The first three episodes of Constellation are available to stream now on Apple TV+. New episodes stream weekly through March 27.
Synopsis
Constellation stars Rapace as Jo – an astronaut who returns to Earth after a disaster in space — only to discover that key pieces of her life seem to be missing. The action-packed space adventure is an exploration of the dark edges of human psychology, and one woman’s desperate quest to expose the truth about the hidden history of space travel and recover all that she has lost.
Review
Today Apple TV+ drops the first three episodes of new thriller series Constellation. Yet another cinematic, high budget and high concept series which the streamer allows to unfold at its own pace without the need for instant gratification. With a capable cast, gripping story, Constellation has a lot to offer those in the audience willing to relinquish themselves to it’s incredible slow burning nature.
The series is headlined by Noomi Rapace (Prometheus) as Jo, an astronaut who arrives back on Earth from the ISS only to discover that things aren’t quite how she remembers them. But between a terrifying experience which leads to her return and the PTSD which it causes viewers are left to wonder what is real and what is fiction. But when her story intersects with that of fellow astronaut Henry (Jonathan Banks, Breaking Bad) the series really grabs with both hands before diving headfirst in to an incredible second half of the season.
I’ve discussed this in previous reviews of Apple TV series, but it’s incredible the budgets afforded to these productions. Following a teaser set in the snow woods, Constellation opens with Jo and the rest of her team on the International Space Station. The set itself feels authentic to what us Earth-bound folk would imagine it to look like. Everyone floats effortlessly in zero-gravity and the inky blackness of space envelops the horizon outside. It’s only when fellow scientist Paul (William Catlett) undertakes a mysterious experiment that we get our first inkling that there is more going on. Firstly, the visual effects are impressive. This is by no means a low-budget series. But also the level of science fiction behind what’s going on instantly draws comparisons to Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar.
As things start to fall apart on the station Jo is forced outside for an ominous space-walk. Her encounter with what appears to be the decayed remains of a Russian cosmonaut brings our next huge twist. Further alluding to the fact there’s plenty going on which will remain unexplained for the time being. Writer Peter Harness (McMafia) revels in setting up more than he cares to answer. Particularly in the first half of the season. Constellation‘s three-episode premiere will do little to bring answers to an inquisitive audience. Instead there are plenty of clues, some of them misleading which spin the mind off in multiple directions.
There are occasions when the lack of answers can become frustrating. If only because the longer the series runs, the easier it becomes to wonder if there are answers to be found at all. Of course there are. But Harness wants us to work for them and none of it comes easily. There are multiple time periods to contend with: Jo’s time in space, her journey back to Earth and the five weeks leading up to her running through the woods. There’s also time beyond that as the series wraps up. Each is put forward at concise moments, revealing clues in a set order which lead up to the moment when we, as an audience, as required to make a final decision as to what we think has really transpired.
All of this mystery is supported by a robust cast of characters. There’s Magnus (James D’Arcy), Jo’s husband who starts the season worried for his wife’s safety only to get her back and become alarmingly distant. Their daughter Alice (played by twins Rosie and Davina Coleman) who is seemingly aware that things are wrong in what is perhaps the series’ most outstanding performance and it’s deepest mystery. Further on the fringes of Constellation’s galaxy are Irene Lysenko (Barbara Sukowa) a former Russian cosmonaut (!) who now heads the space agency behind Jo’s mission and love interest to Henry. Irene’s existence challenges our interpretation of invents in unique ways and Sukowa’s performance adds a level of great versatility to the series.
All of the cast are tasked with balancing two very different approaches. One where Jo is simply suffering from the effects of her trip to space. The other where potentially multiple universes exist with different histories and different outcomes. Ultimately the push and pull between the two becomes the burning question we all want answered. Whether the answer to that question is satisfying will be a genuinely unique experience to each audience member.
The series plays with elements of horror. Jo has flashes of things which cannot be like dead colleagues alive and well. Small details change, like how does Alice no longer speak Swedish? What is the family car no longer the same colour? There’s moments of gory imagery but never without context. It’s all part of constructing the mystery.
For those who stick with the dense narrative the pay off is broadly satisfying. It answers certainly questions, at least in regard to Jo and other characters decisions. But it simultaneously asks more of its audience which could setup a second season. There’s enough ambiguity that I left Constellation wanting more. But also find myself questioning if more story is necessary or simply fascination as to where Harness could take the story next. The final shot of episode 8 is certainly tantalising though…
Verdict
A scintillating, slow burning story, Constellation will frustrate those looking for quick answers. But for those willing to subject to its rollercoaster ride of psychology, sci-fi and existentialism there is so much to enjoy that it simply should not be missed.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
