Spoiler-Free Review of “Helstrom” on Hulu: Where’s the horror?

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“I’m not here to hold hands or save a cat from a tree or respond to false alarms….”

Helstrom is a new superhero horror series on Hulu, which premiered as part of their Huluween line-up on October 16th 2020 with 10 episodes available to stream now (approximately 55 minutes in length). It stars Tom Austen, Sydney Lemmon, and Elizabeth Marvel.

Based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe character, Daimon Hellstrom (Son of Satan), the series follows siblings, Daimon and Ana Helstrom. The estranged siblings possess supernatural abilities that aid in their quest to exorcise demons and eliminate threats, while they come to terms with their dark past.

Here is the trailer:

A horror superhero series could be filled with lots of potential, but it’s concerning that Marvel removed its name from the title. Either way, I went into this show hoping for some welcomed dark horror, along with some new unique characters. But does Helstrom do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Helstrom Elizabeth Marvel

Images courtesy of Hulu

Elizabeth Marvel is bloody fantastic!

I was a fan of hers already, but wow does she play this part well. She is the mother of Daimon and Ana and is showing signs of being possessed by a demon. We’ve seen show after show featuring some kind of demon possession, but I have to say that she frightened me and in a very good way.

Ana’s wardrobe is to die for.

Helstrom Ana

Images courtesy of Hulu

Every single time she made an entrance, I was drooling over her wardrobe and then some. Ana was the stronger character for me throughout the series, but her amazing outfits definitely helped capture my attention.

The Cons:

Helstrom on Hulu

Images courtesy of Hulu

Slow, unfocused, and sloppy.

I really had high hopes for this show and the cast had the potential to really bring it to life, but the execution did not translate well. The pacing is extremely slow, the reveals are not rewarding enough, and the characters don’t have enough layers to keep you invested. 

There have been plenty of shows about demonic possession and jaded antiheroes reminding us of the good vs. evil premise that just do this better. Shows like Lucifer, Constantine, Outcast, and Supernatural come to mind.

Unworthy of the horror label.

I was actually really excited to watch another horror superhero premise. There is something to be said about the dark line between right and wrong and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of humanity.

Unfortunately, Helstrom never really earned its horror badge. There were a few cringe-worthy scenes that were displeasing to the eye, but that’s about it…

So am I in or out?

Helstrom on Hulu 2

Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in for the fashion, but unfortunately I’m out on this watch.

The show fell into the forgettable limbo of overdone demonic possession shows for me. The pacing was slow and there were a lot of missed opportunities. 

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Helstrom in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “American Horror Story: Apocalypse” season 8 episode 2: “What is this, the Hunger Games?”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story:  Apocalypse season 8 episode 2 last night, we witnessed several Easter eggs from previous seasons, foreshadowing the return of some of our favorite characters.  While we don’t know what to expect just yet, these glimpses and hints are not to be ignored.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Morning After,” Mr. Langdon makes an announcement to the group and explains that he will be conducting a series of questions to find out who is worthy of “cooperating” and joining “The Sanctuary.”  Meanwhile, Timothy and Emily discover Ms. Venable’s deceit and grow closer as a result, Mr. Gallant has a visitor at his door, and we get a fresh new ingredient for dinner.  Anything should be better than Stu, right?  My top 5 moments from American Horror Story:  Apocalypse season 8 episode 2 are:

5

“I thought everything outside was dead.”

In the beginning of the episode, Timothy and Emily are horrified by the presence of snakes in Outpost 3.  Ms. Mead is excited by a new protein for dinner, but everyone else is not so sure.  After all, they have just been traumatized over possibly eating Stu in their stew.  Sorry I can’t let that one go just yet.  The snake soup does not look too appetizing, but the snakes resurrect and are alive when dinner is officially served.  While this moment is horrifying, it also reminds us that this is considered a form of resurrection.  We know that the snakes are not the only ones to come back to life in this new world.  Who’s next?  We’ll have to wait and see, but this absolutely screams “Coven.”

4

“I won’t sugar coat the situation.”

Mr. Langdon quickly introduces himself to the rest of the group and informs them that the rest of the Outposts have been overrun by some kind of “feral cannibals.”  Mr. Langdon explains that The Cooperative had a fail-safe in place and that they have an outpost called “The Sanctuary,” which has security measures protecting it to ensure its survival along with the humans who reside in it.  The group learns that Mr. Langdon has been sent to determine who is worthy of joining “The Sanctuary,” which will involve a series of questions.  Mr. Gallant is the first one to “volunteer as tribute.”  Insert “Hunger Games” joke here, which I thought seemed appropriate since Coco hilariously cried out, “what is this, the Hunger Games?”  Mr. Langdon explains to Mr. Gallant that he will know if he is lying or trying to trick him.  Does this mean that Mr. Langdon possesses some kind of supernatural powers and abilities?  While we are not too sure of this yet, it definitely appears like we are being pointed in that direction.

3

“You’re a fighter.  I like that about you.”

Later in the episode, Mr. Langdon speaks to Ms. Venable in her chambers and reminds her that “complete abstinence” was not part of the rules and that this could be determined punishable by death.  It makes us wonder why Ms. Venable felt the need to enforce this rule so much.  There clearly seems to be a common trend so far of “lust,” creeping into the walls of Outpost 3, which brings us back to Ryan Murphy connecting the seasons of AHS to the “Nine Circles of Hell” from Dante’s Inferno.  You can read more on this theory here! Mr. Langdon recognizes Ms. Venable as a fighter and reminds her that “there’s no need for us to be adversaries.”  He further explains that he wants to see the part of her that humiliates her the most, ordering for her to remove her dress.  Ms. Venable finally shows us some real vulnerability here and hesitantly unzips the back of her dress, revealing some kind of deformity and scarring on her back.  Ms. Venable asks if she has passed the test, but Mr. Langdon coldly replies, “No.”  Before they can get any further, they are interrupted by Ms. Mead who requires Ms. Venable’s immediate attention.

2

“Is this phase 2 of the interview?”

When Mr. Gallant is questioned by Mr. Langdon, there is an underlying sexual tension throughout their conversation.  Mr. Langdon asks Mr. Gallant to tell him about his anger and immediately links it to his grandmother, recognizing that Mr. Gallant has some untamed hatred brewing inside of him.  Later on, there is a knock at Mr. Gallant’s door and he is greeted by an old friend of AHSThe Rubber Man.  The man is dressed in black latex head to toe and Mr. Gallant’s grandmother discovers them having sex.  Fans will remember that The Rubber Man is revealed to be Tate from AHSMurder House (season one), also played by Evan Peters.  This makes things beyond confusing, but it is possible that someone else has embraced the suit, but we will have to wait and find out.  Mr. Gallant’s grandmother reports his behavior, looking out for her own survival and Mr. Gallant is whipped repeatedly by Ms. Mead.  Later on, Mr. Langdon tells him that he has never been to his room and that his neediness and desperation disgust him.  He harshly tells Mr. Gallant that he would not be with him if he was the last man on earth and they are pretty close to that very scenario.  Mr. Gallant is very upset by this cruel rejection and to make matters worse, his own grandmother refuses to accept him as well.  Later on, Mr. Gallant follows the Rubber Man and turns the tables on him, stabbing him for shaming him.  Only he quickly realizes that he has stabbed his grandmother to death instead, now seeing her corpse before his eyes.  Mr. Gallant is horrified by what he has done, just in desperate need for someone to love and accept him.  The damage is done, but we’ll have to wait and see if there are consequences for his actions.

1

“What are we doing?”

During the episode, Timothy and Emily sneak into Mr. Langdon’s room and find his laptop.  They are initially confused on how he can communicate with anyone, but assume it must be some type of satellite.  They read through some of the emails and learn that Ms. Venable has been making up the rules as she goes, particularly about the mandatory abstinence.  Timothy and Emily take things further with their blossoming relationship and it is implied that they do have sex.  Ms. Mead barges into the bedroom when they are sleeping and takes them to be punished.  Emily cries out to Ms. Venable that she knows the rules are not real, but they are still taken away.  A gun is pulled on Timothy and he courageously fights back and gets a hold of the gun.  Ms. Mead is shot and another shock is thrown our way.  Ms. Mead takes a look at her wound and we see some kind of white liquid coming out of it, which is definitely not human.  Is she a robot or something else?  I’m not sure, but it looks like we are in for more and more twists and turns.  Stay tuned!

P.S. fun fact:  Did you notice “The Morning After” song changed over to a song featuring Stevie Nicks?  Is it possible we will see her again along with some of our other favorites from Coven?

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on American Horror Story:  Apocalypse below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Stay up to date on upcoming premieres of horror TV series @ 12nightsofhorror.com/horror-series-coming-soon

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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