The Peripheral (2022) is a sci-fi thriller series based on the novel by William Gibson, directed by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy. The story is set in two timelines: one in the near future and another in a more distant, dystopian future.

The series follows Flynne Fisher (played by Chloë Grace Moretz), a young woman living in a small town in rural America. She works at a 3D-printing shop and plays virtual reality (VR) games to make extra money for her family. One day, she is asked to test a new, highly realistic VR game, only to discover that it’s not a game at all. Instead, she has been sent to a parallel reality of the future, where she becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy involving powerful tech companies, mysterious forces, and violent conflicts.

Flynne’s actions in the future begin to have serious consequences in both the present and the distant future, as she uncovers a plot to alter reality and shift the balance of power. As she navigates the complexities of this futuristic world, Flynne must find a way to survive and protect her loved ones, while grappling with the ethical dilemmas of interacting with the timeline and the powerful people controlling it.

The Peripheral combines elements of cyberpunk, thriller, and mystery, exploring themes of technology, control, and the consequences of tampering with time. The series blends high-stakes action with philosophical questions about humanity’s future and the influence of tech on society.