Lovecraft Country: A review of HBO's upcoming series.
Atticus “Tic” Freeman - a comic geek at heart
Screenshots from “Lovecraft Country, 2020) - Credit HBO
If you’re a fan of horror and supernatural drama, there’s a new 10-part series on the block! In a series where the black person doesn’t die first, HBO's latest adaption of Matt Huff’s 2016 novel of the same name (which explores the conjunction between H.P Lovecraft’s horror fiction and racism in America) is a breath of fresh air with its predominantly black cast. As a notorious racist, the themes of H.P Lovecraft are intertwined with the racism that is presented in 1950’s racially-segregated Jim Crow–era America and brings to the forefront the same racism we see today.
Executively produced by Jordan Peele, Misha Green, and J.J. Abrams, to name a few, the new series premieres in the US this Sunday, (16th August), and is available on Sky Atlantic on Monday (17th August) for its UK viewers. After being granted access to the first 5 episodes made available by HBO, here are my (non-spoiler) thoughts on the new series so far.
“This is a story about a boy and his dream, but more than that, it is the story of an American boy, in a story that is truly American”
The series follows Korean war veteran Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors), who is also referred to as “Tic” - a comic geek at heart with a desire for adventure. In the opening scenes, Tic is reading Edgar Rice Burroughs’s John Carter of Mars; a sci-fi classic about an American civil war veteran who is transported to Mars, and it is clear that the story resonates with him in a special way..
After a sudden breakdown of the bus he is travelling on from Kentucky to Chicago, Tic defends his love for the book on the walk home. When questioned by a fellow black passenger on his support for the book despite its slavery-defending hero, Tic states, “I love pulp stories…I love that the heroes get to go on adventures in other worlds, defy insurmountable odds, defeat monsters, save the day. Little negro boys from the South Side of Chicago don’t get to do that.”
Similar to how Huff appreciates the fictional themes of H.P Lovecraft whilst challenging his view on racism, Tic can appreciate the value in its story, despite the context; “Stories are like people. Loving them doesn’t make them perfect. You just try to cherish them, overlook their flaws.”
Little did Tic know this was a foreboding of future events…
Racism at the forefront - life in 1950’s America
Once in Chicago, Tic teams up with his uncle George (Courtney B Vance) and a childhood friend Latitia (Jurnee Smollett), as they embark on an intense road-trip to find Tic’s father and learn about his late mother’s secret legacy - whilst battling obstacles along the way. Just like the protagonist in his book, Tic and his companions must defy odds, defeat monsters and go on adventures whilst existing as a “colored” in racist America.
The series contains layers and uniquely explores other themes throughout. It’s worthwhile to note that each episode has a different focus and theme, however, the stories remain intertwined. I say this because, during the first few episodes, I wasn't sure how everything related. The series explores the themes of black magic, racial tensions, haunted houses, and quests to name a few, and has a mixture of demonic forces, scary monsters, mythical creatures, and generational curses. Each episode is around an hour-long, and I found the series to be a bit of a slow burn for me at the start. As I started to pay more attention and get into it, the episodes didn’t seem so long - this is a good candidate for a binge-watch series.
Since the characters are well-developed and likable, it enables you to stick with it through the groggy bits… and there’s always a bit of action and thriller to keep you going. In each episode, racism remains the foundation of the overall storyline, and no matter what mythical creature or monster is overcome, it reminds audiences that as long as you’re black, you’re always under attack.
Firm warnings not to be taken lightly. This is a sundown town.
screenshots from Ep 1 “Lovecraft Country” - Credit HBO
During the first episode, the themes of racial division and monsters are explored - and I’m not just talking the slug-like animals that bury themselves into the ground at the sight of light… Here we see the dark side of prejudice and the purge-like glee of white authority. As the group travel through towns, they are constantly required to watch their backs as everyone they encounter has a dark agenda. Despite reassuring themselves that they are citizens and “have every right to be [there],” their black existence comes with a consequence. It is imperative that they remain sharp in their decisions and clued up on their history, to survive.
when the lights go out the monsters rise…
In true horror style, when the lights go out the monsters rise, though bizarrely, the monsters offer slight relief from the constant pursuit of the white citizens... until they realise they’re equally at risk. For a second the racism overshadows the monsters to the point that you forget there are other things to fear other than cops and white neighbours.
At one point the group enter a sundown town and they’re reminded by the sheriff that if they are not gone by sunset (which is in 7 minutes), they’d be in trouble (the fact that he’s keeping notes on sunset times is enough evidence to further suggest their deep-rooted racism).
Later, the group is led into a forest where they are subjected to racial profiling and emotional abuse. It is here that they run into bigger issues as things get intense. Interestingly, although the monsters have no prejudice of their victims, the group finds refuge in knowing that there’s one less “monster” to face as the white sheriffs also fight for their lives.
In episode two things start to become dark and confusing. Upon reflection, this episode is cleverly written as the confusions experienced by the viewer’s mirrors that of the protagonists as dark magic and sorcery merge reality and fantasy. This manipulation of the mind adds yet another layer of control and restriction imposed by white people and increases the fight against the many forces they already face. There is a lot of biblical references, rituals, and themes of sacrifice which is a rhetoric we see in later episodes. Just like the first episode, the protagonists must stay stable in their decisions to survive.
From episodes three to five, things get more interesting as audiences become well acquainted with the characters and their backstory. Things start to make more sense as we begin to understand the layers behind each decision and motive. These episodes are packed with your typical horror themes, from a haunted house, a treasure hunt type quest, secret dungeons, dark spirits, ouija boards, rebirths, and more, with racism serving as the cherry on top. Sub-themes include racial appropriation, façades, identity, and religion which are embodied in the storyline.
Episode three: Holy ghost
“Lovecraft Country” - Credit HBO
Each episode has turns and twists in all different directions and new secrets are revealed throughout which aren’t predictable (don’t you just hate predictable thrillers?). Woven amongst the chaos and sorcery is a trickle of romance that isn’t overwhelming. Each character shows resilience and determination as they overcome fears, obstacles, and taboos which is refreshing to see. Unlike other series, I don’t think any character adds significant baggage to the group as they hold the group up in their own way- well at least so far!
Despite the title, episode four is more of a fun adventure compared to the rest with it’s lighter treasure hunt quest, whilst episode five is where all the juicy secrets are revealed and where individual characters can value their true selves and drop their façades - quite literally. This episode is focused heavily on identity, in which race plays a significant role in how individuals are viewed in society. It allows the individuals to explore their fantasies in secret whilst they protect their main identity.
As characters get a taste of what it’s like to live an alternative lifestyle, they are able to make a decision that will shape who they are. This episode puts us in the shoes of the “other” and highlights the desire of wanting something you don’t have. As both Ruby Baptiste, (Wunmi Mosaku) Leti’s half-sister, and Montrose Freeman (Michael Kenneth Williams), Atticus' secretive father soon discover, It doesn’t always mean the grass is greener, however, a leap of faith may work out for the better! In this episode, trust, solidarity, and bravery are explored as individuals stand strong in their identity.
Lastly, let’s talk about the villains! Manipulating, charming, conniving, fierce, ruthless, and totally unethical - these are the traits you expect to see in a good horror drama! One in particular - Christiana Braithwhite, (Abbey Lee), the only daughter of the main leader of the secret order “sons of Adam” and carries out the labour for her father's vision. Wooed by her charm and slyness, she knows the weaknesses of each character and uses it to her advantage. You’ll find her shape-shifting, casting spells, and always in the crux of chaos - this villain is one to watch for future episodes and I know she won’t disappoint!
The Karen of Lovecraft Country- Christiana Braithwhite played by Abbey Lee.
Lovecraft Country 2020 - Credit - HBO
Without saying too much, a lot is going on in this series but somehow they’ve made it work! By the end of episode five, I was really and truly engaged. After the initial lag of getting into the story and a few dry spots, I was pretty impressed with what was offered and the acting from the main cast was fantastic too! Saying that, as someone who doesn’t usually stomach horrors, to my surprise, I found this series to be moderately scary. It wasn’t too gory that I had to pause the screen but it explored demonic spirits and spiritual warfare which is enough BS for me! As you may be able to tell, I don’t play about with those things!
Of course, I have some (small small) criticisms for the series so I’ll get it out here: WHY CAN’T AMERICANS GET AFRICAN ACCENTS RIGHT? Ok, it wasn’t t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e per sè but they should have just not bothered. Maybe it’s a Peele thing (or maybe not), but it wasn’t long enough for me to be overly bothered by it. This time I’ll let it slide!
One thing I have to say is that the music choice threw me off at some points and I don’t think I’ll be the only person picking up on it. Although the majority of the time they’ve got it right, sometimes it feels off sync with random modern interludes which confuses the era. Music is supposed to compliment not stand out, and although the songs are dope, songs from Cardi B and Rihanna in a series set in the mid-1950s felt a little… wrong.
I do get what they were trying to achieve with it though, but I don’t think it successfully delivers. Instead, it transports you back into the modern world once your head is deeply embedded into 1950’s American life. You start to get used after a while, but at points, I think they’ve missed the mark with it. When you get to watch the series, you’ll understand what I mean (if they haven’t changed it), but I guess you can see their vision behind it. The topics of the song do correlate to the scene… I’m just not sure how well it blends (but thankfully it doesn’t happen often)!
Overall it was a good watch and does highlight very relevant topics that we can reflect on today. I am intrigued to see where they go with it over the next five episodes and I will be tuning in to watch! The more you understand about the characters, the more enjoyable it becomes to watch and I think it’s definitely something that gets better each time. Despite my first initial reaction, I enjoyed the first few episodes when I went back to skip over it again… so that’s hopeful!
For a series that isn’t my usual cup of tea, and based on what I’ve seen so far and what I project it to be, I give this series a good 8/10.
Let me know if this is something you’re looking to watch or if you’re a fan of the book! I think this is something everyone will enjoy if you give it the chance (I’m talking to the people on the fence). Remember, the first episode is out on Sunday 16th on HBO if you are in the States, and it will be available in the UK from Monday the 17th on Sky Atlantic!
Enjoy!
Liz x