep underground and showcases the struggles of its inhabitants.

The concept behind Silo is enthralling: a vast underground silo houses a community of around 10,000 people who have been isolated from the world for over a century after some unknown cataclysmic event. The history of the silo is shrouded in mystery, but the intricate society that has been created within its walls is fascinatingly complex. In the lower levels, the mechanics and engineers work tirelessly to keep the life-sustaining generator running. Meanwhile, doctors conduct a fertility lottery to bring new life into the silo, porters ferry goods between floors, and the governing system, consisting of a sheriff, a mayor, and the all-powerful Judicial Group, strives to maintain order.

Graham Yost (Justified) is the creator of Silo, which turns its well-crafted premise into a pretty gripping post-apocalyptic sci-fi with Rebecca Ferguson playing a tough-as-nails mechanical specialist named Juliette, who serves as the story’s investigator. The plot is intriguing, and it all starts with a powerful inciting incident that sets everything in motion. The show’s first two episodes introduce us to a different set of characters, including David Oyelowo’s Sheriff Holston and Rashida Jones’ Allison, whose skepticism about the silo’s history sets off a thrilling chain of events. The show surprises by revealing some of its biggest secrets early on, leaving the characters to grapple with the reality of their existence and yearning to learn more about the world beyond the silo.

The series starts off strong and never loses its grip, even as it shifts focus to the tenacious Juliette. It does become quite predictable after a while, but that doesn’t mean it loses momentum. The show’s post-apocalyptic plotline may cover familiar ground, with power-hungry leaders keeping secrets from the public and a curious few desperate for answers. However, the series brings a fresh spin to this trope with its captivating world-building and intriguing central mystery. The pace is expertly executed to keep viewers hooked, gradually revealing new nuggets of Hugh Howey’s fascinating mythology with each episode. The show keeps the viewer invested by constantly asking the same question: “What is beyond the silo? And is it worth discovering?” 

As the series progresses, Silo keeps us committed to Juliette’s quest for answers. The show raises deep questions about truth, beauty, and purpose, but always keeps the audience grounded with a gripping murder mystery that points to a larger conspiracy lurking within the silo. Despite some sporadic flashbacks that don’t quite add to the story, the pace of the show remains engrossing, as we follow Juliette’s journey through one unexplained death after another.

David Oyelowo and Rashida Jones steal the show with their captivating performances, even with limited screen time. But the supporting cast is nothing to scoff at, either. Rebecca Ferguson brings a poignant mix of strength and despair to her role, particularly in her interactions with Harriet Walter, Tim Robbins, and Sophie Thompson. With a complex plot that requires a lot of moving parts, while some don’t quite hit the mark, there are still plenty of standout performances that make Silo worth watching and keep the viewer engaged.

Although it’s not perfect, Silo captivates us with its ability to transport us into a world that is simultaneously foreign and hauntingly familiar. The show excels in the small details, constantly shifting our attention to new mysteries and keeping us engaged through its 10 episodes. Whether it’s the intense labor of repairing a generator or the emotional weight of a character simply wiping grime off a security camera, each moment feels essential to the grander narrative. It’s like a well-oiled machine where every gear plays a crucial role, and the result is a unique and enthralling viewing experience. 

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

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