LOT 36
In Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, the episode titled “Lot 36” introduces us to Nick, a military vet who purchases a storage unit at an auction. Little does he know, this seemingly innocent transaction plunges him into an unexpected and eerie situation.
The Good: Director Guillermo Navarro masterfully builds tension throughout this episode. The scenes set inside the storage building exude a suspenseful atmosphere that perfectly balances fun and fear. In particular, the design of the monstrous villain is grotesque yet fascinating, showcasing the incredible talent constantly associated with Del Toro’s projects.
The Bad: Unfortunately, “Lot 36” suffers from slow pacing and a somewhat dislikable protagonist. The story takes its time to unfold, leaving some viewers longing for more substantial progress. Additionally, the writing occasionally falls into cheesy dialogue, making the character of Nick feel like a caricature at times.
Overall: Despite its flaws, “Lot 36” manages to deliver a spooky and worthwhile viewing experience. The patient buildup ultimately leads to a satisfying climax, making it a solid entry in Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities. (6/10)
GRAVEYARD RATS
The episode titled “Graveyard Rats” introduces us to Mason, a desperate grave robber who finds himself tangled with the eerie creatures lurking in the cemetery.
The Good: “Graveyard Rats” excels in exploiting unique and uncomfortable fears, evoking a sense of unease and dread in viewers. The combination of claustrophobia and unexpected rat appearances creates a thrilling and chilling experience. David Hewlett’s performance as Mason anchors the episode, showcasing his impressive range and adding intensity to the narrative.
The Bad: While the episode successfully exploits various fears, the design of the main villain falls short of expectations. Though still scary, the technical execution could have enhanced the overall terrifying impact. Additionally, some viewers may feel that the episode leans more toward the creepy side rather than pure horror, potentially deterring those seeking a more frightful experience.
Overall: “Graveyard Rats” effectively utilizes its short runtime to intensify fears related to claustrophobia, rats, and the macabre. With a standout performance from David Hewlett, it is a memorable episode that solidifies its place among the season’s best offerings. (8/10)
THE AUTOPSY
The episode “The Autopsy” immerses us in a story where a medical examiner must uncover the truth behind a series of missing person cases, leading to an unexpected and unsettling autopsy.
The Good: “The Autopsy” excels in its technical aspects, showcasing top-notch cinematography, practical effects, and overall craftsmanship within the horror genre. Director David Prior skillfully crafts a slow-burn narrative that gradually builds engagement, ultimately leading to a climactic final fifteen minutes. The tension created during this period is palpable, and the body horror elements in the climax provide a payoff that makes the wait worthwhile.
The Bad: The episode’s pacing is slightly uneven, with a slower build-up that may test some viewers’ patience. While the ending delivers on the previously established suspense, the earlier portions may feel overshadowed in comparison.
Overall: “The Autopsy” stands as one of the most masterfully crafted episodes, showcasing the best of what Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities has to offer. Despite the slower pacing, the episode’s gripping climax and body horror elements make it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. (8/10)
THE OUTSIDE
In “The Outside,” we follow Stacey, a self-conscious woman who attends a Christmas party with her elite coworkers. However, a supposedly amazing facial cream yields unexpected and unsettling results.
The Good: “The Outside” excels in its aggressive satire, delivering a unique tone that combines campiness with discomfort. The episode’s sick sense of humor induces both smiles and cringes, making it a stand-out entry. Kate Micucci delivers a delicate performance as Stacey, portraying a character who is broken deep down and easily swayed into questionable treatments. Dan Stevens also shines in a unique role, adding depth to the narrative.
The Bad: While the style and satire largely work in favor of “The Outside,” there is a particular scene involving a personified villain that may push the satire too far for some viewers. Additionally, the episode’s departure from traditional horror elements in favor of a more creepy tone might deter those seeking outright scares.
Overall: “The Outside” offers a brilliant departure from the expected, with its unique style, provocative satire, and exceptional performances. This episode’s fresh take breathes new life into Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, making it a standout and a must-watch for audiences. (9/10)
PICKMAN’S MODEL
“Pickman’s Model” takes us back to the early 1900s, where art student William Thurber encounters Richard Pickman, a fellow student whose artwork leads them down a path that forever changes their lives.
The Good: From the start, “Pickman’s Model” enthralls with its exceptional craftsmanship. The episode’s distinct aesthetic stands out, and the production design, particularly during dreamlike sequences, is visually striking. The attention to detail enhances the overall entertainment value.
The Bad: While the technical aspects shine, the story falls short in comparison. The episode’s suspenseful buildup reaches a tipping point, but fails to maintain viewer interest in the characters and their journey. The last few seconds deliver a chilling moment, but the third act leading up to it feels relatively uninteresting.
Overall: Despite its striking visual sequences, “Pickman’s Model” falters in terms of storytelling, making it the weakest episode in the series. This serves as a reminder that style should never overshadow substance.
DREAMS IN THE WITCH HOUSE
“Dreams in the Witch House” follows William, who seeks to reunite with his deceased twin sister by venturing into another realm with the help of an experimental drug.
The Good: “Dreams in the Witch House” wastes no time in capturing viewers’ attention. The fast-paced narrative, although not entirely original, remains engaging throughout, heightened by the emotional undertones. The exploration of the protagonist’s emotional state, coupled with the impressive technical craftsmanship, elevates the episode and keeps viewers invested in the characters’ plight.
The Bad: While the concept may not be groundbreaking, “Dreams in the Witch House” and its predecessors, “The Murmuring” and “Graveyard Rats,” suffer from feeling slightly less substantial compared to other episodes. The lack of atmospheric tension, particularly in this episode, can make the viewing experience less enjoyable and more draining.
Overall: Despite minor flaws, “Dreams in the Witch House” remains an entertaining episode with a compelling emotional core. Its well-crafted execution and engaging storytelling solidify its place in Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities as a strong and memorable entry. (6/10)
THE VIEWING
“The Viewing” introduces four accomplished strangers who receive a mysterious invitation to a gathering at an unknown man’s house, leading them into a suspenseful and unexpected series of events.
The Good: “The Viewing” stands out with its unique aesthetic, channeling a hip 70s vibe distinct from the gothic tones seen in previous episodes. Departing from character-focused narratives, this episode adopts an ensemble approach, showcasing a stellar cast. The performances, particularly by Eric André, are top-notch, elevating the episode with dialogue-rich scenes that steadily increase in intensity, culminating in a satisfying and explosive conclusion.
The Bad: With its dialogue-heavy nature, “The Viewing” may not appeal to all viewers, particularly those seeking more horror-oriented content. However, the shift in tone and emphasis on suspense rather than outright scares adds a refreshing dynamic to the series.
Overall: “The Viewing” breathes new life into Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, offering a unique and entertaining experience. Driven by an exceptional ensemble cast, this episode strikes a balance between discomfort, unpredictability, and just the right amount of horror. (9/10)
THE MURMURING
In “The Murmuring,” a married couple of ornithologists embarks on a secluded study of bird flight patterns but encounters unexplained occurrences that plunge them into a world of mystery and horror.
The Good: “The Murmuring” excels in leveraging emotion, with Essie Davis and Andrew Lincoln delivering powerful performances as the married ornithologists. Their portrayal of the main characters adds depth and intensity to the story. The grounded, human aspect drives the horror elements, making them all the more terrifying. The episode’s intense ending leaves a lasting impact.
The Bad: While emotionally powerful, “The Murmuring” may pale in comparison to other episodes due to its relatively smaller scale and fewer high stakes. The final result may come across as a more forgettable entry when measured against the grandeur of other installments.
Overall: “The Murmuring” stands as one of the most powerful episodes, focusing on emotional resonance and a gripping ending. With its exceptional craftsmanship and compelling performances, it serves as a fitting send-off for Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities. (8/10)
Conclusion
Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities is a Netflix horror anthology that showcases a range of unique and engaging stories. While each episode has its strengths and weaknesses, the anthology as a whole offers a mix of suspense, terror, and emotional depth. From the expertly crafted tension in “Lot 36” to the provocative satire of “The Outside,” and the gripping performances in “The Viewing” and “The Murmuring,” the series provides a diverse and thrilling viewing experience.
These episodes, along with the others in Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, exemplify the director’s commitment to supporting and showcasing new voices in the horror genre. With their distinctive visions and creative storytelling techniques, these emerging directors deliver tales that both entertain and captivate audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Guillermo Del Toro involved in every episode of the anthology?
No, Guillermo Del Toro serves as the producer of the series, overseeing the project and providing guidance to the directors and writers. Each episode is helmed by a different director, showcasing their unique storytelling styles.
2. Are there any common themes or motifs throughout the anthology?
While each episode explores different themes and narratives, there are some recurring elements that tie them together. These include a focus on suspense, atmospheric tension, and a mix of supernatural and psychological horror.
3. Can the episodes be watched independently, or is there a recommended viewing order?
The episodes can be enjoyed independently, as each tells a self-contained story. However, watching them in order may provide a more cohesive viewing experience and allow for a deeper appreciation of the anthology’s overall themes and progression.
4. Are there plans for future seasons of Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities?
As of now, no official announcements have been made regarding future seasons. However, given the positive reception and the potential for further exploration within the horror genre, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more installments in the future.
5. How does Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities compare to other horror anthologies?
Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities stands out among other horror anthologies due to its distinct visual style, diverse storytelling approaches, and the involvement of emerging directors. While each anthology offers its own unique merits, Del Toro’s project captures his passion for the genre and his dedication to showcasing fresh perspectives.