Rebecca Ferguson is no stranger to playing intense characters, but her role as Juliette in Apple TV+'s 'Silo' might just take the cake. Season 2 dives deep with suspenseful storytelling, with Ferguson's character finding herself submerged—both literally and metaphorically—in crisis. With the seventh episode titled "The Dive" now streaming, fans are left to ponder Juliette's fate as she grapples with perilous choices and erratic allies.
The official poster for Season 2 features Ferguson as Juliette, almost entirely submerged underwater—a potent metaphor for the tension simmering within the show. Juliette, highly resourceful and resilient, is determined to navigate the chaos surrounding her, particularly after her expulsion from her own silo—a pivotal plot point from Season 1. This season, she finds herself caught between loyalties and the realities of survival.
After escaping to another silo ravaged by rebellion, Juliette faces grim circumstances. Her only companion there, Solo (portrayed by Steve Zahn), is erratic and creates additional challenges for her quest to return home. When he deliberately hides her oxygen suit, leaving her with no means to traverse the toxic world outside, Juliette’s desperation grows. She must help Solo restore the pump submerged under rising water before she can escape—an impossible task with stakes higher than ever.
Ferguson shared her experience of filming the underwater scenes, noting the unique challenges brought on by the production choices. Special water tanks were built on set, simulating the deep dives necessary for the plot. “The crew used inventive camera movements and cuts to make it seem as if Juliette is descending,” Ferguson explained. Despite the creative methods, the filming was physically demanding, requiring her to master the use of unconventional equipment. She mused, "It’s like you bite onto something, and when you bite it shoots air... Sometimes, it messed with my head.”
The episode builds tension as Solo, desperate and frightened, explains the dangers of swimming—a concept foreign to the inhabitants of the silos. His warnings echo the real-life perils of scuba divers, hinting at the risks of the bends, especially when one ascends too quickly. Ferguson found this exchange, laden with underlying tension, to be one of her favorite moments, as it reveals the fragility of trust between Solo and Juliette.
Throughout their strained relationship, Ferguson noted how pivotal the moments of vulnerability are. “Steve [Zahn] brought such depth to Solo. He makes this show so much richer,” she stated, emphasizing the nuances of their dynamic. Their characters, both introverted yet driven, find themselves forging bonds under extraordinary pressure—a theme central to the episode's conflict.
Ordinarily, Juliette and Solo would likely avoid interaction altogether, yet their shared struggle for survival compels them together. Ferguson articulated this complexity, mentioning how their interaction pushes the dynamic to explore themes of trust and necessity. “It is like this domino effect,” she explained, implying how their individual needs impact the other’s choices.
The trust between the two is tested when Juliette, submerged and laboring to restart the pump, finds herself severed from her tethers just as she prepares to escape. It’s a dangerous moment—one filled with dramatic tension, leaving viewers wondering whether Solo was the active saboteur or if external threats lurked. Juliette survives this near-drowning, but the episode's end leaves the audience questioning what truly lies beneath the surface of their partnership.
Ferguson is tight-lipped about future developments, stating only, "The final three episodes will test their relationship like never before.” Anticipation builds as viewers are left to wonder how the unique relationship forged under crisis might face new challenges. Echoing her earlier sentiments, Ferguson admits, "If we met in a bar, we would probably never even exchange a hello. That makes it more interesting.”
Complementing the interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, many critics note Ferguson's versatility and depth as an actress, evidenced by her performances across multiple genres. Whether it's her role as Lady Jessica in 'Dune' or the enigmatic Mae in 'Reminiscence,' Ferguson continues to showcase her capacity to navigate complex characters, making her portrayal of Juliette even more compelling.
Her talent has not only garnered her individual acclaim but has also played a significant role in eleving 'Silo' as it continues to engage audiences with its gripping storytelling and multi-dimensional characters. With the show renewed for two more seasons, fans can look forward to more captivating moments from Ferguson and her cast.
Rebecca Ferguson’s portrayal of Juliette is one of deep emotional engagement and sheer survival instinct, placing her at the heart of 'Silo's' intense narrative. Each twist reveals the characters' resilience, forging connections amid turmoil, leaving viewers eager for more as the season progresses.
