Alex Garland has always been a filmmaker who provokes as much as he entertains. From the existential dread of Ex Machina to the psychedelic horror of Annihilation, his work challenges viewers to think deeply about technology and humanity. But it's his Hulu series Devs that truly cements his status as a master of hard sci-fi. This eight-part modern masterpiece is a dense, emotionally resonant thriller that asks big questions about fate, free will, and the nature of reality.
Set in a present-day Silicon Valley that feels eerily familiar, Devs follows Lily Chan (Sonoya Mizuno), a young software engineer at the quantum computing company Amaya. When her boyfriend Sergei (Karl Glusman) dies under suspicious circumstances on his first day at work, Lily suspects foul play. Her investigation leads her to the secretive 'Devs' team, led by the enigmatic CEO Forest (Nick Offerman), who is building a machine that can predict the future—and maybe even alter the past. What starts as a corporate conspiracy thriller quickly spirals into a philosophical exploration of determinism, grief, and the limits of human knowledge.
Why 'Devs' Stands Out in the Sci-Fi Landscape
Garland's background in hard sci-fi is on full display here. Unlike softer sci-fi that uses technology as a backdrop for adventure, Devs grounds its speculative elements in real quantum mechanics and computing theory. The show doesn't just wave away its concepts with technobabble; it takes the time to explain the science behind the multiverse and simulation theory, making the fantastical feel plausible. This commitment to realism is what elevates Devs above many other sci-fi series, placing it alongside other hard sci-fi masterpieces like Prime Video's 'The Expanse' in its dedication to scientific accuracy.
But Devs is more than just a science lesson. It's a deeply human story about loss and the lengths people will go to avoid facing it. Forest, brilliantly played by Offerman, is a grieving father who believes his quantum computer can bring back his dead daughter. His obsession is both terrifying and heartbreaking, and Offerman delivers a career-best performance that proves he's far more than just Ron Swanson. Mizuno, meanwhile, is a revelation as Lily, bringing a raw emotional intensity to a role that could have been a simple noir archetype. Her journey from grief to determination is the emotional core of the series, and her chemistry with Offerman makes their philosophical debates feel personal and urgent.
A Visually Stunning and Thought-Provoking Experience
Visually, Devs is a feast. Garland and cinematographer Rob Hardy create a cold, sterile world of glass and steel that mirrors the emotional isolation of its characters. The show's use of color and symmetry is striking, and the sequences inside the Devs chamber—a floating glass cube where the quantum computer resides—are some of the most visually compelling ever seen on television. Yet, for all its technical brilliance, the show never loses sight of its characters. The most powerful moments are often simple conversations between Lily and Forest, where they argue about fate, morality, and the nature of consciousness.
The series also serves as a sharp critique of Silicon Valley culture. In 2020, it felt like a prescient warning about the unchecked power of tech billionaires. Now, in the age of AI and quantum computing, it feels even more urgent. Devs explores the very real threat of a few ambitious individuals making decisions that could alter the course of human history, without any oversight or accountability. It's a cautionary tale that resonates more with each passing year.
Why 'Devs' Demands a Rewatch
Like all great sci-fi, Devs rewards multiple viewings. Its intricate plot, layered with symbolism and philosophical questions, reveals new depths on a second watch. The show's exploration of the multiverse and determinism is both mind-bending and emotionally satisfying, and its ambiguous ending will leave you debating its meaning long after the credits roll. For fans of hard sci-fi who crave intelligence and emotional weight, Devs is essential viewing. It's a rare series that manages to be both intellectually rigorous and deeply moving—a true modern masterpiece that deserves a place alongside the best of the genre, including soft sci-fi classics like 'Arrival' and 'Star Wars'.
If you haven't seen Devs yet, now is the time to dive in. Stream it on Hulu and prepare to have your mind—and your heart—challenged.
