Silo season 2 premiere review: Rebecca Ferguson compels us in an episode alone

As a gamer with over two decades of immersion in the digital world, I must admit that the Silo season 2 premiere left me utterly spellbound. The solitary focus on Rebecca Ferguson’s portrayal of Juliette was initially a gamble, but it paid off handsomely. It showcased the power of storytelling through facial expressions and grunts – something even the most seasoned silent film actors would appreciate.

In a new, straightforward phrasing: The second season of “Silo” begins right after the unexpected and confusing ending of its first season. As Juliette steps out of Silo 18, we’re left wondering where she’ll establish her new residence – stay tuned to find out!

Caution: This post contains spoilers for the Silo season 2 premiere.

In the second season opener of “Silo,” the focus is solely on Juliette. Currently, it’s only Rebecca Ferguson appearing alone, which might seem risky. One could argue that an episode without any dialogues may not hold much appeal.

The episode frequently switches between scenes showing Juliette’s initial visit to Mechanical, but some viewers might argue that these flashbacks aren’t essential. Ferguson delivers a compelling performance without the need for dialogue. Her emotions and thoughts are clearly conveyed through her expressions and sounds of annoyance instead.

Despite finding the flashbacks slightly distracting, they indeed offer significant insights. They illustrate that Juliette shares a similar inventive spirit with Walker, as evidenced by her ability to repair and innovate. This aspect is crucial in understanding her resourcefulness throughout the episode. Moreover, these flashbacks help us comprehend the strong bond between Juliette and Walker, explaining why they are such great friends and why Walker would risk so much to protect Juliette. Consequently, while I appreciate their inclusion, I found myself more captivated by Juliette’s actions in the alternate silo.

Silo season 2 premiere review: Rebecca Ferguson compels us in an episode alone

Juliette finds a new silo to get into in the Silo season 2 premiere

The initial scenes provide a glimpse into the state of the silo that Juliette discovers, hinting at past unrest. Evidence of this uprising is everywhere outside, with skeletons scattered about, and it’s even more apparent inside. This helps us estimate the time elapsed since the rebellion occurred and, more significantly, suggests potential dangers for Juliette’s old home.

Juliette is constantly working to understand the situation within this confined space, especially checking if it’s safe for her entry, ensuring the air is breathable, locating water sources, and finding a means of navigation. It’s evident that a significant event occurred during the uprising; the staircase is destroyed, and there seems to be standing water at the silo’s base.

It’s evident that there’s widespread anxiety. Juliette is unsure of where she’s stepping or if she might trip instead. As the rope broke and she tumbled, I experienced a moment of panic. This was surprising, given that I had read the books. I understood she was plunging into water, but it didn’t diminish my concern for her safety.

It appears that certain plants are managing to grow despite the circumstances, suggesting that someone else might be present. The question arises, how else could that rope have been cut, if not from wear and tear against the wall? Juliette seems to be deep in thought, piecing together the puzzle. She understands she’s not alone, but there’s no sign of anyone coming to assist—isn’t it understandable given the evident events that transpired at some point?

I believe this episode does a fine job of laying the groundwork for upcoming episodes. It’s not very engaging to have Juliette isolated in this abandoned silo, isn’t it? As we watch Juliette learn to construct bridges and navigate her surroundings, these skills will prove crucial as the story progresses. We also get a glimpse of Juliette’s inventions, which will undoubtedly play a key role when she attempts to rescue her fellow inhabitants from Silo 18 in the future.

Silo season 2 premiere review: Rebecca Ferguson compels us in an episode alone

There is someone in the new silo

The ending brought us one of those WTF moments. So, there is someone else in this silo. Steve Zahn plays Solo, and if you know the books, you know Solo’s story. You know what to expect, and Zahn’s characterization is perfect.

Zahn has brought a child-like performance to his character already. Our only introduction are a few sentences about how Juliette needs to not try to open the door again because otherwise “I’ll kill you.” It’s said in such a matter-of-fact way that you want to take him seriously but not take him seriously at the same time.

I was thrilled to encounter Solo in Silo season 2, and seeing him introduced in this way brought a grin to my face. It sets up his storyline perfectly, giving us a glimpse into his character and past. Juliette’s expression when he says “Or I’ll kill you” is exactly as I would have imagined – she looks completely taken aback, like she can’t believe he just said that.

Episode 1 sets a powerful pace for Season 2, maintaining momentum even as it primarily follows a single character’s journey. The fresh silo environment offered many hints about past events, making it rich with information. Personally, I found the opening five minutes could have been trimmed, but they did play a crucial role in shedding light on potential scenarios for Silo 18 inhabitants.

Now bring on Episode 2!

Silo airs on Fridays on Apple TV+.

2024-11-15 17:28

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