Monsterland

Firstly, I have only seen the first episode so far. I am always on the lookout for shows that are on the sinister side. I expected this show to be about typical monsters, and I really do not enjoy that kind of entertainment. I do enjoy a deep, meaningful psychological thriller which this seems to be. I recommend it, but not if you are looking for typical halloween horror.

A ton of these reviews lament the script writing, however, few actually seem to realize it is adaptation of a short story anthology, North American Lake Monsters y by Nathan Ballingrud. I have not read the anthology which seems to be much more favorably reviewed. The show was good just poorly marketed. The previews and and retitling definitely do not fit the show. It also seems the source material may have alluded to more actual monsters where the stories selected here were mostly metaphorical.

Really good concept... but annoying how you can go from an episode that keeps you thoroughly engaged from start to finish, then the next will bore you to tears.

"Hulu's", "Monsterland" series is one strange, different, and interesting far out anthology which includes tales and stories set in different locations, yet it involves ordinary folks and their grim daily problems of life. Some episodes were strange and hit and miss other episodes were well written with twist and good as they took a spin for truth and revenge. The stories also blend into the characters lives as they crossed paths with evil killers, supernatural forces, ghosts, haunted demons, cursed legends, religion, angels, and gothic fable cursed characters like evil witches and wolves. Overall the series may not be everyone's cup of tea still it's a watch if you like suspense, drama, and twist and how it relates to ordinary people in real life as it shows the connection to the paranormal and strange!

I will add more to this review but if the caliber of the rest of the episodes is the same as the first.. well horror fans of all shapes and sizes.. we might be in for a big treat. Many 'horror' fans, by that i mean gore mongers. Will perhaps not appreciate the first episode considering its a psychological horror... I for one got a pure feeling of unease watching the first ep, this often comes from great story writing, editing and direction can do this with dialogue coming secondary.

Episode 2, Also another psychological horror. That ambiguous ending will have you questioning everything that came before it in a different light. Everything seemed more innocent until.... well you'll have to see. Really what carried this episode is the acting of the lead. I've seen him in other things and he plays certain characters very well.

Edit, Just done with episode 5... My score has thus far not merited being downgraded from a 9 especially after this episode... Many people in the world are affected or have a loved one affected with mental illness. This one hit very deep for me as I struggle with mental illness and will for many other people like myself who have felt that level of despair where you thought there was only one solution... fortunately i keep myself in line in that regard more for the sake of others than myself. Others are not so fortunate to have that level of control....