Synopsis
Liu Xing a brilliant Chinese student, arrives at University and makes the transition into American life with the help of Joanna Silver. Xing joins a cosmology group working to create a model of the origins of the universe. He is obsessed with the study of dark matter and a theory that conflicts with the group's model. When he begins to make breakthroughs of his own, he encounters obstructions.
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Cast
- Liu YeLiu Xing
- Aidan QuinnJacob Reiser
- Meryl StreepJoanna Silver
- Chi PengMama
- Blair BrownHildy
- Jodi RussellClaire Reiser
- Erick AvariProfessor R.K. Gazda
- Taylor SchillingJackie
- Rob CampbellGary Small
Recommendations
- 75
TV Guide Magazine
Hypnotic, culturally pertinent drama. - 70
Chicago Reader
First-time director Chen Shi-Zheng shows great sensitivity to the pressure and isolation felt by Chinese brains at American universities, and the relationship between Liu and Quinn provides a rare look at the intellectual serfdom of graduate study. - 70
The New York Times
Dark Matter, with its view of cutthroat politics and competing egos inside a university, is also laudable in its refusal to soft-pedal the viciously petty side of the academic fishbowl. - 60
Film Threat
This is a great film, to a point. Unfortunately the ending doesn't deliver, making the entire feature an exercise is wasted potential. But maybe that's the point. - 58
Christian Science Monitor
Chen Shi-Zheng, well regarded as an opera and theater director, makes his feature film debut. - 50
Variety
Never fully succeeds in burrowing under its protagonist's skin, despite conspicuous effort. - 50
New York Post
An unsatisfying drama that premiered at Sundance '07 and was supposedly delayed because of the Virginia Tech shootings. - 50
Boston Globe
The final act of Dark Matter is grim but unconvincing, and the shortfall leaves an ugly, exploitive taste in your mouth.
