His Dark Materials
His Dark Materials

His Dark Materials

2023TV ShowEnded4 SeasonsEnglish

Lyra is an orphan who lives in a parallel universe in which science, theology and magic are entwined. Her search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and turns into a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. She is later joined on her journey by Will, a boy who possesses a knife that can cut windows between worlds. As she learns the truth about her parents and her prophesied destiny, the two young people are caught up in a war against celestial powers that ranges across many worlds.

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Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users83%
Director: None listed, series creators are Philip Pullman, Jack ThorneGenres: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama, Family

Plot Summary

Set in a parallel universe where human souls manifest as animal companions called dæmons, the series follows the young Lyra Belacqua as she embarks on a perilous journey to save her kidnapped friend. Her quest uncovers a vast conspiracy involving stolen children, a mysterious substance called Dust, and a war against a tyrannical Magisterium. Lyra's destiny becomes intertwined with that of Will Parry, a boy from another world, as they navigate parallel realities and confront powerful forces.

Critical Reception

His Dark Materials received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its visual spectacle, faithful adaptation of Pullman's complex novels, and strong performances, particularly from Dafne Keen. Some critics noted pacing issues and a deviation from the source material in later seasons, but overall, the series was lauded for its ambitious scope and mature handling of complex themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning and ambitious adaptation of beloved fantasy novels.
  • Strong lead performances anchor the complex narrative.
  • While largely faithful, some narrative choices divided opinions among fans and critics.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the faithful adaptation of the books, the compelling performances, and the rich world-building. Some viewers found the plot intricate and occasionally slow-paced, but most enjoyed the mature themes and adventurous storylines.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for BAFTA TV Awards, Royal Television Society Awards, and others. Won awards for its visual effects and production design.

Fun Fact

The distinctive animal companions, dæmons, are voiced by a variety of actors, including Helen Bonham Carter as Lyra's dæmon Pantalaimon in his various forms.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

6 reviews
moviemovement

moviemovement

His Dark Materials, the TV adaptation of Philip Pullman's book series, is a disappointing step down from the previous attempt to bring this story to life on the big screen. The Golden Compass, released in 2007, had its issues, but this new ...
tmdb71552640

tmdb71552640

Finished the last episode last night, and I'm giving the show a perfect 5-star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Yes, it was somewhat altered from the books that I love so much; but the changes made sense for a TV adaptation, and I don't feel that a...
Lou44

Lou44

Fantastic ! So close from the book ! Loved it
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

**_Season 2_** **Original Review (based on the season's first five episodes handed to press)** HBO is back with the show that was supposed to take over Game of Thrones' massive success. His Dark Materials' debut season was a good sta...
r96sk

r96sk

**SEASON ONE REVIEW:** S1 of 'His Dark Materials' is enjoyable viewing. First and foremost, the special effects for this show are incredible. The animals and dæmons look insane, especially by television standards. That is the thing that ...
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com This review will be from someone who doesn't remember a single thing about The Golden Compass (2007), and who didn't read the books. This se...