Ep 12. Haeckel's Tale - John McNaughton

Haeckel's Tale, the twelfth and final episode of the anthology horror series Masters of Horror's first season, directed by John McNaughton, tells the tale of Ernst Haeckel, a young man who is seeking to experiment with the line between life and death. In the hopes of reviving his lost love, Haeckel convinces an old doctor to teach him the art of reanimation.

However, the process proves to be much more difficult and macabre than Haeckel had anticipated, leading him down a path of horror and destruction. As Haeckel's obsession over his lost love grows, he becomes desperate to bring her back to life, even at the cost of innocent lives.

Set in rural Germany in the 19th century, Haeckel's Tale is a gothic horror film that delves deep into themes of obsession, death, and the consequences of playing God. The episode is filled with lush, atmospheric visuals that transport the viewer to another time and place, and the period-specific details lend an added sense of authenticity to the story.

The episode is anchored by a standout performance by Derek Cecil, who plays Haeckel with a quiet intensity that slowly builds into a frenzy of madness. He is supported by a strong ensemble cast, including Leela Savasta as his lost love and Tom McBeath as the sinister doctor who teaches him how to reanimate the dead.

Haeckel's Tale is not for the faint of heart, as it features graphic violence, gore and disturbing imagery. But for fans of horror who are looking for something outside of the mainstream, this episode is a treat. It is a moody, atmospheric tale that will leave you chilled to the bone.

Despite only being 60 minutes long, Haeckel's Tale manages to pack in a lot of story and character development, delving deep into the psyche of its troubled protagonist. It is a slow burn of an episode that takes its time to build tension before exploding in a satisfying and gruesome finale.

In conclusion, Haeckel's Tale is a fitting end to Masters of Horror's first season, delivering a haunting tale of obsession and madness that will leave a mark on viewers long after the episode has ended. It is a must-watch for horror fans who are looking for something outside of the mainstream and are willing to take a journey into the macabre.