Apple’s repertoire of elegant and classy science fiction series gains another gem with Constellation, a space thriller that seamlessly blends horror and psychological intrigue. While it possesses moments of sheer brilliance, it also occasionally falters, leaving viewers grappling with its uneven pacing.
Led by the remarkable Noomi Rapace as Jo Ericsson, a Swedish astronaut grappling with post-space trauma, Constellation plunges viewers into a chilling narrative set against the backdrop of an unforgiving winter. Jo’s return to Earth with her daughter Alice sets the stage for a disconcerting tale of unresolved dread, fueled by cryptic recordings hinting at the horrors she encountered in space.
The series skillfully maintains a sense of disorientation, mirroring Jo’s own confusion, as it shifts between timelines and characters. From the claustrophobic confines of the International Space Station to the eerie solitude of a snow-covered cabin, Constellation keeps audiences on edge with well-executed jump scares reminiscent of Gravity’s tension-filled moments.
Yet, despite its gripping premise, Constellation struggles to sustain its momentum. While exploring themes of scientific ethics and the consequences of human ambition, particularly in the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries, the series occasionally loses its footing, oscillating between grandiosity and subtlety.
Echoing the unsettling ambiguity of psychological horror, Constellation introduces subtle disturbances in Jo’s reality, adding layers of complexity to an already gripping narrative. However, these moments of brilliance are interspersed with prolonged lulls, where the series grapples with its own identity and thematic coherence.
In its exploration of bureaucratic intrigue and the dark secrets lurking within the corridors of power, Constellation draws parallels to literary works like Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield. Yet, unlike the leisurely pace of literary fiction, television demands a more dynamic approach, requiring Constellation to strike a delicate balance between introspection and narrative momentum.
While Constellation improves as it unravels its mysteries, fully embracing its mission requires a leap of faith from viewers. With its slick production and riveting performances, Constellation emerges as a worthy addition to Apple’s growing lineup of sophisticated science fiction, albeit one that occasionally veers off course.