Netflix is losing a psychological thriller series that will keep you guessing — watch it now before it's too late
Its lack of attention is likely because 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' and the critically acclaimed 'Dark Winds' generated much more hype when several AMC shows landed on the platform around the same time. Still, I hope some viewers will find the time to stream 'The Terror' before it leaves on August 19, because this dark thriller is truly chilling.
It's actually one of my favorite shows of all time, thanks to its gripping narrative, haunting sound design, and unforgettable performances that will stay with you for days. So, here's why you should binge all 10 episodes of 'The Terror' before it leaves Netflix U.S. next week.
'The Terror' is an anthology series, with season 1 serving as a chilling historical thriller inspired by the true story of the 1845 British Royal Navy expedition led by Sir John Franklin (Ciarán Hinds).
The mission's goal was to discover the Northwest Passage, a shortcut through the Arctic, but the two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, become trapped in the unforgiving ice. As supplies dwindle and hope fades, the crew faces not only the brutal Arctic environment but also a series of terrifying and mysterious events.
Amidst the creeping cold and endless white landscape, an unknown supernatural predator stalks the men, feeding on their fears and paranoia. Tensions rise as the crew confronts starvation, scurvy and mutiny, while supernatural forces blur the lines between reality and nightmare.
Season 2, titled 'The Terror: Infamy,' shifts to World War II-era America, focusing on a Japanese-American community facing fear, prejudice, and mysterious supernatural forces during their forced internment. This season unfortunately never came to Netflix but it's still worth watching once you've finished season 1.
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'The Terror' is one of the very few shows that made me feel genuinely off. When I say 'off,' I mean physically and emotionally uncomfortable even hours after finishing an episode, because somehow this show managed to get under my skin. That's a serious feat, especially since I love all things horror (and most horror doesn't scare me anymore).
That's why I admire this dark thriller so much. 'The Terror' doesn't just focus on sending chills down your spine either, as it makes you care about the flawed characters and their fate. It's equal parts character drama and psychological thriller, with enough mystery to keep you hooked even when the darker horror elements take a backseat.
Season 1 showrunner David Kajganich created a truly frightening tale, using unnerving sound design and the harsh Arctic environment to make this an isolating watch. It's all the more haunting knowing it's loosely based on a true story (minus the supernatural storyline).
If you're expecting a grand finale, I would suggest lowering your expectations, because this thriller thrives on its somber tone. Much of the worst suffering happens away from the camera. Like the real-life explorers it's based on, we can only imagine the agony they endured in their final moments, and leaving that to the viewer's imagination somehow makes it even more haunting.
Most of all, the show builds a slow, persistent feeling of dread that isn't quick to go away. I say this as a compliment: knowing what lies ahead, I'm not sure I could have made it through all 10 episodes on a second watch. Yet, the first time I started, I was completely captivated and couldn't stop watching. It truly is an incredible piece of TV.
I'm not the only one who thinks so, considering 'The Terror' season 1 has 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site's critics consensus reading: 'A thriller wrapped in a prestige drama package, The Terror makes for gripping, atmospheric supernatural horror.'
Given this is an anthology series, I'd still recommend watching every season. Season 2 isn't as strong when it comes to storytelling, but it's still creepy and compelling. Rotten Tomatoes describes it as 'an exceptionally well-crafted ghost story that creeps under the skin and stays there.'
Plus, the upcoming release of 'The Terror: Devil in Silver,' makes now the perfect time to dive into the series. The third season, based on Victor LaValle's novel, follows Pepper (Dan Stevens), a man wrongfully committed to a psychiatric hospital, where he confronts both inner demons and a malevolent force thriving on suffering.
Remember, you only have one week to stream all 10 episodes of 'The Terror' season 1 on Netflix before it leaves on August 19. After that, you can stream season 2 on AMC Plus.
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