Hulu’s Devs Reimagines The Matrix For The 2020s

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Hulu’s nine-episode sci-fi thriller, Devs, feels like a fresh take on The Matrix. Though it’s not officially connected to the Matrix films, it explores similar ideas and tells a story that strongly recalls the classic movie series. Created by Alex Garland, Devs remains somewhat under the radar despite its quality.

Though not as widely recognized, Devs is often praised as a groundbreaking and bold science fiction show. It accomplishes more in just nine episodes than many series manage over several seasons. Initially, the show appears to be a suspenseful murder mystery, following a computer engineer named Lily as she tries to find out what happened to her missing boyfriend. Her investigation quickly leads her to the head of a powerful tech company.

While Devs appears to be a murder mystery on the surface, it delves into much deeper ideas—like what is real and how much control we actually have over our lives, especially if the future is already set. Similar to the characters in The Matrix who discover their world isn’t what it seems, the characters in Devs begin to doubt their own free will when they realize everything might be predictable.

Both The Matrix and Devs explore the ideas of free will versus fate. The Matrix does this through the classic story of a ‘chosen one,’ while Devs takes a different approach, suggesting that even acts of rebellion are predetermined.

Ultimately, Devs feels less groundbreaking and more bleak than The Matrix, as it doesn’t inspire viewers to champion free will. However, it’s precisely the show’s dark and realistic depiction of humanity’s powerlessness in the face of fate that makes it so captivating.

The Matrix 5 Should Take Inspiration From Devs After 2021’s Disappointing Sequel

The Matrix Resurrections didn’t quite resonate with audiences, largely because it appeared to poke fun at and dismantle aspects of the original movies. The film was filled with self-aware commentary, to the point where it often felt like it was criticizing itself.

Visually, the film didn’t feel as exciting or original as previous installments, appearing more like an unnecessary continuation of the Matrix story. However, by taking cues from shows like Devs and focusing on a smaller, more personal story about the frightening realities of simulations and the complexities of fate, a potential sequel could recapture audience interest.

Because The Matrix films, particularly the original, have become so culturally ingrained, even people who haven’t seen them know the innovative concepts they presented. For the franchise to succeed now, it can’t just repeat what worked before. It needs to offer fresh ideas and avoid being repetitive.

The Matrix could revitalize itself by embracing the thought-provoking, even pessimistic, approach of shows like Devs and expanding on its existing philosophical ideas. While keeping the exciting action sequences that fans expect, a new iteration should prioritize being a smart, sci-fi film that explores current issues like data privacy and the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

Let’s hope the next Matrix movie, which isn’t clearly defined yet, takes inspiration from shows like Devs and avoids repeating the mistakes of earlier installments.

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2026-04-19 06:29