From the sinister minds that brought you The Purge, Happy Death Day and Paranormal Activity, comes the new Hulu original horror series Into the Dark, which turns every holiday into a complete nightmare.
The new horror anthology series will feature different actors in each episode, with a new episode being released each month focusing on a holiday from that month.
The second episode of the series, set to premiere in November, is titled “Flesh & Blood” and it puts a dark twist on Thanksgiving. This episode tells the story of a teenage girl and her attempts to cope with a tragic loss and a debilitating phobia.
If you read my review of the previous episode of this series, you’re aware that I am not exactly the biggest fan of horror. So far though, Into the Dark hasn’t cause me to lose any sleep.
“Flesh & Blood” is more of a tense thriller than actual horror. It creates a general uneasiness that lasts the entire episode and never lets you get comfortable, but it’s not something that’s really going to scare you.
The characters are very relatable, on the surface at least. Kimberly, played by Diana Silvers, is the aforementioned teen who is trying to cope with the loss of her mother. Her father, Henry, played by Dermot Mulroney, seemingly just wants what’s best for his daughter and to see her grow from this terrible loss she has had to endure.
The story, as I’ve said, will make you feel uneasy, as if there is constantly something off. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that’s a negative. The episode’s ability to make the viewer uncomfortable is an accomplishment in and of itself, and one that the horror genre typically strives for. The story paces well, with spurts of intense drama dispersed throughout.
My only issue with the episode is that the reveal comes much too early. Whereas some horror/thriller will either drop subtle hints at the answer throughout or make you believe one thing and then twist it at the last moment, “Flesh & Blood” essentially gives you the answer very early on. Still, it takes you on an intense ride from that point on.
Again, like “The Body,” this episode does contain a fair amount of gore and just generally graphic material so be prepared.
“Flesh & Blood” premieres on Hulu on November 2, with subsequent episodes of Into the Dark coming each month for a full year. Be sure to check out our review of the first episode, “The Body,” and check back for more reviews of this new Hulu original as I try to help you decide if each episode will cost you hours of sleep.