A story of isolation. Adaptation of an eponymous trilogy by American novelist Hugh Howey, Silo, the first two episodes of which have been available since May 5 on Apple TV+, takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where some 10,000 survivors of humanity have found refuge in a huge bunker with a cylindrical and helicoidal structure. Why this dystopia in 10 episodes, created by Graham Yost (screenwriter of Speed and creator of justified) and carried in particular by Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible Rogue Nationn) and Tim Robbins (Mystic River)worth exploring?
A universe built meticulously, layer by layer
In the silo, the story is taboo. But no one knows when or why Earthlings were confined to this gigantic, self-contained, 144-level underground silo as they waited for the planet to recover from this event that rendered the Earth’s surface toxic and uninhabitable.
For a hundred and forty years and a rebellion with forgotten reasons, any relic or souvenir from the surface is also prohibited. A surveillance camera continuously films the landscape of a ravaged planet. Its images are shown on the refectory screen on each of the silo’s 144 floors. “It’s like when I watch the news from home through the TV or computer screen, you always see only the worst. This world gives the impression of being dangerous. Why would anyone want to leave their sweet home? “Hugh Howey had explained to 20 minutes upon the release of his trilogy. Some inhabitants of the silo nevertheless decide to go to the surface, but do not return.
This historic amnesia serves the interests of a governing elite that has established an authoritarian justice system and a highly stratified society. This elite also exercises strict population control, essential for the survival of a sealed world. You need permission to try for a baby.
An investigation around a rather complex mystery
To the discovery of this dystopian world, is added an intriguing police investigation which follows certain inhabitants of the silo in search of truth. The first episode follows Sheriff Becker (David Oyelowo), the man charged – along with Mayor Ruth (Geraldine James) – with keeping the silo safe and stable, as he announces his desire to come out, three years later. his wife (Rashida Jones). In a flashback, the viewer discovers the latter who discovers, just from getting permission to try for a baby, a relic – technology from when humans lived on the surface – that suggests that we lie to the inhabitants of the silo…
After this introductory episode, the rest of the series is centered on Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson), mechanic in charge of the generator which supplies electricity to the bunker, in search of answers, after the assassination of a loved one…. And, by domino effect, the great mystery of the place. “His comfort zone is repairing machines, holding tools…. We discover her at a time when she leaves her comfort zone and has to get closer to people, and everything breaks, ”says Rebecca Ferguson, whom 20 minutes met in video.
A multitude of metaphysical and political readings
Silo can be read as many things. “The series covers so many different subjects! Geopolitics, the environment, control of the Big Brother system. I don’t think the show can impact the political landscape of today’s society. But it undoubtedly tells how we see it and how we feel it, ”analyzes Rebecca Ferguson. The series criticizes the class system, questions the role of History and its rewriting, and poses the existential question: is it better to die knowing the truth or live in ignorance? In short, a series that fully embraces the themes of the SF genre.