A few episodes into The Peripheral, Prime Video’s adaptation of William Gibson’s novel, there are two likely possibilities. One is that you’re hooked; this intricate, labyrinthian sci-fi series has embedded itself in your consciousness, not unlike the VR world the principal characters inhabit. Two, you’ve got no idea what’s going on; if someone asked you what it was about you’d fumble an answer while striving for words you know will never come. This is hard sci-fi, at times a baffling conduit of ideas, and it’s hugely impressive!
Created by Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan – the team behind the equally challenging Westworld – the main narrative is set in 2032. Flynne (Chloë Grace Moretz) and her brother Burton (Jack Reynor) care for their sick mother in a rural community. Burton sells his skills as a VR gamer to those wanting to ‘level up’, and when a lucrative offer to test a new game comes in, he enlists the help of Flynne, the better player of the two. What initially begins as a spy-like adventure in 2099 London slowly begins to feel a little too real, and back in 2032 Flynne and her family are attacked by mysterious assassins.
The ‘peripheral’ itself is a physical avatar that users can log in to from a variety of locations, but as each reality overlaps and the lines between the real and virtual worlds grow increasingly blurred, your enjoyment will unlikely suffer if you can’t follow all the threads. This intriguing, tightly plotted show featuring an engaging cast and lavish visuals simply refuses to let go.
THE PERIPHERAL is airing weekly on Prime Video
