Silo is a murder mystery set in an Orwellian future.Silo is based on the book series of the same name by Hugh Howey and is set in an underground cylindrical building, hence the title “Silo”. The first season consists of ten episodes and a second season has now been ordered.
Sometime in the future, after a major disaster, part of humanity survives in a strictly sealed environment. Rebel elements are exiled, which almost certainly means their death. At first glance, the story of Silo shows many similarities with the Flemish-Dutch series Arcadia.
About ten thousand people live in the large bunker, which has a Soviet-style architecture. No one yet knows who built the silo or why. History was lost during an uprising more than a hundred years ago. They only know that it is dangerous 'outside'. After all, they can see it. Or not? Everyone is free to leave the silo, but can never return. And so far, everyone who has gone outside has died almost immediately.
In the first episode we are introduced to Sheriff Holston (David Oyelowo, The Girl Before), who ensures compliance with the laws laid down by the founders. We go back three years when Holston was happily married to IT professional Allison. Their problems start when a man shows her a hard drive from earlier times, which would prove that the government is lying to the residents. Coincidentally or not, he commits suicide shortly afterwards. Or not?
Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson, The White Queen), a low-level worker, asks the sheriff to investigate the suicide further, but her request seems to go unanswered. Three years later, her life changes drastically when she is unexpectedly appointed sheriff herself after Holston voluntarily leaves the silo. Determined to uncover the truth, she delves back into the murder investigation, leading to conflict with Mayor Bernard Holland (Tim Robbins, The Shawshank Redemption) and Robert Sims (rapper Common), the head of the Stasi-like security service.
As Juliette follows clues left behind by others, the intrigues become increasingly complicated. What is the importance of the hard drive? What caused the rebellion in the past? Are the images of the outside world real or just an illusion? Flashbacks further complement the past of those involved.
Silo shows life in a society as George Orwell envisioned in his book 1984. A government that constantly monitors everyone and determines life in every detail. Who can you love, who can you have a child with, what objects can you own... Information is manipulated, history is falsified or rewritten. Anyone who colors outside the lines will be visited by the police. Living in a sham democracy, which occasionally organizes bread and circuses to avert unrest.
Silo has a breathtaking visual style, made possible by Apple's generous budgets. Although the story starts slowly, the slow build-up is essential for the introduction to the bigger picture. From the third episode onwards the pace quickens and the tension increases. And just when you think the truth is coming to light, an ultimate unexpected plot twist has you eagerly awaiting the next season.
