For a very long time movies were seen as the only viable entertainment to see quality acting and stories. Many actors were afraid of ending up on TV because that would mean their career was dead. In today’s era this is not an issue though, shows such as “The Sopranos” and “The Wire” captivated the world and proved that television is a viable option to tell stories.

Without those shows we would have never gotten the masterpiece of horror glory known as “Penny Dreadful” created by John Logan. I love this series for multiple reasons and the biggest one is the feeling it gives me. An opportunity to sit for hours and binge a horror show does not come along often. Even though horror is a massive genre, the time has barely begun that its content can be seen on the small screen. This series sits among the top of these recent entries.

Concept

Penny Dreadfuls were small scary stories published in Victorian newspapers. Much like American news comics, these stories ranged from completely fictional accounts to semi-fictional. The series takes this as its name and weaves a story about a world that characters such as Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray exist in. Aside from those characters, Vanessa Ives and Malcolm Murray traverse London and have various encounters with monsters and demons. If after watching the trailer or reading a synopsis this series does not interest you, I do not think you are as true a horror fan as you believe.

Atmosphere

Victorian London is a great location to house this series. Full of lore and characters we know and fear, the world is filled out down to the smallest detail.

Clouds and rain dominate much of the show and a gloomy aesthetic is always present. Each frame is beautiful and dark, we are immediately dragged into this world by episode one. I have also said before that old mansions and mysterious streets are always scary so imagine the joy I had felt when I realized that both of these locations and even more are present throughout the series.

Performance

By far the best thing about this series is Eva Green’s portrayal of the beautifully dark Vanessa Ives. Ives is a woman that has suffered torture from the hands of too many people. She lives in a world that is full of darkness and sometimes it seems as if there is nothing left. She is miserable but there is still a feeling that she gives the audience that she is not done yet. Green gives Ives a fire in her belly that goes unmatched the entire series. Every line is full of her trademark wit and classy style that she is so famous for. Vanessa Ives is a fighter in her purest form and no matter how dark and evil the world is, she will fight to the end. This is my favorite of Green’s performances and if you love horror shows with a dangerous and charismatic heroine, this show is for you.

Conclusion

Penny Dreadfuls is a series that fully encapsulates everything I love about horror. The atmosphere, the characters and the story are everything I hoped they would be and more. One the credits rolled on the final episode I was desperate to explore this world further. I fell in love with this show and if you watch this show, I think you will too.