Watch Monsterland

Monsterland is a gripping and haunting anthology series that premiered on Hulu in 2020. The show is created by Mary Laws and is based on the collection of short stories, North American Lake Monsters, by Nathan Ballingrud. The series comprises of eight standalone stories, each exploring different aspects of human experience through the lens of supernatural beings.

Adria Arjona, known for her riveting performances in series like Good Omens and True Detective, stars in the series and serves as the connective tissue between each episode. The show is set in different parts of America, and each episode features a different protagonist dealing with their own horrors that are often stranger than fiction.

The first episode, Port Fourchon, features Arjona as a single mother struggling to raise her son and pay the bills. One day, she meets a stranger who needs a ride to Ocean Beach, but things take an unexpected turn when he reveals that he is not human. The episode plays out as a slow-burning psychological horror, exploring themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and the unknown.

The second episode, Eugene, Oregon, is a standout as it explores themes of loneliness and desperation through the eyes of a down-on-his-luck man who is desperate to find a connection. The episode features strong writing and an outstanding performance from actor Jonathan Tucker, who plays a werewolf.

Another standout episode is New Orleans, which explores themes of grief and guilt through the eyes of a woman who has lost her husband in Katrina. The episode features an excellent cast, including Kaitlyn Dever and Hamish Linklater, and a unique twist on the werewolf mythology.

One of the strengths of Monsterland is its diversity in storytelling. Each episode explores different aspects of human experience and forces the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. The show also incorporates elements of different genres, from body horror to psychological thriller to romance.

The series also features stunning cinematography, music, and sound design that compliments the visual storytelling and adds to the overall eerie atmosphere. Each episode feels distinct, with its own unique style and voice.

Overall, Monsterland is a fascinating and thought-provoking series that explores complex themes through imaginative storytelling. It is a show that will appeal to fans of horror and supernatural genres, but also to those who appreciate great writing, performances, and storytelling. Fans of Jordan Peele's work, in particular, will appreciate the show's ability to weave horror and social commentary seamlessly.

Monsterland is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between October 2, 2020 and on Hulu