Any fans of horror out there? Sometimes fans of the genre get a single movie from a director and crew. Other times it can lead to a short stream of viral videos on the internet like with Slenderman. With Into The Dark, Hulu changed the rules and came out swinging.
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This anthology horror series features twenty-four short films all with different themes on the horror genre. The list of talent on the show is astronomical and they're all directed by film and television producer Jason Blum. With the series out for some time, fans and critics alike have been able to come to an agreement on which episodes are the best.
10 S1, Ep10: Culture Shock - 5.8
Culture Shock took on a relevant topic at a time when it was pressing on many American's minds. It follows a young Mexican woman who is attempting to illegally cross the border into the United States. It showed the struggles that people face when trying to attempt such crossings including being caught by border control. We won't spoil the ending, but the twist is a brilliant piece of creepy horror.
9 S1, Ep11: School Spirit - 5.8
Everyone has legends surrounding the high school they went to but in this case, it's a malevolent spirit that attacks misbehaving kids. Most who watched it said that the acting was sub-par and the gore was hit or miss. But, for those that adore slasher films, this one is going to tick a lot of boxes. Those that don't mind the typical tropes of the genre will love this episode.
8 S1, Ep12: Pure - 5.9
The concept of a Purity Ball these days might seem archaic but these and Purity Retreats still happen to this day. Several teenage girls are taking out to participate at one of these getaways but are surprised when they start to see a supernatural entity.
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The episode covers a lot about misogyny and stereotypically bad thoughts on women's sexual autonomy but does so in a rather heavy-handed way. While it may be blunt with the theme, the story of Lilith it tells throughout is rather fascinating.
7 S2, Ep7: Pooka Lives - 6.0
One of the major problems with this episode is it gets the idea of what a tulpa is massively wrong. The idea of a Tulpa comes from Tibetan Buddhism and is used to describe creating a being or unique personality inside one's mind. There are even resources on how to do this in real life that make the episode look a little silly.
Still, those looking for a film take on the internet sensations that is Creepypasta might find this one entertaining. It's incredibly campy, extremely cheesy, and perfect for those that love that sort of horror flick.
6 S1, Ep8: All That We Destroy - 6.1
What should a parent do if they suspect their child might be a serial killer? Create a ton of clones to cure them of course! This movie has been compared to Black Mirror both positively and negatively depending on who is asked. The futuristic technology and intellectually styled story are a major positive, but some flat acting and awkwardly drawn-out scenes kept it from being truly great.
5 S1, Ep2: Flesh & Blood - 6.2
Agoraphobia is scary enough on its own. Add an unsolved murder on top of that and a home that may not actually be safe and it's cranked up to a whole new level! The second episode of the series was meant to kick off Into The Dark on a strong note but ultimately failed in several places. For those that haven't seen the trailer for Flesh & Blood don't watch it — it spoils an already predictable ending.
4 S1, Ep1: The Body - 6.3
This episode is the joke "friends help you move real friends help you move bodies" condensed into a film. The opening film in the series, The Body follows a hitman that just killed a target. The only issue is that he needs to get rid of the body while everyone that loves his "Halloween costume" gets in the way.
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Fans praised the gore effects in the film but said the acting was a little bit stiff. In general, those who like a little comedy mixed in with their horror might find this to be a particular treat.
3 S2, Ep9: Good Boy - 6.3
Man's best friend is supposed to keep us safe, so what happens when a dog that is specifically trained to do so is more nefarious than it appears? This definitely leans into the comedy side of the horror space as those who have watched Good Boy say that Judie Greer's performance as Maggie Glenn is too upbeat and goofy to be taken too seriously. Just be prepared for some seriously weird moments in this one.
2 S1, Ep5: Down - 6.5
The idea of two characters being stuck in an elevator is a trope as old as sitcom television but Into The Dark took it to a creative place here. Instead of the typically expected moment where two people bond and become closer together, it takes a much darker turn. It's hard to drum up the terror with nowhere to go (literally, they are trapped after all) but it manages to do the best with its surroundings to impart an interesting story.
1 S2, Ep3: A Nasty Piece Of Work - 6.7
Where the other episodes in the series have had hit or miss endings, fans and critics alike said that they nailed it on this one. It's a typical tale of the rich toying with those beneath them while forcing guests at a Christmas party into intense competition for a major promotion at work.
While it isn't too frightening and it leans a bit hard on tropes, it does present some interesting twists that are compelling to watch through. It's by far the best episode in the series and the one worth checking out to decide if the rest of the short films will suit those viewing needs.