If the weather doesn’t change and Halloween this year will be one wet mess, it’s watching horror films that may be the next best thing. Here are capsule reviews of four ideal shows to stream.
Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (Netflix) - This is obviously the low-hanging fruit that can’t be avoided. It’s an anthology, and what more does one need than knowing del Toro’s name is attached to the project, and he actually introduces the series. He’s put together director-friends, and past confederates, to direct the episodes - and I loved how one is his Pan’s Labyrinth cinematographer. Expect the creepy to be mixed with the sublime, as Del Toro has been a master of the genre. Beyond the stark and horrific imagery, there’s always something more serious being said.
The Peripheral (Amazon Prime) - Based on the 2015 ‘return to cyberpunk’ SciFi novel of William Gibson, it was said back then that this would be unfilmable. Well, Amazon still gave Scott Smith the green light to write, direct, and produce this adaptation. It’s about two alternate realities that impinge on each other in the person of the female protagonist portrayed by Chloe Grace Moretz. There’s still something elusive about the narrative, but it is fun, as it flits between 2033 and 2099. You just wish there was more coherence, as the story gets looper at the mid-point of the series.
Run Sweetheart Run (Amazon Prime) - The female director of this film, Shana Feste, herself stated that it’s a Get Out for Women. And that’s some ambitious statement as we’ve seen so many filmmakers ape the Jordan Peele film that nimbly mixed horror, suspense, and social commentary, and ultimately fall short. We’re introduced to a heroine who seems to be a magnet for all forms of gender discrimination, then we’re asked to watch as the film becomes a full out action-suspense film. It has its moments, but I don’t think Get Out has to start looking at its rear mirror. Originally screened in Sundance in 2020.
The Devil’s Hour (Amazon Prime) - You can approach this British limited series for its premise of how a woman keeps mysteriously waking up at 3:33 every morning, and stay tuned to discover how it’s all connected via a psychological drama. But if you’ll get a whiff of just how creepy Peter Capaldi is as a convicted felon who’s somehow put in a room with aforementioned woman, you’ll be happy you joined this ride. Serial killers, the supernatural, they’re all elements of this well-acted series that knows how to keep one on the edge of their seats.
Happy viewing, while keeping the pillow in front of your face!