Ep 1. Lot 36

Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities is a new series that explores the world of horror and fantasy through the eyes of one of its most iconic filmmakers. In the first episode, named "Lot 36," del Toro takes viewers into his personal collection of macabre and mysterious objects as he delves into the history and mythology behind them.

From the moment the episode begins, viewers are transported into the eerie, Gothic world of Guillermo del Toro's imagination. The opening shot shows a dark, shadowy figure moving through his private collection of curiosities as we hear the dulcet tones of del Toro himself narrating. He introduces us to the concept of the show, explaining how he has spent his life collecting strange and unusual objects that spark his creativity and imagination.

As the camera pans over shelves filled with strange dolls, old medical instruments, and bizarre animal specimens, del Toro tells us about his fascination with these objects, and how they have inspired many of his films. He also introduces us to several other filmmakers and artists who share his passion for the macabre, including Mike Mignola, who created the comics that inspired the "Hellboy" movies, and directors Jeremy Saulnier and Scott Cooper.

The first object that del Toro examines in detail is a mysterious artifact called Lot 36. This old, worn box contains a collection of strange and ancient coins, each with a strange symbol on it. Del Toro tells us about how he acquired the box at an auction, and how he was immediately drawn to its strange aura of danger and mystique.

From there, the episode delves into the history of the box and the coins it contains. We learn about the ancient cult that created them, and the dark rituals they performed to harness their power. As del Toro tells the story, we see beautiful, stylized animations that bring the ancient world to life. These visual elements are a hallmark of the show, and add an extra layer of immersion and atmosphere.

As the episode progresses, we learn about the various other objects in del Toro's collection. From a creepy ventriloquist's dummy to an old, rusted medical cabinet filled with bizarre instruments, each item tells its own story and adds to the overall atmosphere of dread and unease.

Throughout the episode, del Toro is an engaging and entertaining host. He has a natural charisma and a genuine passion for the subject matter which shines through in every scene. His enthusiasm is infectious, and viewers can't help but be drawn into his world of horror and fantasy.

Overall, the first episode of Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities is a haunting and fascinating journey into the mind of one of cinema's most visionary creators. It's a must-watch for anyone who has ever been captivated by the strange and macabre, and is sure to leave viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment.