A lot goes on in Constellation, Apple TV+’s latest addition to its growing collection of sci-fi shows. It begins as a survival space thriller, then it evolves into a conspiracy mystery with hints of supernatural horror, all while being a family drama centered on the elusive mother-daughter bond. For all that hoopla, however, Constellation moves at a very languid place. It can also get very confusing very fast as it attempts to be all the abovementioned things and juggle multiple possibilities (relating to quantum physics, mind you) at the same time. To quote series creator Peter Harness’ other credited show, Doctor Who, it’s all very wibbly wobbly timey wimey. If you’re one to dive into a sci-fi story’s heady and complex world, however, then Constellation comes highly recommended.
Synopsis
When a fatal accident occurs on board the International Space Station, a lone astronaut makes the heroic journey back to Earth, only to discover key pieces of her life—including her young daughter—have changed.
Storyline
After surviving a death-defying mission in outer space, astronaut Jo Ericsson (Noomi Rapace) of the European Space Agency comes back to Earth but finds that some things and people, including her beloved daughter Alice (Davina and Rosie Coleman), are not quite the same.
TLDR
Gravity (2013) if it was rebooted today as an eight-part direct-to-video TV show.
What stands out
The budget! Constellation is a visual spectacle, closer to looking like a deep-pocketed franchise film than a passably produced network show.