Warning: this article contains spoilers for Silo season 2, episode 7.
Apple TV+'s gripping science fiction show Silo is mid-way through airing its second season, and season 2, episode 7, "The Dive", includes some thrilling diving sequences for Rebecca Ferguson's character Juliette. Silo season 2 has been met with positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, even though it feels very different from the first season. Still, its post-apocalyptic setting is gripping and the mysteries surrounding the truth of the Silo 18's rebellions and history has kept audiences waiting each episode for new evidence.
Silo season 2 has kept its focus on Juliette's activities in Silo 17 along with the ramifications of her exit and the ongoing power struggle between different groups in Silo 18. After deciding that she needs to return to her former home in Silo 18, Juliette is tasked with fixing the water pump in 17, leading to Silo season 2 episode 7's cliffhanger ending when she resurfaces. However, the intensity of the underwater scenes that Rebecca Ferguson had to film has left many wondering how exactly the show was able to pull the scenes off safely.
Rebecca Ferguson Filmed Juliette's Underwater Scenes At A Special Silo Set
The Set Was Specially Made For These Scenes
For Juliette's underwater scenes, the production was able to build a special tank set that would allow Rebecca Ferguson to dive safely. The director of photography, Baz Irvine, stated that the set was specially built for Silo and that it was the second-largest filming tank of its kind in the United Kingdom, making the scenes a very impressive feat from a setting standpoint as well as an acting one. Such impressive sets, like the flooded Silo 17 set, serve as a great reminder for audiences of how much time and effort goes into scenes that ultimately feel like natural scenarios for the characters.
Onscreen, the flooded Silo set looks seamless and very realistic, but, behind the scenes, there are a lot of very important technical aspects that allow for filming in the underwater set, such as waterproof camera equipment, the crew that dives with Rebecca Ferguson, waterproof communication devices, and more that keep Ferguson safe while filming. While the set took a lot of preparation to build and get ready for the scenes, Rebecca Ferguson also made preparations herself to be able to film underwater for extended periods.
How Long Rebecca Ferguson Spent Filming Underwater
The Underwater Shoots For Episode 7 Took Four Hours A Day
While filming in unusual circumstances, it is essential to be prepared and calm, especially considering that filming these scenes took Rebecca Ferguson four hours a day. Before even beginning the dive, Ferguson shared that she prepared herself mentally and physically by remaining calm and stretching as much as possible. Ferguson also stated the importance of being able to interact with the environment of the flooded silo set, meaning that she is able to embody the character within that setting while also maintaining her own safety through awareness of her surroundings.
Silo season 2 showrunner Graham Yost promises a "big surprise" for viewers as he teases a different ending than the one in the original book.
Luckily, the four hours were not straight through, as the production team would have Rebecca Ferguson stay underwater filming for 15 to 20 minutes and give her breaks throughout the day. Along with taking regular air breaks, Ferguson was also accompanied by a diving safety person. Having a professional with her during her dives allowed her to focus more on filming her scenes without having to worry too much about her safety while underwater.
Juliette's Lack Of Swimming Knowledge Adds A Layer Of Difficulty
Since Silo had already established that Juliette cannot swim, filming scenes in which Rebecca Ferguson had to act out Juliette's fear and inability to swim added an extra layer of difficulty. To show Juliette's inexperience at moving through the water, the team had Rebecca Ferguson move as though she was trying to walk and paddle, rather than truly swim, through the water. Silo does a great job of showing Juliette's apprehension about being underwater through Ferguson's imprecision but persistence, especially considering the stakes for her to locate and fix the pump for Solo.
Though the underwater scenes required a lot of work and long hours, the result seen in Silo's most recent episode was definitely worth it.
The Silo team even added weight belts to Ferguson so she could walk along the bottom of the flooded set. The weight belts helped Ferguson stay at the bottom without floating up, and they made walking through the set easier. While swimming normally certainly would have been faster, the intent was to slow Ferguson down with the belts to accurately portray her character's abilities, which, while convincing for audiences, would be difficult to film. Though the underwater scenes required a lot of work and long hours, the result seen in Silo's most recent episode was definitely worth it.
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In a dystopian future, men and women reside in a vast underground silo governed by strict regulations, believed to shield them from the hazardous world above. The series delves into the complex social order within the silo and the mysteries surrounding their subterranean existence.
Directors
Morten Tyldum
, David Semel
Showrunner
Graham Yost
Cast
Rebecca Ferguson
, Common
, Tim Robbins
, Harriet Walter
, Christian Ochoa Lavernia
, Avi Nash
, Billy Postlethwaite
, Chinaza Uche
, Iain Glen
, Remmie Milner
, David Oyelowo
, Rick Gomez
, Ferdinand Kingsley
, Shane McRae
, Chipo Chung
, Caitlin Zoz
, Matt Gomez Hidaka
, Angela Yeoh
, Olatunji Ayofe
, Khairika Sinani
, Will Patton
, Akie Kotabe
Custom Image By Yailin Chacon
English (US) ·