All eight episodes of Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities have been released on Netflix and various directors, including Catherine Hardwicke, actors such as Rupert Grint and Andrew Lincoln, and many writers and creators come together to bring the horror anthology to life. Here is why binging this show is the perfect way to spend your Halloween!
The Stories Are Diverse
Since each episode has a different director and ensemble of actors, each standalone episode has its unique draw, style, and overall vibe. The series will amaze viewers with what a horror story can entail, and how terrifying a television show could be made. Each episode is distinctive and interesting, yet they are all perfectly spooky and entertaining.
The Directing Is Immaculate
Catherine Hardwick, the director of the first Twilight film, directs episode six. Hardwick’s direction of Twilight helped catapult the film to the cult classic level, and she does not disappoint in her adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Dreams in the Witch House.” Director of the 2019 horror film The Vigil, Keith Thomas, directs episode five, adapted from H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “Pickman’s Model.” Centering around an aspiring young artist haunted by the paintings of a colleague, the episode is eerie, captivating, and almost watches like a horror film on its own. Each director brings their own style making for an assortment of unique episodes.
They Are Also Spine Chilling
As it was created by Guillermo del Toro, it’s no surprise that the series is absolutely nightmare invoking. Based off of stories by H.P. Lovecraft, Each story utilizes different horror elements, and the scares remain fresh and unpredictable throughout the series. Scary creatures, rats, ghosts, and other chilling components keep you on the edge of your seat and anxiously anticipating what terrors the next episode will entail. Different tactics are used throughout the series to ensure that viewers feel their hearts racing, whether you’re afraid of rodents and bugs, the paranormal, or the most frightening thing of all, humans.
The Acting Is Outstanding
Rupert Grint who is most well known for playing Ron in Harry Potter stars in episode six and gives an incredible performance as a young man who, after losing his sister at a young age, ventures into dark magic, desperate to bring her back. The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln also stars in the final episode as a father dealing with the loss of his child. Well-known actress and comedian Kate Micucci gives an outstanding performance as a woman willing to go to extremes to fit in. Along with some lesser-known but equally talented actors in the anthology, not a single performance leaves wanting more. Each character brings different subtle nuances that make their performance spectacular.
The Series Touches on Real Issues
The anthology also goes much deeper than scares and horror. The first episode, “Lot 36,” is based on an original story from del Toro and centers around a miserable, racist nationalist. The condemnation of prejudice is seamlessly woven into the storyline. In episode four, “The Outside,” based on a short story by Emily Carroll, a young woman struggles to fit in, and we see the horror she is willing to go through in order to relate and feel confident. Episodes also touch on loss, death, and other hardships that viewers can take something away from.
Ultimately the anthology is the perfect spooky watch for Halloween, or anytime after. It is an excellent collaboration of great artists that have come together to create one of the greatest horror shows yet.
